The Chancery Rosewood, London's new cultural destination, blends rich history with contemporary luxury in the former American Embassy. Just opened after much anticipation, it's set to inject fresh energy into the city's social scene, offering unique culinary experiences and hyper-personalised service.
Dive into our world of unparalleled access, where every moment feels extraordinary WARM WELCOME
FOREWORD
Welcome to the Autumn/ Winter edition of Dream Escape magazine, where we invite you to join us on a journey through the unparalleled beauty and rich culture of the UK and Ireland. Our dedication to crafting exquisite travel adventures continues, always guided by sophistication, discretion, and a passion for the extraordinary.
In this issue, we delve into a world of captivating experiences. Discover exquisite new hotels in the Cotswolds and on Islay, and immerse in unique musical journeys at Abbey Road Studios. For those who appreciate heritage, we offer a rare glimpse into Scotland's finest handwoven textiles.
We’re also excited to bring you fascinating stories from across our lands.
Meet interior designer Banjo Beale, whose heart was captured by Mull, and learn how he's redefining Scottish style. Step back in time with Rebecca Seear, daughter of a Windsor coachman, and experience the enduring magic of horsedrawn carriage rides in Windsor Great Park. And for the gourmands, immerse yourself in Ireland's distinctive food culture through its passionate producers, and explore Cornwall's thriving culinary scene with visionary chefs redefining coastal cuisine.
As always, this edition is packed full of inspirational travel ideas, designed to help you discover every corner of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. From luxurious rail journeys to unlocking once-in-a-lifetime culinary experiences, we meticulously arrange every detail to create lasting memories.
David & Holly
DAVID TOBIN & HOLLY MACKIE Dream Escape Founders
CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS start your journey here
Chapter One ARTS & CULTURE
Uncover new hotels, iconic musical journeys, and a rare glimpse into Scotland's handwoven textiles, guiding you through Britain's captivating experiences. This is your essential guide to a season of cultural exploration.
Chapter Two FASHIONABLE DESTINATIONS
From Mull's redefined Scottish style and Windsor's enduring elegance to Ireland's distinctive food culture and luxury Land Rover transformations, embark on curated journeys to Britain and Ireland's most captivating locales.
Chapter Three TIME-OF-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS
Explore Scotland's liquid gold, luxurious Welsh hotel escapes, Cornwall's thriving culinary scene, and elevated dining experiences across the UK and Ireland, ensuring your seasonal journey is perfectly curated.
Chapter One ARTS & CULTURE
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People & Places:
Discover exquisite new hotels in the Cotswolds and on Islay, unique musical journeys at Abbey Road Studios, and a rare glimpse into Scotland's finest handwoven textiles.
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Join our Social Season
Celebrate each gathering with style and spirit, from fashion exhibitions to iconic artists and royal milestones.
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All Aboard!
Embark on a luxurious rail journey across Britain with Belmond's iconic British Pullman and the brand-new Britannic Explorer sleeper train.
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Meet the Chef
Green Michelin star Chantelle Nicholson champions a regenerative food ethos. Discover how she's pioneering conscious cooking and low-waste practices, from working with producers to cutting cling film.
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Chapter Two FASHIONABLE DESTINATIONS
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West is Best
Meet interior designer and TV presenter Banjo Beale, whose heart was captured by Mull, and discover how he’s redefining Scottish style.
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Windsor's Enduring Elegance
Step back in time with Rebecca Seear, daughter of a Windsor coachman, and discover the enduring magic of horse-drawn carriage rides in Windsor Great Park – a journey that beautifully preserves Victorian transport and rural crafts.
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Ireland's Laden Larder
From coastal foraging to farmhouse baking, immerse yourself in Ireland's distinctive food culture through its passionate producers and one-of-akind culinary experiences.
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A Driving Force
Meet Paul Potratz, the visionary behind Helderburg, who transforms vintage Land Rover Defenders into rolling works of art, meticulously preserving their British heritage while redefining luxury.
Chapter Three TIME-OF-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS
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Scotland's Liquid Gold
Unearth Scotland's whisky heritage, from ancient traditions to modern innovation, exploring urban distilleries, Speyside's finest malts, and the unique spirits of the Highlands and Islands.
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A Fortuitous Detour
Discover the captivating story behind Seren Hotels, and embark on a luxurious Dream Escape journey to their exquisite properties in North and South Wales.
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Coastal Cravings
From Michelin-starred seafood to farm-to-table delights, explore Cornwall's thriving culinary scene and meet the visionary chefs who are redefining coastal cuisine.
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Elevated Dining Experiences
Unlock once-in-a-lifetime culinary experiences, from cooking with celebrity chefs in their kitchens to enjoying bespoke private dining in stunning venues across the UK and Ireland.
MEET OUR TALENTED TEAM OF
travel specialists
LEADERSHIP
David Tobin
OWNER & CEO david@dreamescape.co.uk
Holly Mackie OWNER & PARTNERSHIP DIRECTOR holly@dreamescape.co.uk
MARKETING
Sue Morris
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR & HEAD OF MARKETING sue@dreamescape.co.uk
Sarah Butler MARKETING MANAGER sarah@dreamescape.co.uk
PRODUCT
Louise Murray
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR & HEAD OF PRODUCT louise@dreamescape.co.uk
DREAM EVENT
Karen Murray HEAD OF EVENTS kmurray@dream-event.co.uk
TRAVEL DESIGN & GUEST EXPERIENCE
Kirsty Hoskins HEAD OF TRAVEL DESIGN & GUEST EXPERIENCE kirsty@dreamescape.co.uk
Michael Davis TRAVEL DESIGN MANAGER michael@dreamescape.co.uk
DIGITAL PUBLISHER & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER digital@contistamedia.co.uk
Melanie Abrams, Amy Bonifas, Sophie Farrah, Emma Henderson, Melanie May, Natalie MillarPartridge, Karyn Noble
01489 660 680 contistamedia.co.uk
Pictured above: Mar Hall has officially opened its doors following a £20million renovation, welcoming a new era of luxury.
The transformed hotel houses 74 luxurious guest rooms and suites, two restaurants, two bars, and an
grand spaces, cosy corners and hidden nooks
Discover Hyll, a new hotel in the Cotswolds, inviting you to slow down and reconnect. Set within a beautifully restored 17thcentury Grade II-listed manor house and its outbuildings, Hyll spans a 60-acre estate of meadows, woodland, and rolling hills near Chipping Campden.
The 26 thoughtfully designed bedrooms and suites feature hand-finished plaster, Cotswold stone, and tactile details like
handmade organic mattresses and a growing collection of sculptures. At its heart is a restaurant led by chef Mark Coleman, celebrating seasonal local produce with unfussy, flavour-led dishes.
Beyond exquisite dining, Hyll offers monthly countryside walks, literary supper clubs, and guided meditations, including in-room sessions, sound baths, and breathwork, all designed to help you truly switch off. It’s a place to eat well, sleep deeply, and let time stretch out again.
Whisky aficionados, prepare to be captivated. Ardbeg House, the highly anticipated luxury hotel just a few miles from Ardbeg’s iconic Distillery, is now welcoming guests.
Following a multi-million-pound transformation of the historic (formerly known as) Islay Hotel, Ardbeg House promises an unparalleled blend of world-class whisky
and the ultimate Ardbeggian experience on Islay's rugged shores. Step into a realm where quirky, outré designs tell the stories of Islay and Ardbeg in each of the 12 unique bedrooms, with nods to Islay and Ardbeg.
Indulge in culinary delights at the new-look ground floor restaurant, savour drams at the reimagined bar, known as the Islay Bar, with its charming courtyard, and discover two new exclusive whiskies in celebration of the launch –one available only at Ardbeg House.
Step into musical legend at Abbey Road Studios with the exclusive 'Record A Song' experience. Imagine yourself in the very spaces where The Beatles recorded 190 songs, Pink Floyd crafted Dark Side of the Moon , and film scores for Star Wars and Harry Potter came to life. Even Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, and Amy Winehouse have graced these iconic rooms. This tailored experience allows you, regardless of your
musical ability, working alongside Abbey Road Studios engineers, musical directors, and vocal coaches, to master a professional recording of your chosen song, delivered straight to your phone as an MP3. Whether you choose a classic or a bespoke piece, the team will ensure a seamless and unforgettable session. Accommodating 2 to 150 guests per studio, it’s an unparalleled opportunity to create a lasting musical memory in one of the world's most hallowed recording spaces.
Dream Event specialises in crafting and executing exceptional events tailored to your unique needs. We work side by side with our clients to understand their requirements.
Whether it’s incentives, conferences, dinners, product launches or unique events, our experienced team excels in handling all aspects of event creation, planning, and delivery.
With strong industry connections, we provide a seamless and professional experience that is marked by creativity, meticulous attention to detail, and high service levels. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every event we undertake surpasses expectations.
Contact Karen Murray for more information. kmurray@dream-event.co.uk
Experience a first-class level of corporate engagement and event management: dream-event.co.uk
Welcome to a world of refined serenity at our Two Michelin Key retreat, set amid 300 enchanting acres on Kenmare Bay, along the iconic Ring of Kerry in Ireland. Steeped in heritage, this 17th-century fishing lodge offers a timeless hideaway, where the cascading Sheen Falls, woodland trails, and rolling Irish countryside gently call you to explore. For the ultimate secluded escape, retreat to one of our exclusive thatched cottages. Enhance your stay with a round at our Ring of Kerry Golf Course, immerse yourself in exceptional estate activities, savour exquisite dining at The Falls or indulge in pure relaxation at Easanna Spa
Whether you seek quiet reflection or invigorating adventure, Sheen Falls Lodge is where escapism becomes an art form.
Step into Araminta Campbell’s castle-like atelier on the outskirts of Edinburgh for an exclusive private shopping experience offering rare access to Scotland’s finest handwoven textiles. As the largest employer of handweavers and producer of handwoven tartan in Britain, the atelier is home to master artisans who uphold time-honoured traditions, weaving unique shawls, scarves, blanket wraps and throws on vintage looms using the finest British alpaca. Araminta Campbell is a worldrenowned Scottish textile designer, celebrated for
creating bespoke tartans for distinguished clients, including Balmoral Castle at the request of HM The King. Led by the artisans themselves, a private workshop viewing offers a rare glimpse into the heart of the atelier, and an opportunity to try your hand at the craft. The experience concludes in the elegant showroom, where artisans present a curated selection of one-of-a-kind pieces from the Signature Collection and exclusive tartans from the Heritage Collection. More than shopping, it is an invitation to take home an heirloom steeped in Scotland’s story.
SOCIAL calendar
Celebrate each gathering with style and spirit
Words: Melanie Abrams
FASHIONING A QUEEN'S LEGACY
MARIE ANTOINETTE STYLE
Victoria and Albert Museum, London to 22 March 2026
Prepare to be dazzled. As the Victoria and Albert Museum in London opens the UK’s first exhibition on Marie Antoinette, “the most fashionable, scrutinised and controversial queen in history,” says the show’s curator, Sarah Grant. The royal’s head was famously chopped off at the guillotine during the French Revolution in 1793. After being criticised for her excess, scandals and callous put-down to her starving people to “let them eat cake,” whilst she feasted at Versailles and the Petit
Trianon on porcelain plates, wearing diamonds and silk dresses which are in the show. 250 objects will tell her story including personal possessions – and showcase her lasting legacy across design, film, decorative arts, and fashion.
Highlights include her diamond, double ribbon bow brooch, a silk slipper and a leather wardrobe book that details her fashion choices of outfit, fabrics, suppliers and her selection process. Then there’s her richly carved, gilded bronze jewellery casket with an array of exotic woods, including ebony, as well as her final poignant note written at 4.30 am on the day of her execution in a leather-bound notebook.
PICASSO : FROM THE STUDIO
National Gallery of Ireland
9 October 2025 to 22 February 2026
It’s a Pablo Picasso treat this autumn as two exhibitions reframe the artist’s vibrant works. See his paintings, ceramics, collages and more. Dublin’s Picasso: from the Studio explores how his studios inspired his work, whilst in London. Theatre Picasso is showing until 12 April 2026 at the Tate Modern.
LEE MILLER
Tate Britain, London
2 October 2025 – 15 February 2026
As a supermodel turned war photographer, Lee Miller (1907 – 1977) led an unconventional life. Now Tate Britain unveils her eclectic photographic career, which saw her capture Surrealist photos alongside Man Ray, shoot celebrities like Charlie Chaplin, create poetic landscapes in Egypt, and travel around Europe during the Second World War.
ONE TO WATCH
THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ROYAL MEWS
Buckingham Palace, London
To 2 November 2025
Peer up close to royal carriages and cars at the Royal Mews, which was built for George IV in 1825. Look out for the Glass Coach that takes royal brides to their ceremonies, like Princess Diana to St Paul’s Cathedral.
TURNER AND CONSTABLE: RIVALS AND ORIGINALS
Tate Britain, London
27 November 2025 to 12 April 2026
There’s a fierce artistic battle at Tate Britain starting this month. As the gallery pits JMW Turner’s fiery colour-drenched landscapes against the soft Suffolk scenes of John Constable, marking their births 250 years ago and their contemporaneous rivalry. Discover how their evolution revolutionised landscape painting.
ENNIS TRAD FEST
Ennis, Ireland
6 November 2025 to 10 November 2025
For top-notch Irish trad music, head to Ennis, a medieval town in the mid-west of Ireland. The festival draws big folk names, including last year’s headliner, and local girl, Sharon Shannon. Stay smart at the 18th-century Old Ground Hotel, which hosts the gala concert too.
WES ANDERSON: THE ARCHIVES
Design Museum, London
21 November 2025 – 26 July 2026
Explore the archives of avant-garde director Wes Anderson at London’s Design Museum. Over 600 items are coming to London, including a candy pink model of The Grand Hotel Budapest, and will show the creative process behind his quirky, yet detailed films.
CECIL BEATON’S FASHIONABLE WORLD
National Portrait Gallery, London
To 11 January 2026
Step into Cecil Beaton’s elegant world of fashion, celebrity and royalty at London’s National Portrait Gallery. After all, the famed photographer, who shot Queen Elizabeth II’s official coronation portraits, also designed Audrey Hepburn’s costumes in My Fair Lady. A picture of Hepburn as Eliza Doolittle in her black and white gown and high black hat is on display, and so are the costumes and sets.
His heavily styled images turned fashion photography into art. Take the group shot of nine ladies in sumptuous evening
gowns by Anglo-American designer Charles James. Set in an 18th-century French panelled room, the models pose as if in a conversation piece, nonchalantly looking away from the camera. Yet they still show off the designer’s unusual colour combinations and sculptural shapes that defined his style. With a life spanning 1904 to 1980, this sprawling exhibition captures 20th-century culture and society. Discover the cool edge of the 1920s Bright Young Things like Stephen Tennant, who, as a young, decadent socialite, embodied the era. See the fairytale mystique he created of the royal family in the 1930s, which contrasts with today’s more natural snaps, as well as a softer side to the Hollywood icons of the 50s, including Marilyn Monroe.
BOLD, BRASH, BRILLIANT ART
MOCO MUSEUM
Marble Arch, London
Big, bold and brash is the best way to describe the contemporary and digital art dotted throughout the Moco Museum opposite London’s Marble Arch. Set on three floors and easy to navigate, there’s space to scrutinise these seemingly simple yet often ambiguous works. Take Banksy’s hand-sprayed girl with a red heart-shaped balloon dangling from a string. The girl could either be reaching out to catch the balloon or has let it slip through her fingers and is watching in anguish as it drifts away. Also on display is the absorbing Artist Plate Project, whereby 98 artists like Virgil Abloh, Georg Baselitz, Rashid Johnson recreate their signature
styles on limited edition dinner plates for the Coalition for the Homeless. Among sculptures and installations, there’s even a colour-popping non-fungible token (NFT) work that “is the future of digital art,” according to the museum.
Humour threads through the museum, including in its exhibition until April 2026, of works by the singer Robbie Williams. Consider the tombstone which reads “I’m dead now, please like and subscribe.” For another immersive experience, head to the Royal Highland Centre Ingliston in Edinburgh, showing Beyond Van Gogh & Beyond Monet: An Immersive Experience to 4 January 2026, where Monet’s waterlilies and Van Gogh’s Starry Night and more of their iconic works swirl around you.
GILBERT
& GEORGE:
21ST CENTURY PICTURES
Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre, London
To 11 January 2026
For 25 years, ground-breaking duo Gilbert & George have turned themselves into living sculptures for their monumental art. Now the Hayward Gallery is celebrating this milestone with 60 floor-to-ceiling installations, including a new piece with screws, twigs and more found in their East London home and nearby streets.
DRESSED FOR DEPARTURE: FASHION IN THE AGE OF THE RAIL
The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham
To 1 Feb 2026
As the Stockton and Darlington Railway in northeast England celebrates 200 years since it became the first public railway to use steam engines, called S&DR200, the Bowes Museum in nearby County Durham displays dresses, uniforms and other memorabilia worn and used on these historic locomotives.
DRAWING THE ITALIAN RENAISSANCE
The King’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh
To 1 March 2026
Discover one of the finest collections of Italian Renaissance drawings. Sensitive to light, these exceptional drawings are not on permanent display. Sketched to prepare for later work, these delicate drawings offer early insight into the creative process of such masters as Michelangelo.
RSA200
Various locations, Scotland
1 January to 31 December 2026
Enjoy a bumper year of Scottish art and architecture as the Royal Scottish Academy is 200, so it is partnering with artists, galleries and other institutions for exhibitions across the country. Survey Scottish photography at Dalkeith Palace near the Scottish Borders, for example, whilst the V&A Dundee showcases the RSA’s history with architecture.
PEOPLE WATCHING
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, Dorchester
31 January 2026 to 10 May 2026
For a deep dive into British portraiture since 1915, head to Dorset’s county museum in southern England. See how the genre has developed by Bridget Riley and other big-name artists from an early photograph of local boy, Thomas Hardy, who penned Mayor of Casterbridge and other classics to selfies.
COSTUME COUTURE: 60 YEARS OF COSPROP
Fashion and Textile Museum, London
To 8 March 2026
As the Hollywood award season kicks off with the Golden Globes this month, walk down screen memory lane at the Fashion and Textile Museum in Bermondsey to see costumes from iconic films and television series. Dream Escape will be looking for pieces from Out of Africa, Sense & Sensibility (pictured) and Downton Abbey.
Consider the angst-filled, energetic acrylic on canvas work, Like a Cloud of Blood, painted after her recovery from bladder cancer in 2020, which sold for £2,322,000, including buyer’s premium, also at Christie’s London in 2022, according to Artprice. For a full Emin experience, head to her TKE Studios in Margate, Kent, which are open to the public at weekends. DON'T MISS
TRACEY EMIN
Tate Modern, London
26 February 2026 to 31 August 2026
A Young British Artist (YBA) in the late 1990s, Tracey Emin has become one of Britain’s superstar artists with her unmissable works that explore her own life experiences. Take her tent appliquéd with the names of everyone she had slept with. Now, Tate Modern will show a 40-year retrospective of her often-controversial work and new pieces. Highlights include her Bed strewn around with cigarettes, an empty vodka bottle and other objects, which was nominated for a Turner Prize in 1998 and fetched £2,546,600 with buyer’s premium at Christie’s
London in 2014, according to Artprice. Known for her diverse practices, paintings, textiles, videos, sculptures, neons and more will be displayed. One of these neons can be seen spanning 20 metres below the clock at St Pancras International station, reading I Want My Time With You. Whilst her paintings have topped £2 million.
SPOTLIGHT
SHOWTIME!
Charles Dickens Museum, London
ILLUSTRATING AUSTEN
Holburne Museum, Bath
DAVID BOWIE CENTRE, V&A East Storehouse, London
WRIGHT OF DERBY: FROM THE SHADOWS, National Gallery, London
It’s a bumper year to explore British icons and their milieu, as many are celebrating milestones. Case in point: Charles Dickens. Writer of Great Expectations and many other well-read novels. His London five-storey home, where he wrote Oliver Twist, is celebrating its centenary as a museum this year with a fun exhibition, Showtime!, which tells the story of the stage and screen
adaptations of his works like A Christmas Carol with posters, programmes and more. Jane Austen is another writer, celebrating a milestone: 250 years since her birth. Illustrations from her romantic novels are displayed at The Holburne Museum in Bath until 11 January 2026. Whilst David Bowie takes centre stage at the V&A East Storehouse, his archive is displayed in the new David Bowie Centre. See his Ziggy Stardust catsuit (pictured) and a handwritten setlist for the 1970s Station to Station album tour. Then there’s 18th-century artist Joseph Wright of Derby, who captured the spirit of the Industrial Revolution with clients who were its leading figures like Josiah Wedgwood. His dramatic use of light and dark in his wintry candlelight paintings are on display at London’s National Gallery from 7 November 2025 until 11 January 2026.
LOOKING AHEAD
From Spring 2026 2026 looks like a blockbuster year for exhibitions. This Spring, the King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace in London will show the largest exhibition from Queen Elizabeth II’s wardrobe to mark the centenary of her birth. Called Queen Elizabeth II: Fashion and Style, the over 200 object strong show will include her colourful hats, Norman Hartnell gowns and her glittering jewels. Whilst in September, the Bayeux tapestry is returning to Britain for the first time in 900 years at the British Museum in London. The 70-metre embroidered cloth depicts the 1066 Norman invasion and Battle of Hastings, when William the Conqueror took the English throne from Anglo-Saxon Harold Godwinson and became the first Norman king of England.
All ABOARD!
As Belmond’s brand-new luxury sleeper train, the Britannic Explorer, takes to the tracks, Dream Escape embarks on a railroad journey like no other on board the iconic British Pullman
Words: Sophie Farrah
There is something deeply nostalgic and irresistibly charming about a beautiful old train, and none have quite such style, elegance, and historic significance as the legendary British Pullman.
This iconic train may whisk passengers back to the glamour of the 1920s, but today, its array of exciting day trips and intriguing itineraries are designed to delight a modern audience. Just some Dream Escape favourites include quintessential Sunday lunch outings, murder mystery escapades and gastronomic dinners cooked by Michelinstarred chefs. There are also carefully curated visits to captivating cities such as Bath and Oxford, trips to stately homes, and themed journeys to exclusive seasonal events across the country. Whatever the route or destination, each experience is designed to be a deeply luxurious and immersive journey back to the romantic and golden age of travel.
We joined the train at London Victoria for a day trip to Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, and the delightful sense of whimsical charm was immediately palpable. On the platform, sparkling coupes filled with a deliciously fruity rhubarb mead are served by smartly uniformed staff, whilst a singer in glamorous period dress entertains passengers with an evocative repertoire. Already, the mood was set.
Pictured above: Sophie Farrah stands ready for boarding at London Victoria, about to embark on a journey aboard the iconic British Pullman.
Carpets are carefully positioned in front of each of the handsome train’s doors, and immaculate signs hung from each carriage, whilst vintage table lamps glow through the windows. The train’s charming, dedicated crew, who have a combined 200 years of experience between them, are on hand to warmly greet guests.
Crossing the train’s threshold, you can sense its glittering history. The carefully preserved art deco-style interiors are utterly breathtaking, from the mahogany fittings and intricate marquetry, hand-stitched fabrics and original vintage details, to the fresh flowers and shining silver that adorn the linen-clad
tables. Even the bathrooms – complete with stained glass windows and mosaic floors – are a spacious delight. Polished brass vintage luggage racks gleam in the soft light, whilst intricately embroidered gold and cream curtains frame the view perfectly. As we pulled out of London Victoria, it felt as though we had left the modern world behind.
Seating is at private tables for two or four in any of the train’s magnificent carriages, and Dream Escape also organise private ‘coupes’, a separate compartment within each carriage that provides luxurious seclusion for up to four guests. For larger gatherings, Dream Escape recommends exclusive hire of entire
Pictured above: British Pullman travels along the Kent and Margate route, Eynsford viaduct.
carriages, or the whole train can be chartered for truly unforgettable celebrations.
Crossing the Thames at Battersea in southwest London, a sumptuous multi-course brunch is served by the train’s hugely knowledgeable and smartly liveried stewards. The mouth-watering aroma of freshly baked pastries wafts through the gently rocking carriages; they arrive at the table warm and laced with seasonal fruit. The aptly named ‘Battersea brunch bowl’ swiftly follows, filled with juicy berries, crunchy granola, creamy whipped yoghurt, and a tangy tangerine syrup.
Next, a deliciously indulgent smoked salmon royale, made with fish from esteemed London smokehouse H. Forman & Son, served with caviar, poached egg, toasted English muffin, and a decadent hollandaise. In honour of the Cipriani, Belmond’s legendary hotel in Venice, brunch is accompanied by a seemingly endless amount of fresh Bellini cocktails, made with ice-cold Prosecco and a seasonal pressed fruit purée. To say that this gets the
journey off to a flying start would be an understatement…
After brunch, there is the opportunity to explore the train’s historic carriages. The first ever Pullman coach entered service back in 1874 and set the standard for luxury train travel in America before the company’s founder, George Mortimer Pullman, brought his business to the UK. Today, the train’s lavish carriages date back to the 1920s, with each bearing its own name, design and incredible history. There’s Audrey, which was damaged in a Second World War air raid in 1940 and carried Queen Elizabeth II, The Queen Mother and H.R.H. Prince Phillip. Perseus formed part of Winston Churchill’s funeral train in 1965, while Phoenix carried General Charles de Gaulle. More recently, the movie Paddington 2 was filmed on board.
We travelled in Gwen, which was built in 1932 and is famed for conveying H.M Queen Elizabeth (later The Queen Mother) to Brighton in 1948. Meanwhile, the striking interiors in Cygnus are particularly unique – all
Pictured above and opposite: Experience the golden age of travel aboard the British Pullman, where exquisite dining is served in the opulent surroundings of its meticulously restored vintage carriages.
Pictured below: Blenheim Palace's opulent Green Drawing Room, the magnificent State Rooms, and the stunning Italian Garden.
elegant emerald green and sleek walnut wood. The carriage was recently redesigned by American filmmaker Wes Anderson, and features his signature symmetrical lines, eye-catching colour palette, and whimsical, Art Nouveau-inspired style.
Free from the city, the train ups its pace as it passes Windsor, Reading and Henley-on-Thames, before dashing through the countryside, passing a patchwork of fields dotted with sheep, meandering streams and chocolate box villages with towering church spires. It is a truly picture-perfect pastoral scene.
Soon, we pulled into Oxford Parkway station, where a fleet of luxury coaches are on hand to make the 15-minute drive to Blenheim Palace (Dream Escape can also organise private transfers). Much like the Pullman, the ancestral family home of the Dukes of Marlborough is another icon of British history. Built between 1705 and 1722, Blenheim Palace is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, one of England's largest houses, and a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, and has appeared in countless films and TV series, from Bridgerton to Bond.
With just over four hours to explore, there is ample time to stroll amongst the stunning formal gardens and admire the grand fountains and sweeping parklands (landscaped by Capability Brown) before venturing inside the Palace’s historic walls. Dream Escape organise private guided tours of the staggeringly opulent Palace State Rooms, as well as the fascinating Churchill Exhibition and a new immersive experience that explores ‘life below stairs’.
Later that afternoon, passengers are seamlessly whisked back to the station just in time to watch the British Pullman majestically glide in. Back on board, the tables have all been immaculately re-laid for dinner, corks are immediately popped, and the Champagne does not stop flowing. Much like brunch, dinner is a gastronomic affair. Menus on board are designed by head chef Jon
Pictured above: Enjoy an exquisite dining experience aboard the Belmond British Pullman, where gourmet cuisine is served with impeccable style as the British countryside glides past your window.
Freeman with a focus on local ingredients and British dishes with an innovative twist. Menus change with the seasons; when we travelled, the starter was a succulent piece of Cornish hake served with a silky tartar sauce, sweet Windsor beans and tangy red pepper. The main course was an excellent rump of Kent lamb, with Sharpham Park pearled spelt, spring greens, sweetcorn puree and lamb sauce. There’s an extensive wine list on board and an excellent selection of bottles from some of the UK’s very best vineyards, many of which the train visits during the summer months.
Dessert – a creamy lemon tart served with preserved lemon cream and the satisfying crunch of sweet hazelnut praline - is served just as the sun sets over the beautiful British countryside. As London’s skyline ebbed ever closer, there was just enough time for some delicious hand-rolled truffles and excellent coffee from H.R.Higgins – one of London's finest merchants – and a digestif or cocktail if desired. Back at Victoria Station, we bid a fond farewell to both the wonderful crew and the magnificent train itself, feeling honoured to have joined its list of illustrious passengers.
Leading leisure and hospitality group Belmond own a collection of luxury hotels, river cruises, and safaris across the world, and the iconic British Pullman is just one of its exquisite trains. All year round, Dream Escape guests can embark on various round-trips from London, from full-day city breaks to shorter lunch and dinner trips. In the summer, Dream Escape organises onboard adventures to English vineyards and distilleries, charming seaside towns, and exclusive seasonal events such as Goodwood’s Festival of Speed. During the winter months, the train dons its festive finery and heads to Bath for the enchanting Christmas markets and Canterbury Cathedral for the world-famous carols, as well as hosting cosy lunches and a sparkling New Year’s Eve celebration on board.
For a longer adventure, Belmond’s luxury sleeper train, The Royal Scotsman, is a truly unforgettable experience. With exquisite interiors, breathtaking views, and heartfelt service, Dream Escape organise epic and exceptionally luxurious two- to seven-night journeys through the magnificent Scottish Highlands, with wild
Pictured above: Experience the ultimate in luxury travel aboard the Royal Scotsman, with impeccable service and a serene, wood-paneled cabin.
swimming, foraging, water rafting, whisky tastings, castle visits, and so much more along the way. Considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience by many, this legendary train is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025. It recently unveiled two new Grand Suites, which mirror the look and feel of a luxury country house, as well as an on-board spa in collaboration with Dior Beauty, where Dream Escape guests can enjoy relaxing treatments on the move.
Another incredibly exciting option is Belmond’s hotly anticipated Britannic Explorer - the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales - which launched in summer 2025. This pioneering, meticulously designed
train whisks passengers from London on luxurious three- and six-night journeys through the picturesque landscapes of Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales. Designed with timeless elegance by Albion Nord, the train features 18 exquisitely crafted cabins and suites which blend serene sophistication with heritage charm. On board, passengers can indulge in a world-class dining experience across two dining cars, where menus are created by Simon Rogan, a Michelin-starred chef and pioneer of sustainable British gastronomy.
Whichever unforgettable railroad adventure you choose, it is guaranteed to be a dazzling journey back in time. All aboard!
Pictured above: A tranquil bedroom aboard the Britannic Explorer provides a luxurious sanctuary, with stunning views of the passing countryside.
Pictured above: Chantelle Nicholson, multi-award winning chef and founder of Apricity restaurant, in London's Mayfair.
MEET the CHEF
Green Michelin star chef, Chantelle Nicholson, is a pioneer of regenerative practices in the professional kitchen, and thrives from working with excellent producers and cutting unnecessary items from her kitchen, like cling film and plastic chopping boards.
Words: Emma Henderson
Chantelle Nicholson is continually innovating. Known for her pioneering regenerative ethos that goes far beyond the term "sustainability", she uses a very holistic approach to her kitchen. She describes it as 'conscious cooking' –instead of relying on the word sustainability, which she rightly points out only means to 'sustain', when instead we need to do more and actively 'regenerate'.
Chantelle was awarded the prestigious green Michelin star at Apricity, which opened in London's Mayfair in 2022. She's one of just 36 Green star holders in Great Britain and Ireland. It recognises her environmental efforts from her excellent regenerative producers, to how she leads the kitchen, that reach well above the parameters of Michelin's usual star. Though she has practised this way of working for years prior to winning this accolade.
Despite Chantelle forging her career as a successful chef and championing regenerative
practices, she says "becoming a chef was never in my thoughts until my early 20s," as she trained as a lawyer in her home country of New Zealand. "It was never on the table as a career path until I actually started doing it professionally. What was a part-time job to fund some of my living costs at university became a full-fledged career."
Though looking back, cooking was always part of her life, as she says, "my first memories were of food". She was taught to cook by her parents, who were "both good home cooks", and her gran, who she says cooked everything from scratch and reused everything, too. While two of her aunts were exceptional cooks, one of whom was very focused on baking and preserving, which has had a lasting impact on Chantelle's work.
The practices of reusing and preserving were embedded in her from a young age. "Waste was just not something we did as a family", she says. She grew up surrounded by her family growing produce, and her extended family had a large stone fruit orchard, which
meant she was "always hugely appreciative of how hard people worked to grow and make tasty food," which has fuelled her commitment to not only cooking consciously, but also to have a deep respect for food.
This meant when Chantelle ran her own restaurant kitchen, she says she was "able to come full circle to what had been embedded in her from a young age. That waste, of all kinds, needed to be eradicated as much as possible, and local, seasonal food needed to be celebrated". It's something Chantelle had initiated at her most recent project, outside of the capital in West Sussex, where she was part of the first phase of opening the Cordia Collective at Borde Hill Gardens. She was able to grow her regenerative ethos, working with
little as possible, Chantelle doesn't describe it as 'zero waste'. The team are constantly finding innovative ways to reduce everything, from how to use often wasted parts of produce, such as vegetable and fruit trims and leftover bread, that usually head straight for the bin. There's currently the 'crumb to crust' bread on the menu, which incorporates any leftover bread into a new loaf, ensuring a closed loop process..
Chantelle doesn't have cling film in the restaurant either, a habit she said takes some people a while to break. Instead, she uses reusable containers. She's also swapped plastic chopping boards for wood, as plastic boards tend to shed microplastics with continued use.
The practice also doesn't just apply to
‘Becoming a chef was never in my thoughts until my early 20s... until I actually started doing it professionally. What was a part time job to fund some of my living costs at university became a full fledged career. ’
producers who are already following these practices, but unfortunately, due to personal reasons, had to step away earlier this year.
Prior to having her own restaurant at Apricity, Chantelle's first chef role in the UK was at the prestigious Savoy Grill in 2004. A decade later, she was running a fully vegan restaurant, Treadwells, also in central London, which was initially part of Marcus Wareing's group (whom she had worked for and quickly rose up the ranks). She then owned Treadwells from 2018 onwards, which also led her to publish her debut cookbook, Planted in the same year, despite not being vegan or vegetarian herself, but it was a challenge she enjoyed.
Another challenge Chantelle succeeded at was implementing the processes that fitted her ethos right from the start when she opened Apricity in 2022. The restaurant is low waste – though it's always the goal to waste as
food at the restaurant either, as Chantelle ensures it's broadened out to all aspects, including energy use, where appliances are only switched on when they're in use, as well as using water carefully. This year, Chantelle's also taking part in a pilot scheme to reduce the amount of pollution that comes from professional kitchens, which, along with being better for the environment, is also improving air quality for staff and diners.
The restaurant is closed two days a week, which allows staff time to properly regenerate themselves. Although this practice is becoming more common in hospitality, it was once unheard of. "It's about changing habits and mindsets," she explains. The restaurant's name also points to a form of regenerating, too, as Apricity comes from the Latin meaning ‘warmth of the sun in winter,’ which always gives a real energy boost during the darker months.
Pictured above: Discover the sustainable elegance of Chantelle Nicholson's dishes, from the Sweet Curlicue, Bedlam Farm asparagus with cashew cream, to Devonshire hogget with smoked marrowfat peas, reflecting a deep respect for seasonal and local ingredients.
Chantelle designs the menus backwards, starting from what's available from local suppliers such as regenerative fruit and veg growers at Shrub, who offer what's ready to sell, rather than chefs demanding what they want. This dictates the menu, and Chantelle was one of the early adopters of working in this way.
To reduce food waste further, she says she "would like to get to a place of just offering a tasting menu, and not a la carte as well, but I don't want to be just a special occasion restaurant". And in the difficult climate that hospitality's in already with an increase in employee National Insurance contributions, rises in business rates and continued staff
shortages, it's just not viable at the moment.
Often on the menu at Apricity are offal dishes, such as ox tongue, which is having a renaissance, as well as hogget from Otter Valley in Devon, which is an older lamb (usually a year or two old, opposed to lamb being under a year) and hand-dived scallops, which aren't dredged and damage the seabed. There's also hyperlocal produce like the London Butterhead lettuce with miso, pickled shallots and dried Sussex tomatoes, and the entire menu changes not only with the seasons, but as often as daily, depending on availability.
Now we're into a new season in autumn, it's a welcome change when it comes to produce. "I like the changing seasons. It's always nice seeing the different ingredients. We're at the end of summer's bright colours, and we're moving into the orangey and beige autumn tones, slow cooking and cosier dishes," she says. With it, comes the chance to both innovate with new produce and regenerate the menu, too
WEST is BEST
The interior designer, presenter and author speaks to Dream Escape about how Mull captured his heart, redefining Scottish style, upcycling authentically and his renovation of a former landowner's grand building
Words: Emma Henderson
Ithought I'd always live near the beach in Australia," explains interior designer Banjo Beale, who, though born Down Under and "grew up under big blue skies, barefoot, surrounded by eucalyptus", moved more than 9,000 miles to the other side of the world to a tiny little island on Scotland's west coast.
While backpacking with now husband, Ro, he says we "arrived for a weekend" on the Isle of Mull, and "never left". But he says that "never in my wildest dreams", did he think he'd end up living on the wild west coast of Scotland. For him, there’s something unexpectedly familiar about island life in Scotland. "It’s slower, community-led, filled with storytellers. Now I can’t imagine being anywhere else."
Banjo and Ro have lived here on a farm for over a decade, along with their dog Grampa, two pigs Kath and Kim plus a flock of ducks, too. For him, "There's a quiet magic to Mull. The landscape is untamed and cinematic, but
it’s the warmth of the community that really captured us," he explains.
"I love the rhythm of life here – sea swims, foraging walks, chats at the post office. My favourite spot is probably our garden, where the wild meets the domestic and the animals run free. It feels like living in a painting," he says.
Banjo won the Interior Design Masters in 2022, which he describes as a life-changing event as he wasn't working in the interiors industry, nor did he have a traditional background in it. "I just had a head full of ideas and a passion for old things," he says.
"Winning gave me permission to believe I could actually do this. It opened doors, yes, but more importantly, it gave me a platform to show that design isn’t just about big budgets. It’s about soul, storytelling, and heart."
He describes his style as "romantic, layered and a little bit wild". He loves mixing eras, textures, and stories and his inspiration is as wide as "Aussie beach shacks to Scottish
bothies, old hotels, antique markets and even public loos," explaining that the Victorian Rothesay toilets on the Isle of Bute are stunning. He also says his work is different to other designers as he's not chasing trends. Instead, he cares more about "how a room feels than how it looks in a photo".
Since then, he's become a TV hit while presenting Designing the Hebrides, which first aired on the BBC in 2023, and a second series came the following year. In the show, Banjo finds community spaces across the Hebrides to renovate, as they aren't "polished or predictable". He goes for spaces such as village halls, fishing huts, and "forgotten places, that are the real hearts of communities" which he calls "weatherbeaten and wonderful and overflowing with character and soul".
reuse them. "If it’s got a story, it’s worth saving," he says. He grew up rummaging through old shops with his mum, so has always loved giving things a second life. "I don’t upcycle for the sake of it, it has to feel authentic. It’s about honouring the past and bringing warmth into the present," he says.
A lot of his ethos can be seen in his recent book too, A Place in Scotland: Beautiful Scottish Interiors , (published by Quadrille, October 2024) which is full of soulful stays and is helping to showcase how Scottish style is being redefined. Banjo says this started as "a love letter to Scotland – to the landscapes, the people, the places that linger in your bones".
Through the book, he wanted to highlight spots that felt lived-in and loved, not just styled, and looked at everything
“If it’s got a story, it’s worth saving... I don’t upcycle for the sake of it, it has to feel authentic. It’s about honouring the past and bringing warmth into the present.”
One project in the series that really stayed with him was the Glass Barn at Isle of Mull Cheese. "It was damp and decaying, but it had hosted everything from ceilidhs to cheesemaking. It mattered to people. Watching the community come together, seeing their faces when we revealed the space, it was deeply emotional. That one still gives me goosebumps."
His favourite room to design is a kitchen as they're "the heart of a home, where people gather, laugh, cook and argue. They tell the richest stories," he says. He describes his spaces as "deeply personal, full of life and layers," adding that he uses "what’s to hand –things with patina, history, and soul".
He also loves to use old items and to
from "farm byres and wild bothies to grand castles and outlandish control towers like HMS Owl," he says.
When it came to how to whittle them down, he "visited dozens of places, drank endless cups of tea with owners, and curated a motley mix of the ones that truly stayed with me. The ones you dream about after leaving".
His latest project is renovating a historical building, an old laird’s house (a Scottish landowner), on the remote island of Ulva (technically part of Mull), which he describes as a "mad and beautiful" idea.
The building was crumbling, but looking past its dilapidated state, Banjo and Ro could see its potential. "We wanted to create
something meaningful – a place where people can stay, eat, explore, and feel part of something".
They will be turning the building into an 11-bed hotel, The Grand Island Hotel, and their journey will be another BBC TV series, Banjo and Ro's Grand Island Hotel, airing in early 2026, and Dream Escape will be able to arrange stays here once it's opened too.
Though they have the dream and the vision, Banjo says "it’s been harder than we imagined. The weather, the logistics, the sheer history of the place. But it’s also been the most rewarding project we’ve ever taken on".
As the island is so remote and small, they missed their usual easy access to such good food and coffee, which Mull is known for. This meant, they took matters into their own hands, and despite the hardship of their renovation, took on another project as they felt they "had no choice but to open our own cafe".
They took on the nearby cafe, The Boathouse. A seafood cafe on the waters edge, with freshly landed lobster, crab, local oysters and "the best coffee in the Hebrides," as Banjo describes it.
The idea behind renovating the hotel is to eventually attract more people to this little corner of Scotland, which once had a population of 800 people less than 200 years ago, which has now dwindled to fewer than 20.
'We want to play a small part in changing that. The hotel isn’t just a business – it’s an invitation. Come, stay, fall in love with the island, and maybe even imagine building a life here. If we can create jobs, bring people in, and help breathe life back into Ulva, then it will have all been worth it."
Dream Escape’s top Experiences...
A World of Whispers
On Mull, the air hums with a quiet wildness. Take a refined adventure where golden eagles soar in silent command and curious seals bask on untouched shores. Cruise to nearby islets for an intimate audience with puffins, those perfectly charming little clowns of the sea. Or, from your private guide’s vantage point, spot the flash of a dolphin or the fleeting grace of an elusive otter.
Shores of Serenity
Forget the crowds and uncover the soul-stirring beauty of Mull’s beaches and secluded coves where pristine white sands kiss shimmering turquoise waters. From the sweeping expanse of Calgary Bay to the hidden, postcard-perfect gem of Knockvologan, each shore is a tranquil sanctuary.
A Fortress of Stories
Step into the storied legacy of Clan Maclean at Duart Castle, a fortress that stands as a silent sentinel on a dramatic sea cliff. A private guided tour reveals centuries of history, ancestral heirlooms, and sweeping views from ancient battlements. For a truly regal experience, you can enhance your visit with a private whisky tasting or an exclusive look into the castle's grandest, most secret rooms.
Echoes of a Cave
Discover the awe-inspiring majesty of Fingal’s Cave, a place where legend and geology intertwine. Connected to the Giant's Causeway by a mythic thread, its perfect hexagonal basalt columns rise from the sea like a majestic cathedral. Accessible by private charter or a luxurious wildlife cruise, it offers an exclusive encounter with Scotland’s wild elegance.
A Pop of Colour
Visit the vibrant charm of Tobermory, Mull’s picturesque harbour town. Here, a row of colourful facades frames a haven of gourmet delights and artisan treats. Savour rich, handmade chocolates, the distinct allure of a single malt whisky, and the famous, mature Isle of Mull Cheese. Tobermory is a place to lose yourself in coastal strolls and boutique shops, offering an elegant taste of island life.
Discover the art of event planning with Dream Event’s tailored itineraries
Did you know? Dream Event, a part of Dream Escape, specialises in transforming corporate gatherings into extraordinary events around the UK & Ireland. With an emphasis on creativity, engagement, and seamless execution, we partner with corporate clients to elevate their events. Whether it's a corporate retreat, product launch, or annual conference, we craft unforgettable experiences that reflect your company’s vision and values while fostering meaningful connections among attendees.
MEET OUR HEAD OF EVENTS
We are a full-service agency that takes care of every element within your event. We will save you time, simplify complicated arrangements and ensure that nothing is left to chance due to our expertise and valued partners on the ground.
Our little black book of contacts means that Dream Event clients also gain private access to attractions, sights and activities usually off-limits to the general public.
SPOTLIGHT ON KAREN MURRAY
With over two decades of experience in event management, Karen Murray brings unmatched expertise, creativity, and charisma to every event she leads. Since stepping into her role at Dream Event in 2023, Karen has been the driving force behind unforgettable experiences— from high-profile conferences to intimate, exclusive gatherings.
Karen is known not just for her strategic mind and meticulous planning, but for her vibrant personality and people-first approach. She thrives on building genuine relationships with clients and suppliers, ensuring every event runs seamlessly and feels personal. Her global experience, including standout moments like managing the US TV series The Traitors event in Scotland and Dream Event’s first USA conference in Atlanta, showcases her ability to deliver excellence across borders.
Whether it’s a candlelit dinner at Aldourie Castle or a private reception at The Natural History Museum, Karen curates moments that are both visually stunning and deeply aligned with business goals. Her passion for creating meaningful, immersive experiences makes her an invaluable asset to Dream Event and a trusted partner for VIP clients.
“I’ve met incredible people—from Sir David Attenborough to Jo Malone—but it’s the private, behindthe-scenes experiences with Dream Event that truly define my career.”
Ready to create something extraordinary? Get in touch with Karen now to discuss your next event.
kmurray@dream-event.co.uk
CONNECT WITH KAREN
“Everything was perfectly organised, and all the personal and special touches made a big difference. The agenda was rich but allowed us to enjoy the most out of each place we visited... Thank you specially, for all the support and dedication during the organisation and during these days, even over the weekend. You have been a great partner.” Guadalupe Fernández Burgoa, Commercial Country Manager Argentina, DIAGEO
Pictured above: Poised majestically at the top of the Long Walk, the Victoria Carriage from Windsor Carriages, with Windsor Castle in the distance.
WINDSOR'S enduring ELEGANCE
Step back in time with Rebecca Seear, daughter of a Windsor coachman, and discover the enduring magic of horsedrawn carriage rides in Windsor Great Park – a journey that beautifully preserves Victorian transport and rural crafts
Words: Samantha Rutherford
In an age where speed and modernity often overshadow tradition, there are few experiences that so perfectly encapsulate the spirit of a place as a horse-drawn carriage ride through Windsor Great Park. The rhythmic clip-clop of hooves on ancient pathways, the gentle sway of the carriage, and the magnificent sight of Windsor Castle appearing through the trees – it’s a scene that transports you to a bygone era. For Rebecca Seear, whose family roots run deep within Windsor's coaching tradition, this isn’t just a business; it’s a vibrant, living legacy, a tangible connection to a past that continues to captivate and enlighten.
"It's about preserving a cherished piece of history," Rebecca explains, "and allowing people to experience Windsor in a truly authentic and timeless manner." Her dedication is not merely professional; it is profoundly personal. "I grew up on a working stable yard on the edge of Windsor Great Park, where both my mother and father trained horses for riding and driving. We lived above the stables – every morning began with the sound of hooves and the familiar scent of hay."
This idyllic, almost pastoral upbringing fostered a deep, innate connection to the very rhythm of this heritage. "From as young as two years old, I would climb onto the carriage beside my father or grandfather. At the time, it seemed ordinary, but looking back, I realise how rare and precious that life was."
The narrative of Windsor's horse-drawn carriages is inextricably woven into the town's rich historical tapestry. Its origins trace back to 1649, when Oliver Cromwell’s Act of Parliament first sanctioned licensed hackney carriages in London. By 1687, Windsor had established its own dedicated taxi stand, swiftly embracing this burgeoning form of transport.
The Victorian era brought considerable changes to Windsor’s landscape, yet the special exemption granted to licensed taxis in 1848, allowing them continued access to The Long Walk, remains a unique privilege held by Windsor Carriages to this day. While other towns transitioned to motorised vehicles, Windsor’s original licenses were never converted, thus solidifying their unparalleled
“It was simply a way of life... and when I stepped away from it in adulthood, I began to see how fragile and precious that life really was. I recognised how easily these traditions could disappear.”
link to this historic tradition and their continued access to the heart of the royal town.
Rebecca’s family is central to this remarkable preservation. Her grandfather, John Seear, began driving carriages on The Long Walk in 1974, having been tutored by George Paget, who, in turn, had learned the craft from a Victorian coachman. Today, Rebecca, working hand-inhand with Head Coachman Jonathan Edwards, ensures this singular historical tradition not only survives but thrives. Jonathan’s horses and family form the backbone of daily operations, augmented by trusted coachmen and their horses from across Britain for larger bookings. This multi-generational commitment guarantees the perpetuation of skills and stories, passed down through five generations, with ambitious plans to bring Windsor’s historic Victorian Landau carriage back to the town in the coming years.
The path to preserving this legacy was not, however, a straight one for Rebecca. "It was simply a way of life," she reflects on her early years. "And when I stepped away from
it in adulthood, I began to see how fragile and precious that life really was. I recognised how easily these traditions could disappear. That awareness stayed with me, and ultimately brought me back." Indeed, she admits to a period of rebellion against the lifestyle. "Yes – at one point, I quite literally ran away from it. As a teenager, I discovered cappuccinos and warm offices and thought, 'I’m never mucking out a stable again.'" She built a successful career, reaching the position of Head of Amazon Operations and spending years in the post-production world, living in Los Angeles and working in Hollywood. But destiny, or perhaps a deep-seated pull of heritage, intervened. "In 2015, I took one summer off to spend with my father on the carriage. That summer changed everything. I realised that while I’d achieved a lot, if I didn’t take up the reins, this way of life might disappear entirely." It was a pivotal moment, a conscious decision to dedicate herself to something profoundly meaningful. What does she love most about it now?
"What I love most is creating a sense of wonder
Pictured above: The magnificent horses and gleaming carriages of Windsor Carriages are lined up, with the dedicated team ready to greet guests for a royal journey through Windsor.
Pictured above: A serene view of Virginia Water in Windsor Great Park, and a group of red deer stags relax in the final golden light of a summer evening, a stunning sight for guests on a Windsor Carriages experience.
for our guests." This enchantment is undoubtedly amplified by her own intimate connection to the landscape. "Driving the same estate lanes I travelled as a child, passing the ancient trees I once climbed, and telling the stories passed down through generations – it all feels full circle. Windsor Great Park is not only beautiful; it’s home."
Windsor Carriages offers a diverse array of meticulously curated experiences, each designed to immerse visitors in Windsor's unique history and undeniable beauty. From intimate marriage proposals to grand corporate team-building events accommodating up to 144 guests, every detail is expertly arranged.
Their "Curated Royal Windsor Service" promises a truly memorable and effortlessly orchestrated visit. Guests can enjoy traditional rides along the iconic Long Walk, offering unparalleled views of Windsor Castle. A knowledgeable guide provides captivating narratives and highlights unique sights, with photo opportunities thoughtfully included along the route. The carriages are fully weatherprotected, complete with blankets and umbrellas, ensuring comfort in any conditions. A dedicated
event coordinator ensures smooth transitions between activities, allowing guests to fully savour their experience.
Beyond the enchanting rides, Windsor Carriages is steadfast in its commitment to honouring Windsor’s traditions whilst looking to the future. This encompasses authentic experiences, the preservation of invaluable traditional skills, and the aspiration for a permanent exhibition at the Royal Borough and Windsor Museum. At the very core of their operation lies the welfare of their magnificent horses – they are, unequivocally, family, and their well-being dictates every decision made.
As one of Windsor’s most venerable attractions, they proudly support their community through partnerships with local independent businesses, charitable endeavours within Windsor, and the ongoing preservation of traditional crafts and skills. Every journey with Windsor Carriages is an invitation to forge lasting memories, seamlessly blending historical authenticity with thoughtful attention to detail, ensuring each guest truly experiences the magic of Windsor’s rich heritage.
Pictured above: On a bespoke private drive with Windsor Carriages, guests enjoy a meticulously planned itinerary that includes breathtaking views of the iconic Round Tower of Windsor Castle.
Pictured above: A succulent seafood lunch, featuring fresh lobster, salads, and wine, served on the Connemara Archipelago experience in County Galway.
IRELAND’S laden LARDER
From coastal foraging to baking in a farmhouse kitchen, Ireland’s immersive culinary experiences are a great way to taste the landscape, learn from locals, and discover the ingredients and traditions that shape the island’s distinctive food culture.
Words: Melanie May
Ireland is blessed with fertile ground and rich coastal waters. In the cold Atlantic, there is a bounty of clean, fresh seafood. Out on the pastures, cows graze on lush grass, producing creamy dairy and richly flavoured beef. Up on the hills, sheep roam the heather-strewn slopes, their meat subtly seasoned by salty sea spray. And in the bays, shellfish pick up soft smoky notes from peaty hillside streams that feed the inlets.
Each ingredient speaks not just of the land and sea, but of the passionate producers, farmers, fishers, and foragers who, for generations, have been harvesting, crafting, and cooking with care. These custodians stay closely tied to their heritage and are always keen to share the knowledge, skills, and stories behind it.
To go behind the scenes and into the heart of this food culture, Dream Escape offers one-of-akind immersive experiences, from shucking oysters by the sea to baking soda bread in a farmhouse kitchen. To whet your appetite, here are some of our favourite ways to enjoy a taste of tradition in Ireland
Best for: A seafood lunch with a view
Sail and dine with a Connemara Archipelago
Experience
Location: County Galway
Connemara is a romantic and remote place where traditions and the Irish language are preserved. It is the Ireland you’ve always imagined. To discover this unspoiled region, Dream Escape organises a private boat trip with a local skipper who takes you through the island-dotted bays and recounts their remarkable history. You then get off on a quiet island, where, after a scenic stroll, you settle in for a succulent seafood lunch made with the finest local catch.
Served with a perfectly poured pint of stout or a glass of crisp white wine, and the sound of traditional music in the air, it’s a special way to take in the views and connect with the coastal communities, far from the crowds.
Best for: Learning an Irish tradition
Bake bread in a Farmhouse Kitchen
Location: County Down
Stepping inside a cosy thatched cottage on the shores of Strangford Lough, you feel like you’ve been welcomed into the heart of a family home. In the warmth of your
hosts' flour-dusted kitchen, Dream Escape guests take part in a private hands-on baking session, learning how to make breads from old family recipes. You don an apron and knead and shape soda farls and potato breads before cooking them on the griddle. As they bake, the comforting smell of baking fills the air and fills you with nostalgia. It’s then time to gather around the table and tuck into your warm bread smothered with local butter and homemade jams. It’s a delightful experience that captures the charm of Irish country living.
Best for: Tree-to-table dining
Pick apples and bake
Location: County Armagh
In the heart of Armagh, the ‘Orchard County’, Dream Escape guests are welcomed into a working family farm where Bramley apples have been grown for generations. Your hosts walk you through the orchard and tell you about their land, their apples, and the roots of this PGI-protected fruit in local culture. You then make your way to the cookery school to enjoy a warm scone and a cup of tea before rolling up your sleeves to bake. You’ll make soda bread filled with sweet apples, soft buttermilk scones, and a beloved local recipe called potato apple bread. Everything is made from scratch using seasonal ingredients and, of course, plenty of Bramley apples.
Best for: Seafood lovers
Shuck Oysters on the Flaggy Shore
Location: County Clare
With sea spray in the air and the Atlantic stretching out before you, there’s something special about tasting oysters just steps from the bay where they grow. At Flaggy Shore Oysters, Dream Escape arranges a handson masterclass with a local guide who’ll regale you with stories of the sea as you learn how these magnificent molluscs are cultivated and how to shuck them like a pro. With a chilled glass of specially paired wine in hand, you then savour these natural aphrodisiacs, their flavour mirroring the surrounding pristine, peaty landscape. Aw shucks: during this exclusive experience, you are sure to fall in love with this indigenous Irish ingredient.
Best
for: Michelin-starred modern Irish cuisine
Dine at Aniar in Galway’s West End
Location: County Galway
Michelin-starred Aniar is one of Galway’s top-rated restaurants. It is led by chef-patron JP McMahon, who is a key figure in Ireland’s food scene. His seasonal tasting menus explore the distinctive ingredients of the west, with elegant dishes that use Irish truffles, wild herbs, oysters, seaweed, and even sea urchins. Each course is made with a deep respect for tradition and place, telling a tale of tide and terroir. Adding to the meal, dishes are
Pictured above: Experience the diverse flavours of Ireland's larder, from a hands-on baking session in a cosy County Down farmhouse kitchen to a masterclass in shucking fresh oysters on the Flaggy Shore in County Clare. Pictured opposite: Storytelling on a plate at Michelin-starred Aniar in Galway’s West End.
Pictured above: In the heart of Armagh, the 'Orchard County', guests are welcomed into a working family farm for a hands-on, tree-to-table experience, learning to bake traditional recipes like potato apple bread using freshly picked Bramley apples.
often brought to the table by the chefs themselves, who explain the inspiration behind the food and sometimes even read a poem that echoes the ingredients. It’s storytelling on a plate that brings together the West of Ireland’s food, land, and culture.
Best for: Culinary adventurers
Forage the Burren shoreline
Location: County Clare
Discover Ireland’s coastal food heritage on a private shoreline walk in the Burren with a local forager and storyteller. This region is known for its rare flora and fauna and otherworldly limestone landscapes. Your foraging adventure begins near the ruins of 15th-century Muckinish Castle, where you stroll along the tideline learning to spot edible seaweeds, wild herbs, and shellfish, while your host brings to life the region’s ecology and folklore. You also taste the celebrated Pouldoody oyster, freshly shucked on the shore. With the wind in your hair and water at your feet, it’s a wild and wonderful way to enjoy the Burren’s edible riches.
Best for: An immersive gourmet escape
Cook and stay at Ballymaloe
Location: County Cork
Set on an organic farm near the south coast, Ballymaloe is a tranquil retreat where time slows and food takes centre stage. Guests can stroll the abundant gardens brimming
with herbs, soft fruits, wildflowers, and edible blooms. This vibrant produce makes its way directly to the kitchen mere metres away. At the world-renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School, you can brush up on your culinary skills. Dream Escape arranges cookery classes led by some of Ireland’s most famous chefs. Here, you can get hands-on making recipes rooted in tradition, seasonality and flavour. A stay at the luxurious Ballymaloe House Hotel rounds off the experience, with charming bedrooms overlooking the gardens and menus that read like love letters to Irish terroir.
Best for: Epicureans
Tour and taste at
Killua Castle
Location: County Westmeath
Killua Castle is a lovingly restored neo-Gothic home with ties to Sir Walter Raleigh and Lawrence of Arabia. Filled with medieval and Renaissance art, it stands on a romantic demesne in the heart of Ireland. Your exclusive experience begins with a guided tour of the castle and grounds, followed by a seasonal tasting menu, with wine pairings, in the courtyard restaurant. Dishes are made with what’s grown and reared on the grounds and might include wild venison, Irish Moiled beef, or free-range boar. It’s a feast fit for royalty, and with its passion for provenance and sense of grandeur, Killua Castle is a rare and richly rewarding way to relish Irish food, art, and history in one remarkable setting.
Pictured above: From a wild foraging walk on the Burren shoreline, to a tranquil farm-to-table escape at the luxurious Ballymaloe Cookery School and Ballymaloe House Hotel, these experiences offer a taste of Ireland's diverse culinary adventures.
Pictured above: Paul Potratz, the driving force behind the luxury brand Helderburg, where vintage Land Rover Defenders are reborn as unique works of art.
A driving FORCE
Dream Escape chats to Paul Potratz about his childhood passion that he forged into a luxury brand – and how he intends to preserve the British heritage of the Land Rover
Words: Natalie Millar-Partridge
Aman who dared to dream big, Paul Potratz, sits at the heart of Helderburg – the hub for the rebirth of vintage Land Rover Defenders into works of rolling sculpture. Set in a 300-acre farm in Upstate New York, Helderburg is a sanctuary for automotive artistry with every vehicle having a unique name, colour, design and backstory.
“I believe every Helderburg should be as unique as the person commissioning it, which is why I rarely repeat a design. My goal is always to create something deeply personal that reflects the client’s story, tastes, and sense of adventure.”
Paul’s passion for Defenders began in the grease-stained floors of his father’s small-town repair shop, where he learnt the value of hard work, attention-to-detail, and a commitment to quality – principles that now define every Helderburg restoration. A driving force, his story from humble beginnings to crafting the world's most luxurious Defenders, is a testament to the power of vision and relentless dedication.
“My father had a deep appreciation for anything made in England – waxed cotton coats, his Raleigh bicycle, a Norton motorcycle, and of course, classic vehicles. One day, when I was around seven years old, a man named Garret brought his Rover to my dad’s shop. He had just
moved from the UK, and that truck immediately caught my eye. I was hooked!”
As Paul grew older, his love for Defenders only deepened, and when he had finally saved enough, he bought his first, stating that ‘it’s never just about the vehicle, rather it’s about the way it makes you feel.’
“Driving it brought back memories of my father – and gave me something more. A Defender allows me to relax, feel creative, and dream a little. Every time I get behind the wheel, it feels like I could go anywhere… explore a backroad, disappear into the mountains, or simply find a bit of quiet in the middle of nowhere.”
Paul’s journey with Helderburg evolved organically from a name given to his social media profiles, allowing him to quietly share the ‘country gentleman’ lifestyle he enjoyed.
“I simply wanted to share the things that bring me peace; classic Defenders, my dogs, the outdoors, being well dressed, analogue watches, manual film cameras, and the kind of slower, more meaningful life my father always dreamed of and one I’ve come to realise is worth more than most people ever stop to notice.”
Over time, Paul’s custom-built Defenders began to capture the attention of others. And the response, he remembers, ‘was overwhelming in the best way’.
“I remember the first time I posted one of my personal Defenders for sale – it sold in fifteen minutes! The next one sold in five, and that’s when I realised that I could keep building them, not as a business in the traditional sense, but as a creative outlet. A way to connect with others who share the same passions. I don’t build for profit, I build to create, to connect, and to live a life that is fully mine.”
More than just restored vehicles, Helderburg’s creations are a symphony of handcrafted details – think meticulously stitched Scottish leather from Andrew Muirhead, German wool carpets, and Italian Alcantara headliners, creating an interior that is as luxurious as it is functional. A proprietary braking system, new suspension, and a modern drive train are implemented to ensure that these classic vehicles perform like modern ones.
“My goal is always to create a true one-of-one - every Helderburg is original, though there’s always a signature -
“When you build with intention, every detail becomes part of a legacy. Every minute detail - down to the windshield sprayer nozzle – matters. Clients often say a Helderburg feels less like a vehicle and more like a piece of rolling art. I take that as the highest compliment.”
Paul’s vision has always been to create Defenders that outlast on-trend vehicles, that feel just as relevant twenty years from now as they do today.
For Paul, the art is in the design – choosing colours and materials that have never been seen on a classic Defender, guiding clients through the experience of creating something that feels unmistakably their own.
“There are details on a Helderburg you won’t find anywhere else, with many of the parts made by hand. Designing from the ground up, a Helderburg becomes a reflection of the client's personality. I love to encourage bold choices that may not have been considered at first, but often become a favourite part of the build.”
‘I remember the first time I posted one of my personal Defenders for sale –it sold in fifteen minutes! The next one sold in five, and that’s when I realised that I could keep building them... as a creative outlet. ’
a unique colour and boldness in the detail. Even without a badge, you can tell it’s a Helderburg.”
Each Defender represents 3,000 hours of painstaking work, from the complete chassis restoration to the final polish, a testament to the human touch in a world increasingly dominated by mass production. Paul and his team are committed to preserving the British heritage of the Land Rover, while also improving upon it.
“Helderburg isn’t about being the fastest builder, and that’s by design,” Paul explains.
Every Helderburg goes through countless hours of planning, testing, and refinement, with an in-house R&D team of former Land Rover Special Vehicles craftsmen working alongside Paul to develop and test performance upgrades, reengineer drivetrain components, and customtune suspension for better handling. A quiet pursuit of excellence, one that values restraint over excess and craftsmanship over shortcuts.
This ethos is reflected in Paul’s working environment, particularly at his tranquil Cotswolds estate. Here, surrounded by rolling hills and meandering streams, time seems to slow down. It’s a peaceful place where ideas have room to grow, and the meticulous process of handcrafting is celebrated.
This idyllic countryside estate is where Paul hosts the Helderburg Experience; by private invitation only to prospective and qualified individuals to visit and drive the custom-built Defenders on gravel roads and off-road trails, shoot sporting clays, go canoeing, ride horses or motorcycles, fish in one of the streams, and simply slow down and enjoy nature.
Think of it as a rather brilliant, relaxed setting where prospective clients can get a true taste of the Helderburg lifestyle. "This location is our newest addition, with two more 'experience' locations arriving later this year – one Stateside and one gloriously, quintessentially British,
Pictured above and following spread: Helderburg's bespoke Land Rover Defenders, each a unique work of rolling sculpture, blend classic British heritage with modern performance and handcrafted luxury.
nestled amongst the postcard-worthy villages of the Cotswolds", describes Paul.
This particular adventure begins in London with a private fitting at the legendary Holland & Holland showroom, where guests are kitted out with sporting attire and a perfectly fitted shotgun for a traditional driven game shoot. From there, it's on to the workshop to see and take delivery of a custom-built Helderburg Defender, before the journey truly begins. Winding through those charming Cotswolds lanes, you'll stop to admire the landscape and, of course, enjoy a few celebrated local pubs. Depending on the season, you'll either take part in a driven game shoot or attend a day at the races, before concluding with a private appointment at Floris London – England's oldest perfumery – for the rather unique opportunity to design your own signature fragrance.
In a Helderburg, Paul enthuses, it’s the details both seen and unseen that define the luxury. Rather than excess, it’s about refinement, craftsmanship, and how everything comes together to create a vehicle that feels like it was built just for you.
“You’ll notice it in the Scottish leathers, the handmilled aluminium parts, and the bespoke gauges crafted just for us. But you’ll feel it in the things you can’t see right away, like the layered sound-deadening that quiets the cabin, or the handmade high-fidelity amplifiers and speakers that turn every drive into something immersive.”
For Paul, Defenders will always remind him of time spent with his father – heading out for upland hunting, fishing trips, or camping in the woods - it was always about the adventure, the simplicity, and the connection to something real.
“A Defender brings that feeling back. It’s analogue, mechanical, and unfiltered - something that’s hard to find in modern vehicles. No distractions, just me with Lucy my dog, the road, and that quiet sense of possibility.”
The longest restoration Paul and the Helderberg team worked on took three years and nine months - a test build for Paul’s own use – developing an exclusive turbo diesel engine and suspension system. Every component was carefully designed, reworked, and refined until it felt just right, and ready to offer clients.
“It wasn’t rushed – because good things never are. I’m currently driving it now and plan to take it on a trip out west to test it in the rocks and desert of Moab.”
Whilst Paul is involved in every step of the process, it’s far from a one-man-show - he has a team of master mechanics, engineers, and craftsmen, some of whom worked in the original Land Rover Special Vehicles division who bring decades of experience to every build.
“We collaborate closely, and I stay involved because I want to know firsthand how every part, every design decision, every refinement is coming together. It’s not the most efficient way to run a business, but efficiency was
never the goal – quality and soul was. It’s about building vehicles, memories, and a brand that will endure.”
And the best part? Helderburg offers the chance to be endlessly creative, designing Defenders that are entirely original – no two ever being the same, and that’s the way Paul likes it. “Every build is a new story, a new challenge, and a new opportunity to bring someone's personality to life through design. But the best part for me is the people; I’ve met clients from all over the world who’ve become close friends, bonded not just by a love for classic vehicles, but by shared interests, values, and a desire to live life with more intention – it’s the most rewarding part of the process.
Helderburg started with a passion for design, but what keeps Paul inspired is the community it’s created.
“Driving a classic Land Rover Defender is a visceral experience. It’s mechanical, purposeful, and connects you to the road in a way that few vehicles can. When I started Helderburg, my goal was never to be just another classic Land Rover builder. For me, owning a Land Rover has always been about the lifestyle - and this is a way to share that with others.”
It’s clear though, from chatting to Paul, that what makes driving a Helderburg truly special, are the moments it creates. “Driving a Helderburg delivers unforgettable journeys – bringing confidence on the highway, control on winding backroads, and a presence that turns even a short drive into something memorable.”
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UNIQUE OFF-ROAD LAND ROVER EXPERIENCES IN THE UK
Dream Escape will take care of every element of your tailored off-road experience, allowing you to relax at your chosen location and enjoy the drive.
Gleneagles, Perthshire
Scotland’s most exciting off-road experiences, set amongst the stunning backdrop of the Perthshire countryside, Gleneagles guests are invited to tackle rugged Highland trails, head up steep gradients and traverse meandering rivers. Younger guests can even ride in their very own scaled-down Land Rover replica.
The Fife Arms, Aberdeenshire
An exhilarating off-road experience on the Invercauld Estate, passing through moorland, former illicit stills and ruined villages with spectacular mountain vistas, all from the legendary Fife Arms Defender.
Bovey Castle, Devon
This quintessential Devon castle's Land Rover estate tour of the hotel's unrivalled grounds is a great way to experience timber extraction tracks and the outer estate woodlands.
Peckforton Castle, Cheshire
A thrilling affair for motoring fans and adventure seekers, and a chance to explore the dramatic castle grounds with Land Rover Experience days, offering expert tuition and challenging off-road tracks. Peckforton Castle offers a unique opportunity to drive the latest models of Defender, Range Rover, Discovery and Range Rover Sport in the heart of flourishing Cheshire countryside
Embrace your inner thrill-seeker with off-road driving on the Luton Hoo estate challenging terrain and through water. A brilliant opportunity to try something new or develop your existing skills and the perfect base to stay and unwind in the spa at the end of an active day.
Pictured above: A bottle of Talisker, the 'Lava of the Cuillins,' from the windswept Isle of Skye, offering a taste of Scotland's wild and elemental spirit.
SCOTLAND'S liquid GOLD
Unearth Scotland's whisky heritage, from ancient traditions to modern innovation. Explore Edinburgh's urban distilleries, Speyside's finest malts, and the unique spirits of the Highlands and Islands on a bespoke whisky journey with Dream Escape .
Words: Samantha Rutherford
For more than half a millennium, Scotland has been the revered home of whisky, a spirit born from ancient monastic traditions and perfected through centuries of dedication. The earliest records of distillation in Scotland date back to 1494, where it was initially used for medicinal purposes. Over time, this 'aqua vitae' or 'water of life"' transformed from a curative into the celebrated national drink, deeply interwoven with the country's culture, landscape, and identity. Generations of distillers have passed down techniques, experimented with grains and casks, and weathered changing regulations, culminating in the diverse and globally acclaimed Scotch whiskies we know today – each bottle a testament to a rich and unbroken lineage of craftsmanship.
With 148 distilleries dotting Scotland's breathtaking landscapes, the choice of where to begin your whisky pilgrimage can be wonderfully overwhelming. Imagine a
bespoke journey, seamlessly connecting the vibrant urban energy of Edinburgh with the serene beauty of the Highlands, all while offering exclusive glimpses into the heart of Scotland's most revered drams. Dream Escape will arrange a trip-of-a-lifetime, and an immersion into the legacy, craftsmanship, and pure artistry of Scotch whisky.
Your Dream Escape curated road trip could begin in Edinburgh, a city steeped in history and now a contemporary hub for whisky discovery. Here, the multi-sensory Johnnie Walker Princes Street experience offers a cutting-edge exploration of the world's best-selling whisky. Delve into its past, present, and future across eight captivating floors. For the truly discerning, 'The Apartment' offers an invitation-only space for private tastings and relationship development, while 'The Vault' in the basement features 500 samples from 37 distilleries for an unparalleled dramming experience. Just a short distance away, the Holyrood Distillery and the vertical
distillery at the Port of Leith offer further intriguing urban whisky encounters.
Venture north, and you'll find Glenturret, home to the Glenturret Lalique restaurant – a Michelin-starred culinary gem nestled within a distillery at the foothills of the Scottish Highlands. Executive Chef Mark Donald and his team draw inspiration from Scotland's rich larder, crafting dishes that are playful, precise, and deeply rooted in a sense of place. After an exquisite meal, perhaps a stay at this remarkable location beckons. Further into the heart of Speyside, a region synonymous with exceptional single malts, architectural wonders await. The Macallan distillery stands as a testament to design, while The Glenlivet offers delightful whisky and chocolate pairings.
ensures a truly distinctive experience.
Journey into the narrative of Johnnie Walker's crucial Four Corner distilleries, starting with Cardhu, the ‘Queen of Speyside’. This distillery boasts a fascinating history rooted in female pioneering spirit, with its founder, Helen Cumming, famously using a red flag to warn fellow distillers of approaching excisemen. Today, Cardhu offers private client facilities for tastings and dining, set within an original outhouse, providing stunning views over the golden fields of Speyside.
Next, discover Royal Lochnagar, The Royal Distillery, a neighbour to the Balmoral estate, which earned its royal warrant after a visit from Queen Victoria in 1848. This handsome,
‘Venture north, and you'll find Glenturret, home to the Glenturret
Lalique restaurant – a Michelin-starred culinary gem nestled within a distillery at the foothills of the Scottish Highlands. ’
For those seeking an exquisite stay amidst the Speyside distilleries, the luxurious Rothes Glen, a Victorian mansion, provides an ideal base, offering unparalleled comfort and access to the region's finest whiskies.
For a taste of innovation and a quiet rebellion against tradition, the female-founded Nc’nean distillery on the wild Morvern peninsula is a must-visit. Annabel Thomas's vision of creating light, planet-harmonious spirits comes to life here. Enjoy tours and tastings of their smooth Organic Single Malt Scotch Whisky, with notes of citrus, peach, apricot, and spice, or explore their refreshing botanical spirit. Nc’nean's unique approach, including longer mashing times and experimental yeasts, along with ageing spirits in unusual casks like Tokaji and Tequila,
patrician environment is home to the Casks of Distinction warehouse, where some of the world’s most prized and sought-after barrels are stored and matured. Clients can explore truly rare whiskies in this exclusive setting.
On the Inner Hebridean island of Skye, for nearly two centuries, Talisker has been producing a beloved spirit. Known as the Lava of the Cuillins, the distillery embodies a brooding and atmospheric aesthetic. Its private client space offers dramatic, wind-swept sea views, warmed by a roaring fire – an ideal setting for experiencing this elemental dram.
‘Perfectly Balanced’ describes The Singleton of Glen Ord, a dram often cited as the gateway to a lifelong romance with single malt. This distillery harmoniously combines barley from the fertile Black Isle with pure,
Pictured above: Experience Scotland's rich whisky heritage, from the Michelin-starred culinary excellence of The Glenturret Lalique to the pioneering spirit and exclusive tastings at Cardhu Distillery, the 'Queen of Speyside'.
Pictured above: Enjoy a dram in refined surroundings, whether at the luxurious Rothes Glen in Speyside or amidst the dramatic landscapes of the North West Highlands at The Torridon's inviting Whisky Bar.
mineral-rich water from the White Burn. The long, slender necks of its stills create an elegant and highly collectable spirit, and the brand's home features a new private tasting room.
Deep in the epicentre of Speyside's whisky-making region lies Mortlach, affectionately known as ‘The Beast of Dufftown’ due to its robust and meaty character. Its clandestine 2.81 distillation technique adds to its allure. Private clients are invited to step behind the scenes and enter the beating heart of the beast on an invitationonly basis.
Ascend to Dalwhinnie, Scotland's highest distillery, where you'll encounter ‘The Gentle Spirit’. Its elegant whisky, with delicate notes of heather and honey, reflects its majestic setting amidst the Cairngorm National Park. At 1,164 feet above sea level, its lofty location provides glorious vistas to accompany the subtle whisky.
Further to the west, nestled in the dramatic landscapes of the North West
Highlands, The Torridon offers an exceptional luxury hotel experience, providing a perfect base for exploring the wild beauty of the region and its more remote distilleries.
Finally, allow Dream Escape to arrange for you to sail to the windswept isle of Islay, home to Lagavulin, ‘King of Islay’.
For 205 years, this intensely flavoured, smoky, and rich malt has been crafted in a small bay, guarded by a ruined castle. Here, clients can meet legendary distillery employees, including warehouseman Iain McArthur, and taste this glorious whisky inside the hallowed confines of Warehouse 9.
These unparalleled experiences, from private tastings to immersive distillery tours, offer more than just a dram; they offer a journey into the soul of Scotland. For clients seeking to deepen their understanding and reverence for these singular spirits, Dream Escape provides the key to unlocking the spirit of whisky
Pictured above: Savour expertly crafted cocktails, from classic whisky martinis to champagne creations, at The Torridon's Whisky Bar, which boasts an impressive collection of whiskies, promising a refined drinking experience in the stunning Highlands.
Pictured above: Nestled in the heart of Pembrokeshire, the luxurious Grove of Narberth is a dreamlike country house offering exquisite interiors and views towards the Preseli Hills.
A fortuitous DETOUR
A Dream Escape trip-of-a-lifetime to Wales, seamlessly experiencing the finest hotels, promises sublime hospitality, exquisite design, and the unparalleled, diverse beauty.
Words: Samantha Rutherford
Discover Wales with a Dream Escape journey to two exceptional Seren hotels, The Grove of Narberth and Penmaenuchaf, showcasing their exquisite interiors and recently refurbished charm across both North and South Wales.
Seren owners Neil and Zoe Kedward had an unusual entrance to the world of hospitality, one born from a desire to escape both city and corporate life. On a family trip to Pembrokeshire, a serendipitous, unplanned detour led them to stumble upon a derelict and unloved old country house, Grove. Neil jokes that he could feel the magic from that very first visit, and they put an offer in on the house that same day. Unbeknownst to them at the time, this pivotal moment set them on a trajectory to build a much-loved and highly successful independent hospitality enterprise in Wales,
culminating in the establishment of the Grove of Narberth, several restaurants and later, Penmaenuchaf.
Imagine a meticulously tailored Dream Escape itinerary to Wales, a captivating dualcation stay in these two outstanding hotel properties, designed to unveil the very best of both the south and north. Both establishments boast sublime interiors and have benefited from recent renovations and refurbishments, ensuring a luxurious and profoundly inspiring sojourn.
The Grove of Narberth stands as one of Wales's most luxurious hotels, gracefully nestled in the heart of Pembrokeshire with sweeping views towards the Preseli Hills. This elegant property, situated amidst the rolling Narberth hills and mere minutes from the world-renowned Pembrokeshire coastline, invites guests to reside within its stately house
or one of its charming cottages. Guests can revel in the tranquillity of the meticulously manicured lawns, adorned with vibrant flower borders and a gently meandering stream.
The interiors are equally exquisite; bedrooms are opulent havens, retaining original features and imbued with distinct character. The stunningly designed spaces artfully utilise local materials alongside vintage and upcycled treasures, culminating in a truly dreamlike destination. The Grove offers two distinguished dining experiences: the fine dining Fernery, which proudly holds three coveted AA Rosettes, and the more relaxed and informal Artisan Rooms. Both restaurants champion locally sourced produce from their own
kitchen garden and the verdant Pembrokeshire countryside.
For guests seeking unparalleled pampering, deep cast-iron baths and in-room massages are available. A mere mile down the road, the vibrant market town of Narberth is a treasure trove of independent shops, including Ultracomida – widely regarded as one of the finest delis in the country, offering a delightful spot for a continental lunch in its intimate dining area. Beyond Narberth, the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast Path beckons, offering spectacular coastal walks and opportunities to explore charming seaside towns like Tenby and Saundersfoot, or visit the historic St Davids Cathedral, the smallest city in the UK.
Further north, within the breathtaking expanse of the iconic Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, lies the Michelin-Keyed Penmaenuchaf. This intimate luxury hotel is widely regarded as one of the finest privatelyowned country house hotels in North Wales. Perched majestically above the Mawddach estuary at the foot of the rugged Cadair Idris, one discovers the stonefronted Penmaenuchaf, truly a "land of longing."
Inspired by the dramatic ancient landscape of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, this grand old house possesses its own rich history, with each room offering a unique and characterful appeal. This mountain retreat is undergoing a meticulous refurbishment, with phase two of its restoration introducing Nicola Harding’s
striking designs to five additional bedrooms and creating a new lounge bar adorned with rich mahogany panelling and sumptuous red velvet seating.
Adventure abounds in this ‘land of longing,’ replete with tales of Welsh myth and legend as fantastical as the scenery before you. Penmaenuchaf offers the perfect base from which to explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of North Wales. Guests can embark on challenging hikes up Cadair Idris, enjoy leisurely strolls along the Mawddach Trail, or delve into the region's industrial heritage at the slate caverns of Blaenau Ffestiniog, and visit the charming coastal towns of Barmouth and Fairbourne with pristine beaches and watersports
Pictured above; Perched majestically in North Wales's breathtaking Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, Penmaenuchaf is a characterful and intimate luxury hotel, offering a tranquil mountain retreat.
Pictured above: With its dramatic cliffs and golden beaches, the postcard-perfect Padstow Harbour sets the scene for an unforgettable culinary journey into Cornwall's thriving food scene.
DESTINATION: NORTH CORNWALL
Coastal CRAVINGS
Long admired for its natural beauty, Cornwall is now equally revered for its thriving food scene. Dream Escape heads to the north coast for a taste of what’s on offer and meets the chefs that are redefining coastal cuisine
Words: Sophie Farrah
Cornwall’s dramatic landscapes have long captivated the soul, and now—whether you prefer Michelin-starred finesse or impeccably sourced simplicity—its kitchens are equally captivating the palate. With dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and postcard-perfect harbour towns, the county’s north coast is home to a remarkable concentration of talented chefs, bakers, cocktail makers, and more. With a table to satisfy every appetite, Dream Escape offers curated access to the region’s most coveted dining experiences, seamlessly woven into bespoke itineraries that are rich in local flavour.
In the picturesque fishing village of Port Isaac, revered seafood chef Nathan Outlaw has not one but two Michelin starred restaurants.
“North Cornwall has evolved into a paradise for foodies,” explains Nathan, who also owns two luxurious holiday cottages and a beautifully renovated Victorian guest house in the village.
“The availability of high-quality produce has attracted an array of talented chefs. This has created friendly competition which in turn has improved the overall offering of food in the area. Coupled with the amazing countryside and coastal views and a laid-back atmosphere, there’s nowhere else quite like it.”
In prime position overlooking Port Isaac’s harbour sits Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen – a pictureperfect 15th century fishermen's cottage which the chef has transformed into a cosy and relaxed seafood restaurant. Quality and sustainability are a priority here, with dishes shaped exclusively by that day’s catch. A creative and well-designed set menu is served amongst characterful low ceilings and wonky windows which frame the harbour views perfectly. Carefully crafted small plates come first - soft, meaty mackerel swimming in salty soy, ginger and sesame; perfectly crisp cuttlefish and red pepper fritters; and Port Isaac lobster dumpling sat plumply in a broth delicately laced with chili and orange. Mains depend entirely on
“Cornwall inspires me every day... seeing what my growers, farmers and producers send me and their passion for what they do is inspiring in itself. Add to that the fact that I look out onto the sea – in all its glory, in all weathers and conditions, from my kitchen window – I can’t fail to be inspired.”
what’s been landed that day and often include the likes of local lobster, monkfish on the bone, octopus, bass, and more.
“We offer the highest quality, sustainably caught fish and seafood available to us and allow it to shine, treating it simply but with subtle layers of flavour,” Nathan explains.
“As the seafood and produce we use is, without compromise, the very best available on any given day, there’s no need to mask it with heavy sauces or gimmicks.”
After a walk along the beautiful coast path, Dream Escape guests can enjoy a wellearned lunch or dinner at Outlaw’s New
Road – the chef’s refined yet laid back dining experience, where more Michelin-star skill meets sweeping sea views. The 7–10 course tasting menu here is a testament to the chef’s mastery of British seafood – a precise, elegantly paced journey that balances bold coastal flavours with understated finesse.
“Cornwall inspires me every day,” says Nathan. “Seeing what my growers, farmers and producers send me and their passion for what they do is inspiring in itself. Add to that the fact that I look out onto the sea – in all its glory, in all weathers and conditions, from my kitchen window – I can’t fail to be inspired.”
Pictured above: Chef Nathan Outlaw, the driving force behind Cornwall's acclaimed seafood scene at his luxurious Port Isaac guest house, Kittiwake Pictured right; Outlaw's Fish Kitchen, a cosy 15th-century cottage in Port Isaac, where the menu is shaped exclusively by that day's freshly caught seafood.
Nearby, Harlyn Bay is another Dream Escape favourite. This wide and sheltered beach can be found just west of Padstow and nestled just behind its golden sands sits THE PIG – a luxurious hotel well-known for its epicurean delights. Housed in a wonderfully evocative 15th-century building filled with stormy seascapes, roaring fires, and a wealth of quirky character at every turn, the hotel is wonderfully cosy. Within its rustic, candlelit restaurant, head chef Tom Holloway skilfully delivers a ‘25-mile menu’ using plot-to-plate produce harvested from the hotel’s large kitchen garden alongside other strictly local ingredients sourced from within a 25-mile radius.
“Showcasing our beautiful garden produce is the most important part of what we do at THE PIG. We like to highlight elegant simplicity in our dishes,” says Tom.
“Living and working on this amazing coastline and being so close to the area’s everchanging produce is what really motivates me to create fantastic dishes with my team.”
A selection of moreish ‘Piggy bits’, such as chorizo and gouda fritters, crispy kale, and smoked pollock roe dip, are enticingly presented on vintage crockery scattered with petals, whilst main courses include juicy salt aged sirloin steak with zesty garden herb salsa, and perfectly charred monkish tail with a rainbow chard, fennel and lobster sauce – rich and salty but perfectly balanced with herby freshness. For dessert, we were treated to a show-stopping Baked Alaska to share – a glorious, decadent muddle of marshmallow-y meringue, thick vanilla ice cream, and a boozy blackberry purée.
After a morning walk along the beach
Pictured above and opposite: From plot to plate, the abundant kitchen garden at THE PIG at Harlyn Bay provides the fresh, seasonal ingredients that inspire the hotel's renowned menus. Located just behind the golden sands of Harlyn Bay, THE PIG hotel offers a luxurious coastal retreat with a cosy lounge and rustic, candlelit restaurant.
followed by THE PIG’s famously abundant breakfast, Dream Escape recommends a trip to Rock. Popular with high profile holidaymakers, this idyllic village sits on the shores of the Camel Estuary opposite Padstow and the two are connected by a speedy ferry service. Paul Ainsworth is another of the area’s heavyweight chefs; he has several restaurants on both sides of the estuary and has recently acquired Rock’s only hotel - The St Enodoc.
“I love cooking with native seaweed – it adds this amazing savoury depth to our shepherd’s pie, where it’s slow-cooked into the lamb shoulder ragù. It’s a simple touch, but it really ties the dish to the coast and what’s growing around us,” Paul explains.
“There’s a deep connection to the land and sea here, and a pride that shines through in the quality of the ingredients. We truly have a world-class larder right on our doorstep.”
“There’s a real sense of community in North Cornwall, and a slower pace that allows creativity to thrive. You’re surrounded by rugged coastline, ancient farmland, and a rhythm to life that’s tied to the season.”
“There’s a real sense of community in North Cornwall, and a slower pace that allows creativity to thrive. You’re surrounded by rugged coastline, ancient farmland, and a rhythm to life that’s tied to the seasons,” he explains.
“It’s also somewhere that people genuinely care about good food, whether it’s fish and chips on the beach, a crab sandwich or a tencourse tasting menu. That appreciation creates a great energy, and it draws in chefs who want to be part of it.”
Also in Rock, Ainsworth owns The Mariners – a stylish gastropub with beautiful estuary views. The menu features a creative selection of celebrated British classics elevated by Ainsworth’s trademark imaginative twist. Popular dishes include a luxurious king prawn cocktail served in a large octopus-shaped dish; a dry-aged bone-in côte de boeuf with triple-cooked chips for two, and the famously comforting Cornish shepherd’s pie, which contains one special local ingredient…
Across the estuary in Padstow, Dream Escape also arranges experiences at Ainsworth’s chic and intimate cocktail bar, which sits in a handsome Georgian townhouse on the floor above his Michelinstarred restaurant, No6. With windows overlooking Padstow’s characterful streets, talented bar manager, Tyler, mixes up an array of exceptional cocktails, including the ‘Who Dares Wins’ - a refreshing and theatrically frothy mixture of gin, buttermilk, yuzu, soda water and more. It’s the perfect place for a pre-dinner drink but also pairs exceptionally well with the bar’s selection of sophisticated ‘pintxos’ (small, tapas-style plates), which include buttery slices of acorn-fed Jamon Iberico; caviar with seaweed seasoned crisps; and a heavenly cheese scone served with rich, gorse-yellow butter, made in-house. The warm and caramelly brown butter financiers with Pedro Ximenez sherry jelly, whimsically presented on a merry-go-round, are also unforgettably good.
Pictured opposite: At The Mariners in Rock, a stylish gastropub from chef Paul Ainsworth, guests enjoy elevated British classics including a luxurious king prawn cocktail and the famously comforting Cornish shepherd’s pie, all while taking in the beautiful coastal views.
“Our pintxos are inspired by my wife Emma and I’s travels to San Sebastián and Barcelona, and we serve them alongside nods to Cornwall.” says Paul.
“CiCi’s is all about flavour, fun, and a warm welcome.”
Nearby, further Dream Escape favourites include Prawn on the Lawn – a tiny restaurant that serves fresh seafood and flavour-packed small plates, and Prideaux Walled Garden – a beautiful garden and stylish café hidden away in the heart of town that serves light lunches and exceptionally delicious cakes. Another must is Sabzi —a modern Middle Eastern deli founded by chef Kate Attlee. Kate has several stylish emerald green delis across the county, in which she serves up a vibrant array of herb-laced breakfasts, crunchy salads and hearty dahls that change every day.
“Sabzi is built on my love of the flavours of my Iranian heritage, while also seeking to serve responsibly sourced and environmentally sustainable dishes. Cornish produce is at the heart of every menu we plan, and we’re obsessively committed to seasonality,” Kate explains.
“We use a lot of local cabbage, carrots and cauliflower - I adore them for their versatility and ability to handle strong, punchy flavours. Whether it’s roasted with our own spice blend and dressed in our fresh herb chutney that uses up herb stalks and offcuts, or shredded and raw in our delicately spiced lemon oil, there are so many uses for such humble ingredients.”
The bustling harbour town of Padstow is also affectionately known as ‘Padstein’ — a nod to the celebrity chef Rick Stein who famously founded his foodie empire here half a
Pictured above: With reflections shimmering on the water, the bustling harbour of Padstow. Pictured opposite: Experience the perfect blend of flavour and fun at chef Paul Ainsworth's chic cocktail bar in Padstow, where meticulously crafted cocktails are perfectly paired with a selection of sophisticated pintxost.
century ago. Today, the Stein family own several restaurants, shops, luxurious accommodation and even a cookery school in the area, but the story first began back in 1974 when Rick and his first wife, Jill, opened a night club in the heart of town. Their initial venture was short-lived, thanks in part to the challenge of managing a boisterous crowd of burly fishermen. Undeterred, in 1975 they reinvented the space as a seafood bistro and the rest, as they say, is history.
Today, it’s known simply as The Seafood Restaurant. Defined by understated elegance and a deep connection to its coastal setting, it’s widely regarded as one of the UK’s most beloved dining institutions.
Upstairs, there are several luxurious, serene suites which Dream Escape arrange for its guests, some with their own private terraces
and sweeping estuary views. Downstairs, the iconic restaurant hums with laughter, the clink of glasses, and the rhythmic shake of cocktails, whilst smiling staff glide through the thoughtfully designed space, with trays piled high with fruits de mer. The walls are covered in eclectic artwork chosen by Rick and Jill, while a sleek central bar — adorned with colourful coral and glowing lighthouses — anchors the space with glittering charm.
“It’s a special place because of its unique atmosphere, which I think is due in part to the bar. People love to people watch, and this area gives a wonderful focal point to the room,” explains Jill Stein OBE, founder and co-owner of The Seafood Restaurant, and interior designer accross the Rick Stein group.
“Customers can eat at the bar and there’s always someone shaking cocktails.
Pictured above and opposite: With its understated elegance and coastal charm, The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow is a beloved dining institution, with a central bar that anchors the lively, thoughtfully designed space.
It’s a working part of the restaurant which is so important to the atmosphere. And the artwork we collected over many years – we spent a lot of time curating pieces we really loved.”
50 years and counting, the Stein family remain proudly hands-on and have nurtured a skilful and attentive team who know how to make feel guests happy and relaxed. And as for the food – the simple yet sophisticated menu delivers an artful mix of classic seafood dishes and a few adventurous global twists. Think fresh, hot shellfish steamed and then doused in chilli, garlic and good olive oil; buttery sashimi exquisitely paired with silky sake; gently spiced Goan lobster with refreshing slices of cucumber; and perfectly executed staples such as Dover sole meunière and turbot with hollandaise. All this plus an excellent wine list and world-class cocktails.
“Our ethos has always been simple food, ingredient led. Or as dad likes to say, “fresh fish, simply cooked”, explains Jack Stein, chef director at Rick Stein, and Rick and Jill’s middle son.
“The sea and the ocean inspire me hugely, and I’m in awe of the local fisherman and all our suppliers. I just try to tell their story on a plate.”
Inspiration...
OFF SEASON CHEF SECRETS
“It is just stunning here in the winter. The seas can get very rough, reminding us of the power it has, and the wind is bracing, but it’s still a place where you can unwind and relax whilst enjoying fantastic food. There’s nothing like a walk on the beach to blow the cobwebs away, followed by a delicious meal somewhere warm and cosy with a huge log fire to ward off the chill.”-
Nathan Outlaw
“I really love the storm season here (Sept-Nov) – the surf is really good, and the weather is still quite warm. I also love walking, playing golf and surfing - anything outdoors really! A great local walk is the loop from The Gurnard’s Head in Zennor, it’s a lovely pub in the winter when the storms are in.” - Jack Stein
“The beaches are just stunning in the winter light, and the colour palette shifts to become moody and atmospheric – with so many mild, dry days, it’s a wonderful time to visit.” - Kate Attlee
“North Cornwall has a slightly slower rhythm off season, which is part of its charm, but you’ll still find plenty going on. The food scene stays strong all year round, and there’s a real warmth to the hospitality - it’s a great time to properly settle in and enjoy the character of the place. One of my wife Emma and I’s favourite things to do is to go for a walk with our two girls, CiCi and Audrey, on the beach and around the dunes at Daymer Bay with our cavapoo, Freddie. The scenery is just breathtaking.” - Paul Ainsworth
“Off-season it’s quiet and peaceful, perfect for some coastal walks, stormy views and escaping the summer crowds! On my days off I love taking the ferry from Padstow and heading to Four Boys in Rock, it’s a fantastic restaurant that showcases Cornish produce and fresh pasta,” - Tom Holloway
Pictured above: At the Chewton Glen Hotel's Cookery School, guests can enjoy a hands-on culinary experience, learning to create delicious dishes from chefs like James Martin and savouring their creations at the Chef's Table.
ELEVATED dining EXPERIENCES
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime food experience, learning firsthand from celebrity chefs in incredible venues, or inside your holiday property, Dream Escape can show you how – taking your trip to the next level
Words: Karyn Noble
Is it okay, chef?” Watching the legendary Raymond Blanc OBE unmould the soufflé I’d made with my own hands at The Raymond Blanc Cookery School at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire was simultaneously terrifying and exhilarating. Yet it’s a precious moment I return to regularly; for gourmet travellers (especially those short on time), how better to capture the essence of a destination than to learn from (or dine with) those at the top of their field? Thanks to Dream Escape’s impeccable connections, your culinary wish-list in the UK and Ireland can become a reality, whether it's a lesson from a celebrity chef at a prestigious venue or enjoying a top-calibre private dining experience, delicious journeys await.
Visit a Celebrity Chef’s Cooking School
You’ve seen them on television; their cookbooks may grace your shelves… but what would it be like to cook at a celebrity chef’s venue?
It’s impossible to visit Padstow in Cornwall without seeing the influence of TV chef Rick Stein. Apart from his seafood restaurant; cafe; fish and chip outlet; and gastropub (his story, and that
of Cornwall’s wider culinary scene, is explored in our article Coastal Cravings on page 81), he also has an award-winning Cookery School that has been running for 25 years. It’s here you can enjoy private courses as well as seasonal tastings and chef demonstrations, depending on how handson you’d like to be, while revelling in the view across the picturesque Camel Estuary. Seafood is, of course, a primary focus, but the inspirations of Rick’s travels aren’t far away. You might even spot Rick himself signing books in the deli downstairs.
Guests at the Chewton Glen Hotel and Spa on the edge of New Forest National Park in Hampshire can take a dedicated buggy down to the purpose-built, open-plan cafe and cooking school called The Kitchen.
Celebrity TV chef and journalist James Martin is a frequent instructor here; his sessions are so in-demand they generate immediate waiting lists. Using state-of-the-art equipment, including Gaggenau induction hobs and ovens, Kenwood electrical appliances and Robert Welch knives, you’ll be guided through the creation of delicious dishes over the course of several hours, savour them at the Chef’s Table with a glass of wine then toddle back to your exquisite
treehouse accommodation or a pampering session at the spa.
When the Raymond Blanc Cookery School opened in Oxfordshire in 1991 the world paid attention, not least because Monsieur Blanc’s restaurant here – Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons – has held two Michelin stars continuously since 1984, the only restaurant in Britain to have done so. And while the venue is
Atul Kolchar, one of the first two Indian chefs to receive a Michelin star (in 2001 for Tamarind). Whether it’s a gathering of eight or an elaborate party for 100, Atul will prepare your dream meal in a private room or across the entire premises.
Gordon Ramsay is a chef who needs no introduction, and there are many private-dining spaces at his prestigious restaurants, whether you fancy the exclusive hire of Michelin-starred Pétrus
‘Settle into Aldourie Castle, a 300-year-old baronial castle in the Scottish Highlands and revel in its rustic dining room, perfectly set for your bespoke banqueting requirements, all catered exclusively for you by one of the country’s highest-calibre chefs.’
closing in January 2026 (a ‘transformation’ and reopening expected in the summer of 2027), there’s still a vast array of courses held almost every day here in 2025. While it’s unlikely you’ll find ‘RB’ (as he’s affectionately known by the chefs) teaching, it’s not unheard of for him to make an appearance, especially if the aroma of Comté cheese (from the region he was born in France) wafts up to his upstairs office.
The Jamie Oliver Cookery School launched in London in 2016, and while Jamie doesn’t teach public classes himself (he will occasionally do so for charity/special occasions), the team of chefs are trained in his signature style. Guest chefs, such as Gennaro Contaldo, who will be familiar to viewers of Jamie’s cooking shows as his culinary mentor, also often take classes.
High-End Dining Rooms
The UK is blessed with an abundance of specialoccasion private dining rooms with renowned chefs either on the pass or overseeing the menu concepts. Kanishka, in London’s Mayfair, serves cuisine from
in Knightsbridge or partake in Restaurant Gordon Ramsay's Inspiration Table for a bespoke tasting menu.
Relax with Luxurious Private Catering
Settle into Aldourie Castle, a 300-year-old baronial castle in the Scottish Highlands and revel in its rustic dining room, perfectly set for your bespoke banqueting requirements, all catered exclusively for you by one of the country’s highest-calibre chefs. Sound dreamy? It could be the family getaway or special occasion that makes your trip one that everyone talks about for decades to come.
Or if you’d prefer to delve deep into Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park, Candacraig, an historic mansion, provides a remarkable setting for your private dining in Aberdeenshire. Settle into the dedicated whisky library for rare drams, take a gourmet picnic to the heather-dotted hills or the Victorian walled garden, or indulge in an expertly matched whisky-pairing fine-dining occasion that highlights Scotland’s best seafood, meat and game.
Pictured below: Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, the magnificent Aldourie Castle offers the ultimate in private luxury, with a personal chef creating bespoke banqueting experiences within its historic walls.
Pictured above: A perfect retreat in the Scottish Highlands, Candacraig is a historic Aberdeenshire mansion where private fine-dining experiences and expertly matched whisky pairings are enjoyed in its stunning dining room.
Or what about Lismore Castle in Ireland’s county Waterford? A weekend or a week for your exclusive use, attended by a private butler? Where all the meals are taken care of, to your exact dietary requirements?
Ultimately, Dream Escape can reward your taste buds with both impeccable venues in lavish locations and impressive names hovering discreetly at your elbow with a silver tray. The ‘pinch-me’ moments of your trip can transcend the queues at hot-right-now restaurant doors to the hushed sophistication of exclusive venues, where it all comes to you, your way.
Elite private-dining with world-class private chefs
Dream Escape works alongside Caroline Yates, founder of The Good Cook Co, to arrange some of the most elite private-dining experiences the UK and Ireland has to offer. With a longstanding reputation for placing discreet, highly skilled chefs,
Caroline provides bespoke culinary solutions for the most discerning of palates and for every occasion.
Whether it’s a family holiday in Cornwall or an elegant shooting weekend on a Scottish Highlands estate, Caroline sends chefs who deliver seamless, restaurant-quality experiences in the privacy of your luxury accommodation.
From formal game dinners to laid-back country lunches, every detail is handled with professionalism and care.
“Having a private chef is like inviting a restaurant into your home,” says Caroline. “You get to enjoy your surroundings, your guests, and your time –without ever needing to lift a finger.”
With over two decades in luxury hospitality, Caroline works with Dream Escape to ensure that your trip is a memorable one, with every culinary detail to your exact requirements, from the quality of the ingredients to the carefully tailored menus delivered by a chef handpicked for your location.
Pictured left-right: Caroline Yates, founder of The Good Cook Co and Chef Dan Lee, winner of Masterchef 2021.
FREQUENTLY asked QUESTIONS
Why should I use a Destination Management Company (DMC)?
When you appoint a DMC like Dream Escape, you are taking on a team of professionals with a deep and intimate knowledge of the destination you are visiting. Using a DMC saves you time, makes things simple and helps ensure that nothing is left to chance. A DMC uses its relationships and purchasing power to negotiate the best deals and gain exclusive access to properties that are not normally available to the public.
Why should I use Dream Escape?
With over 175 years of combined expertise, our team is one of the strongest and most experienced in the luxury travel industry. We understand the value of time, particularly in crafting unforgettable travel experiences. Our commitment is to provide you with peace of mind through meticulous planning, tailored accommodation selection, and the curation of inspiring travel adventures.
Drawing on our extensive local expertise and partnerships with reliable suppliers, we assure you a seamless journey from start to finish. Your travel aspirations are our priority, and we take pride in orchestrating every detail of your trip with care and precision. With extensive experience in curating luxury travel experiences, our team specialises in meeting the sophisticated needs of our discerning clients. We only collaborate with toptier suppliers, building personal relationships with each one and thoroughly vetting all destinations and accommodations. Regular team visits ensure we are up-to-date with the latest offerings and industry developments.
What makes Dream Escape different from a travel agent? We do not arrange international flights as a travel agent would. We create our own bespoke itineraries for each and every client – no trip is ever the same. They are made up of ingredients that we put together having found and discovered them ourselves whilst travelling around all our destinations. We have built up special relationships with all the owners of the properties we use along with all our other suppliers. We use guides that can transform your trip from merely a good one into a truly extraordinary one with their enthusiasm, knowledge and general passion for the country being visited.
Can we book accommodation directly?
While there may be rare exceptions within Central London when we can be a little more flexible, we prefer our clients not to book their accommodation directly themselves. We have learnt through experience that it is important when planning a luxury bespoke trip to make sure that we are in control of all the arrangements. Above all, we aim to obtain favourable rates due to our personal relationships with the properties. It also ensures that we leave nothing to chance and that everything organised fits seamlessly together to provide the experience you and your clients are expecting.
Do you work with travel agencies?
Yes, we are very happy to work with travel agencies. Travel advisors understand their clients needs and expectations, and Dream Escape understand the chosen destinations and match these expectations seamlessly. As such, the perfect holiday can be consistently delivered.
Do you book international flights?
No. Dream Escape does not directly book or issue international flights to or from your chosen destination. However, we do arrange private charter flights, boat and helicopter transfers as part of the overall trip. We will take over the travel arrangements once you or your client arrive in the country being visited.
What travel documents do I need to visit the UK?
Travellers (non-visa nationals; those who don't need a visa for short stays and those without other UK immigration status, including US/Canada/EU/EEA/Swiss citizens) need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to visit the United Kingdom for tourism, business or transit. An eTA is electronically linked to a passport and valid for up to two years for multiple entries. If travellers receive a new passport, they must apply for a new eTA. The application of eTAs is fully the individual traveller’s responsibility.
If you want us to create a unique itinerary or simply want to talk through some ideas, please get in touch by emailing enquiries@dreamescape.co.uk
STEP INTO ARAMINTA CAMPBELL’S CASTLE-ATELIER, JUST OUTSIDE EDINBURGH, FOR A PRIVATE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE THAT OFFERS RARE ACCESS TO SCOTLAND’S FINEST HANDWOVEN TEXTILES.
Contact your Dream Escape representative to make your booking. www.aramintacampbell.co.uk | @aramintacampbell
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