Luxury Country Retreat

COWORTH PARK

The Dorchester Collection's luxurious rural retreat just moments from the centre of London combines country charm with modern elegance.

Nestled in 240 acres of picturesque Berkshire parkland, this 71-bedroom luxury country house hotel is the perfect escape at any time of the year. Cosy up in front of the fire during the colder months and soak up the stunning wildflower meadow in the summer.

Boasting a recent refurbishment, the hotel's rooms and suites remain rich in country house charm while delivering a seamless integration of modern, fresh aesthetic. From a Stable Superior Room where you can hide away and choose to do as much or as little as you please in peace to one of the impressive suites such as the incredible Mansion House Premium Suite which you will not want to leave. This 1,332ft2 one-bedroom suite is not only packed with luxurious features including a stand-out copper rolltop bathtub, fresh flowers and bottle of chilled Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Champagne on arrival, but features stunning views over your 240 acre garden, taking in the lime grove, polo field and meadow - the perfect spot to enjoy the wildflowers in the summer.

If you are after something a little more secluded, then this vast estate has two irresistible options for you to choose from. Positioned away from the main house, The Dower House provides you with a unique, listed property of your very own. Set amongst idyllic private gardens with access to the rest of the rolling grounds should you choose, this property boasts three en-suite bedrooms with kingsize and twin beds along with a fully-equipped kitchen ready with your own personal chef available on request and a private gated entrance with parking.

However for the ultimate escape, look no further than the recently unveiled gem in the collection, North Lodge. This is a private gatehouse cottage located on the outskirts of the grounds, now beautifully restored to offer three bedrooms, a state-of-the-art kitchen and an idyllic country garden.

The latest addition to Coworth Park’s 22 suites, North Lodge offers guests use of their own private driveway, lobby, dining room and kitchen where they can cook for themselves or have a dedicated

chef to cater for them. While three en-suite bedrooms with super king-size, king-size and twin bed provide all of the rest spots you might need for you and your guests. The private garden features a decking area ideal for a peaceful morning coffee in the sun.

Whatever room or suite you choose, you will not be disappointed by the quality this contemporary yet quaint hotel delivers and it's not reserved for the sleeping quarters. Across this estate, everything has been tailored to provide guests with the very best experience, from the excellent selection of restaurants, to outdoor pursuit experiences and relaxing in the state-of-the-art, dedicated spa just a short walk from the main house.

One of the main draws of this hotel is the truly blissful tranquillity it offers despite being located so close to London. Perfectly positioned to explore the historic Windsor or to relax after a long day at the races at Ascot, Coworth Park is the ultimate country retreat with convenience and the perfect spot to impress a special someone for a romantic weekend away from the Capital. Choose from a host of offers direct through the website to make the most of your visit, from a romantic getaway - luxury accommodation for two complete with rose petals, English breakfast served in your room, three-course dinner with a bottle of sommelier’s wine at The Barn and bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rosé

Champagne and chocolates - to a Spa and Stay break with English breakfast for two, 60 minute ishga Organic Rejuvenating Facial or 60 minute Personalised Wellbeing Massage by ishga Organic, use of the relaxation room after your treatment, a pot of estate grown meadow tea to share and digital unwind (optional mobile device secure surrender for the duration of your stay). Each package is available across numerous room and suite options, so you can tailor your stay to be exactly what you want it to be.

The modern spa sits in its own building a just a short walk away from the main house. Offering a number of treatments from facials to massages, the tranquil retreat provides the perfect excuse to relax and revitalise - something we all need after the last couple of years.

Whether you plan to lounge by the pool and indulge in the steam room, or head to the scenic state-of-the-art gym; there is plenty to do. The spa day packages in particular allow for a more leisurely pace with a highlight being the Signature Spa Day. The package begins with a deep cleansing back treatment and heated seaweed clay mask, using natural ingredients from the Scottish Hebrides before ending with an organic exfoliating face mask and scalp massage, before a powerful peel off mask. Suitable for all skin types, the package also includes a delicious two course lunch in the Spatisserie and use of the spa facilities.

Speaking of food, there are a plethora of dining options at Coworth Park. From the Drawing Room and Michelin star of Excellence and 4 AA Rosette Restaurant Coworth Park in the main house, to the more relaxed atmosphere of The Barn.

Located in the original barn frame, with rustic features such as a working stone fireplace, The Barn serves up delicious brasserie style dishes with low-key flair. Highlights from the menu include; Baked Winslade cheese with pecan nuts, figs, rosemary and cheese straws; Coworth Park beer-battered haddock, chunky chips and minted peas; Poached halibut with a shellfish and white bean cassoulet, sea herbs and The Barn IPA; and Waterford Farm 8oz salt-aged beef fillet, served with a classic Caesar salad, chunky chips cooked in dripping and a choice of peppercorn or Béarnaise sauce.

The perfect location for modern comfort food, in winter The Barn becomes the height of cosiness with the roaring fire, and in summer the wall of windows transforms the space with a flood of natural light.

Back at the hotel, breakfast is another highlight of your stay. The star of the show, has to be the Coworth country breakfast: Back and streaky bacon, Coworth Park banger, black pudding, grilled mushroom, tomato and hash brown and 2 eggs cooked to your liking. Otherwise, there is a huge selection of eggs, toasties and bagels, buttermilk pancakes and waffles, fresh fruit and cold plates. Guests are truly spoilt for choice.

Afterwards, take a long walk around the manicured gardens. With 240 acres, there is plenty of space to enjoy and for the more adventurous there are plenty of activities to take part in.

Home to eight friendly horses, the equestrian centre welcomes both beginners and seasoned riders. Take a leisurely hack around the grounds, head off for a canter or try your hand at dressage.

That's not all, as the only UK hotel with two professional polo fields, take the opportunity to try your hand at the quintessentially English sport. he fields are managed by the prestigious Guards Polo Club, with fixtures throughout the summer social season including major tournaments.

Elsewhere there's a whole array of activity options from walking, jogging and mountain biking trails; to games of tennis and the chance to play croquet on the upper lawn. You can even make the most of the grounds with a luxurious picnic.

TAJ 51 BUCKINGHAM GATE

Offering a wide choice of luxurious suites and residences, Taj 51 Buckingham Gate provides the perfect home-away-from-home for would-be guests. Accommodating families, state delegations and business executives alike, the large rooms boast between one and three bedroom suites or a larger residence offering up to six bedrooms, each with ample living areas for work and play, and a fully equipped kitchen.

Just a short walk from London's Victoria, Buckingham Palace and the leafy surrounds of Green Park, the hotel is made up of three magnificent townhouses surrounding a private courtyard, with each offering suites with individual character. For the ultimate 5 star luxury London experience, 4 signature suites are individuallydesigned and expertly-crafted residences that combine elegance and space with refined comfort. Each offers a unique experience to match your taste and mood.

Once the home of Lords and Ladies of the Royal Court, this destination now provides its guests with some of the most spacious and luxurious accommodation and finest personal service in London, featuring Taj's acclaimed Golden Keys Concierge Service.

A real highlight of a stay at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate is the highly sought after butler service and Golden Keys concierges. Nothing is too much trouble for the knowledgable and helpful team. From in room services and bespoke touches, to theatre tickets and bookings at the hottest restaurants, the team are on hand to ensure your stay goes as smoothly as possible, leaving you wanting for nothing. Providing guests the choice of in-suite dining, relaxing and entertaining, or dinner in the hotel's Michelin-starred Quilon and afternoon tea at the European inspired Kona, Taj 51 Buckingham Gate is a destination in itself. The current Alice in Wonderland, Queen of Hearts themed afternoon tea is a particular delight. Wildly creative with a decorated chessboard of fine cakes and patisseries as the highlight. This is an experience not to be missed, with every aspect of your tea themed around the iconic story including the fine china with Sir John Tenniel’s original book illustrations from the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection to add to the experience.

Holding a Michelin star since 2008, Quilon will take you on a culinary adventure along the South-West coast of India while brand new stylish restaurant, TH@51 welcomes you to pique your palate with a menu that draws inspiration from flavours around the world, exploring the unexplored to create a food and drink experience that excites all senses.

If you're more interested in taking some time out for yourself to relax and unwind, the hotel's newly relaunched wellness centre is the place for you. Combining two brands - Jiva and Temple Spa - this is the first spa venture for Jiva in Europe and offers the finest of East meets West spa treatments, designed to completely relax and restore the equilibrium of body and mind. Spa facilities include a specially appointed relaxation area, two single treatments rooms, one couple's suites, vitality pool, steam, sauna and an emotional shower.

Taj 51 Buckingham Gate is not just a hotel, it is a genuinely luxurious home-from-home offering in one of London's most premium locations. Whether you're looking to escape for a peaceful, romantic night away or want to take up residence for a number of weeks, you will find the perfect place to stay within this secluded oasis.

MALLORY COURT

A beautifully grand Lutyens style main house, set in 10 acres of lush, green grounds with a luxurious standalone spa for the ultimate retreat.

Located in the stunning Warwickshire countryside, Mallory Court, part of the Eden Hotel Collection and member of Relais & Châteaux, is the epitome of a quintessentially English country house hotel. Surrounded by tranquil landscaped gardens, the hotel is an English country oasis where you can escape an unwind, but is also perfectly positioned just outside the historic towns of Leamington Spa, Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon with a wealth of National Trust properties on its doorstep to explore this historic area of natural beauty. Offering 43 individually designed bedrooms - including a number of dog friendly options - there is something for everyone, whether you're looking for a comfortable base from which to explore the surroundings with your four-legged friend and family or an indulgent escape with everything you could possibly need to enjoy ultimate relaxation with that special someone. For those after an indulgent country retreat full of relaxation, look no further than the dedicated Elan Spa secluded away from the main house allowing you to fully soak up the tranquility that this destination affords. Complete with hydrotherapy pool, external vitality pool, thermal suites including sauna and steam room and treatment rooms where you can enjoy a host of

treatments using a specially selected range of ESPA and ila spa products. Perfectly blended with a blissful offering of spa rituals, body treatments and facials, a designated therapist will advise you on the ideal treatments to rebalance the mind, body and spirit and bring a sense of peace and wellbeing.

In line with this ethos of health and wellbeing, the hotel has also recently launched a dedicated vegan package for guests which includes an Inner Beauty ESPA Vegan Facial - which deeply cleans, hydrates and renews your skin with instant results - followed by a delicious vegan afternoon tea. Think artisan vegan sandwiches, a selection of vegan sweet delicacies and even vegan scones of both the fruit and plain variety. Whether you’re new to veganism following an exploratory venture during Veganuary or are a longstanding plant positive connoisseur, you won't be disappointed by the offering at Mallory Court. Food is at the heart of this stunning country house. With fresh produce available from the impressive kitchen gardens, along with close relationships with local suppliers, the three AA Rosette 'The Dining Room' creates delicious, seasonal menus to deliver incredible flavours presented in beautiful fashion. Bringing a tempting mix of modern techniques and trends with long forgotten traditional recipes, this is fine dining in style. This is an ideal destination for those looking to get away from the city and truly enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside. Indulge in relaxation and fine food in uncompromisingly blissful surroundings.

Inner Beauty ESPA Vegan Facial £75 per person Monday - Thursday and £85 per person Friday - Sunday. Vegan Afternoon Tea £29.50 per person. Must be pre-booked.

Rooms at Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa start from £105 per night with a number of packages on offer from dining experiences to spa breaks, so please check online for the latest offers.

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NOT JUST FOR VEGANUARY

Going green doesn't have to be reserved just for the first month of the year. With a host of restaurants choosing to go all in on vegan offerings, you can enjoy delicious, healthy, meat-free dishes throughout the year without sacrificing on flavour.

ALPINE FEASTING

INDULGENT FONDUE AND RACLETTE KITS FROM PROVISIONS LONDON

January might be over, but the colder months are well and truly upon us, gather friends and family and warm up with Provisions Wine & Cheese's fondue and raclette kits which are available nationwide.

Guests can transport themselves to the French Alps from the comfort of their own homes with the interactive kits. The Fondue Kit is designed for two and comes with Provisions’ house fondue mix of grated raw milk cheese, 10cl of white wine, bread cubes, garlic and a recipe card, plus the option to add a bottle of Altesse by Yves Duport in Bugey from the Rhône-Alpes for just £45.

Meanwhile the Raclette Kit, for three to four people, consists of 600g of raclette and morbier cheeses and a 300g selection of fine, artisanal French and Italian cured meats.

Both kits are available nationwide and to purchase online, and what's even better is that there is no special equipment required for cooking, you can simply use your regular pots and pans, however Provisions also sell fondue and raclette sets for those keen to go the whole Alpine hog. © Laura Jalbert

Fondue Kit - £29.00 for 2 people (option to add a bottle of Altesse by Yves Duport in Bugey for £45.00) 460-480g Provisions fondue mix; 10cl of wine; Bread cubes; Garlic clove; Recipe card. Raclette Kit - £29.00 for 3-4 people (option to add a bottle of Altesse by Yves Duport in Bugey for £45.00) 600g Raw milk raclette and smoked raclette; 300g sliced artisan cured meats from France and Italy.

Provisions Holloway Road, 167 Holloway Road, London N7 8LX | Provisions Hackney, 308 Hackney Road, London E2 7SJ (opening early March 2022) provisionslondon.co.uk

CHINESE NEW YEAR AT PING PONG

Roaring into Chinese New Year, Ping Pong Restaurant group has created a range of special menu items to celebrate Chinese New Year 2022, the Year of the Tiger.

Available throughout the month, with Chinese New Year falling on Tuesday 1 February, the new dim sum has been created with the help of Dim Sum Master Ruby Wu.

Exciting new dishes gracing the menu include the Tiger Paw Vegan Dumpling - a vibrant orange dumpling reminiscent of a tiger - sauteed root vegetable, shiitake mushroom, bean curd & chinese leaves wrapped in gluten free golden turmeric pastry; crispy Chicken & coriander griddled potsticker - chicken & coriander wrapped in a crispy wheat flour pastry, griddled and finished with toasted black & white sesame seeds, served with tangy tomato chilli sauce; and a Pork, leek & fine beans crispy potsticker - Taiwanese style pork with leek and fine beans wrapped in wheat flour pastry, lightly fried and topped with pressed black & white sesame seeds.

For those with a sweet tooth there is a delicious new fluffy Custard Tiger Bun - fluffy steamed cantonese bun filled with creamy custard, the perfect treat to end a Chinese New Year banquet!

Alongside the four new dishes, Ping Pong is also offering a Grey Goose Tiger Eye Martini - a decadent mix of Grey goose vodka shaken with pear liqueur, lime juice and cinnamon syrup, topped with egg white and a tiger eye edible disk to further celebrate the occasion.

With seven restaurants across the capital, all the dining rooms will be getting into the spirit of the festivities, adorned with traditional red lanterns and life-size tigers at the Soho and Southbank restaurants.

The perfect place to enjoy Chinese New Year and fantastic food, there are also a range of great value set menus priced at £23.95 with meat, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available. Guests can also enjoy a bottomless drinks package featuring House wines, Tsingtao Beer, Gin & Tonic and Lychee and Rose Martinis. Priced at just £20.00 per person, the offer is available from 124.30pm, and £25.00 from 5pm onwards.

ALTER

If you tried doing Veganary and are looking to carry on into February, or are hoping to incorporate more balanced eating in your life during 2022, then Alter is a place that should be on your radar to visit.

Located on the top floor of the Leman Locke hotel in Aldgate, Alter is a real hidden gem in the heart of the city. Having opened just before the first lockdown and after a major leak which forced the restaurant back into closure this summer, Alter is back with a bang providing inventive flavours and buzzy atmosphere.

Perfect for those looking for an introduction to plant based eating, the menu has been developed by chef and founder Andy Goodwin, previously of nearby Som Saa and who trained under Andrew Wong, is entirely plant-based.

Entirely plant-based, with no fake meat in sight, the innovative menu is inspired by pan-Asian flavours and fusion cooking techniques. All the flavours, textures and tase comes from fresh vegetables, spices, nuts and tofu.

A real joy from start to finish, the Tokyo ramen bar inspired space serves up modern dishes such as shitake & yellow bean dumplings served with kelp broth; colourful izakaya pickles served with 1:1:1 chilli relish; rice fermented mustard green miang laos; and steamed peanut sugar baos.

Designed to be shared, standout dishes include Myanmar's fermented green tea som tam salad - a wonderfully authentic citrus sour salad made with fermented green tea leaves; creamy khao-soi noodle laksa with giant oyster mushrooms. Every dish is like a surprise to the senses, balancing complex flavours with great textures to provide a filling and hearty meal.

Perhaps the restaurant’s most iconic dish is their mysterious ‘pizza’. Making it a must-try dish in itself, the pizza stands out because it seems out of place on the heavily Asian inspired menu. Served with ajo blanco and basil, the moreish puffs were a highlight for comedian and Off Menu podcast host James Acaster who proclaimed it his favourite bread course of all time.

Alter has also just launched a brand new lunch menu which is available on Thursdays and Fridays.

Complementing the delicious dishes on offer, Alter offers a selection of trendy natural wines and classic 'dive bar' cocktails with a twist. Highlights include the yuzu sake negroni; a blend of yuzu sake, vault vermouth and Campari, while the Tokyo Manhattan is a refreshing mix of scotch whisky, plum sake and vault vermouth. There are plenty of low and no alcohol options to enjoy too.

Milk Chocolate Tart

By Adam Smith. Serves 6-8

Adam Smith is executive chef at Michelin-starred, Restaurant Coworth Park in Ascot. Named as the Roux Scholar in 2012 and awarded Craft Guild of Chefs Restaurant Chef of the Year in 2015, he joined Coworth Park as executive chef in 2016, overseeing all its culinary outlets, and in 2021 was awarded the Michelin-star for Restaurant Coworth Park for a fourth consecutive year.

With Valentine’s Day landing on February 14, this is the month of love, and what better dish to make for someone special than an irresistible chocolate dessert to end your romantic meal in style? My signature milk chocolate tart always goes down a treat and is one of my favourite desserts to make. With its cocoa glaze and gold leaf finishing touches, it is simple and elegant, letting the flavours speak for themselves.

SWEET PASTRY - Step 1 140g Icing sugar 45g Ground almond 3g Salt 200g Butter 68g Egg yolk 80g Bread flour (1), sifted 250g Bread flour (2), sifted

MILK CHOCOLATE MIX - Step 2 450g Milk chocolate (must be a couverture with minimum 36% cocoa solids) 225g Whipping cream 40g Butter

COCOA GLAZE - Step 3 50g Cocoa powder, sifted 120g Water 150g Sugar 85g Whipping cream 10g Gelatine leafs, soaked (bronze)

METHOD - Step 1

Beat the icing sugar, ground almonds, salt and butter together in a large bowl until white. Slowly add the egg yolks that have been allowed to get to room temperature. Then slowly add the first batch of sifted flour (1) in stages. Once combined, then add flour (2) in two stages and bring together. Allow the mix to rest for an hour in the fridge.

Next, take an 8inch tart ring and grease with a very small amount of vegetable oil. Roll the pastry to 5mm thickness and line the ring, ensuring to get all the sides perfectly straight. Chill for 20 min in the fridge and trim the top of the ring flat with a sharp knife.

Line the tart base with Clingfilm and baking beans, blind baking the tart for 15 min in the oven at 165°C. After 15 min, remove the Clingfilm and beans and bake the tart case for a further 8 min until cooked. Allow the tart case to cool before removing it from the tart ring.

METHOD - Step 2

Melt the chocolate Au Bain Marie over hot water. In a separate pan, bring the cream and butter to the boil, then pour over the chocolate. Slowly fold the two components together and then blend with a stick blender to ensure it is velvety smooth.

Once at around 35°C in temperature, pour into the cooked tart case and allow to set at room temperature for a couple of hours. (Top tip is not to put the tart into the fridge)

METHOD - Step 3

Place the cocoa powder, water, sugar and cream into a pan and bring to the boil. Add the gelatine and whisk until dissolved, pass through a fine sieve. Cool down to 35°C in an ice bath.

Then pour a very thin layer on top of the set milk chocolate tart and allow to set. Your milk chocolate tart will then be ready to enjoy!

PASTAIO

Created by British chef Stevie Parle, Pastaio aims to bring people pasta that is not only great value, but is also nourishing and considerate to nature.

Made by hand every single morning on site at the Soho and Westfield locations, before being combined with the best seasonal produce available, the result is some of the best pasta you have ever had.

Short and long pasta is extruded through bronze using a blend of organic Italian semolina and ancient British grains. The stuffed pasta is made by hand from the best '00 flour and freshest eggs from Woodlands Farm, close to Steve's house.

Starting with a range of antipasti, from Sardinian crisp bread served with Pastaio Olive Oil, and Anchovies marinaded in Vin Santo; to fresh Burrata, and Gnocchi alla romana and speck - the menu sets the tone for the pasta that lies ahead.

There are many pasta dishes to choose from making it hard to pick but highlights include Squid, artichoke, datterini tomato, chilli and white wine linguine; Slow cooked sausage ragu with fennel, parmesan, chilli, breadcrumbs and malloreddus; and Cacio E Pepe.

Vegans can enjoy 'Symplicity' vegan meatballs served with slow cooked san marzano tomatoes and mafaldine; and Cavolo nero, new season olive oil, chilli, casarecce from the special green vegan menu which also features a number of antipasti dishes and desserts.

Using the same top quality ingredients, the talented team have substituted plant-based ingredients where needed and can also provide gluten free pasta too.

Whats more, all of the wine served at Pastaio is suitable for vegans. The restaurant works with small organic wine producers to preserve flavour and to reduce environmental impact and cost by serving wines on tap.

Desserts are as decadent as the pasta with the outstanding Pastaio Tiramisu; Baked Ricotta cheesecake with amarena cherry; and Raspberry and chocolate sorbet.

Aside from sorbet, vegans and vegetarians can enjoy the Congolese Chocolate mousse with pistachio and honeycomb.

GALLIO

Located on the upper level of Cabot Place in Canary Wharf, and transporting you to more sunny climes, new Mediterranean pizza restaurant Gallio is serving up modern pizzas, alongside sharing mezze-style small plates, seasonal salads, Mediterranean bowls and fully loaded flatbreads, all packed with nutritious and vibrant seasonal ingredients.

Certainly the star of the show, the pizza's at Gallio feature a unique base made up of impeccably sourced grains that not only taste better, but are also packed with antioxidants, and are high in protein and fibre.

Showcasing simplicity at its best, the nutritious grains are mixed with nothing more than sea salt, yeast, extra virgin olive oil and filtered water, before being left to prove for 18 hours.

Guests can watch the trained pizza chefs toss and flip the tasty dough behind the open counter at the traditional Marana Forni wood-fired oven. Having been taught by Davide D’Auria, a third-generation pizza chef and a previous winner of Best Pizza Chef in the UK at the World Pizza Championship, the Gallio team are amongst the best of the best.

After creating the super thin and crispy base, the pizzas are ready to be topped with a large array of fresh ingredients.

From marinated artichoke hearts with sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives and mozzarella on the Happy Heart pizza; to nduja with fennel salami, piquillo peppers, buffalo mozzarella and wild rocket on the Salami 'Nduja - there is a huge amount of choice.

Regularly changing seasonal specials are also on offer for those looking for something different.

Aside from the pizza, there are also plenty of small plates on offer.

Highlights include Roasted Garlic Hummus; Grilled Moroccan Chicken Shish; and Lamb Kofte Meatballs.

Those looking to keep up any new year healthy eating habits can enjoy a seasonal salad with choices including the Gallio Caesar; New Greek Salad; and the Quinoa Tabbouleh, made with mixed quinoa, cherry tomatoes, parsley, pomegranate seeds and red onion drizzled with tangy pomegranate vinaigrette.

Or even a protein-packed Mediterranean bowls come laden with grains, herbs, shredded carrot, turmeric cauliflower and much more, topped with your choice of Moroccan spiced chicken, lamb kofte, roasted aubergine or pesto-rissa’ salmon.

The menu features a good selection of vegan and gluten-free options, as well as a number of sweet treats to finish – the Lotus Biscoff Cheesecake is a must-try, as is the Molten Chocolate Fondant served with vanilla ice cream.

Drinks wise, guests can choose from a number of wines, beers, and premium spirits, as well as juices, cocktails and mocktails.

Open from 12pm until 10pm Wednesday to Sunday, Gallio is perfect for business lunches or dinner with friends and family. You can also click and collect for lunch al desko or order via Deliveroo for an office gathering or supper at home making it a great addition to Wharf for both workers and residents alike. © Steven Joyce

YOUR COCKTAIL

February is traditionally the month to add some romance to your cocktail repertoire yet it wouldn’t hurt to also introduce some sweetness and fruit to bid goodbye to the heavy wintery spices and dark spirits we’ve recently been enjoying. Fruit (be it fresh, syrup or infusion) also helps to add a welcome reminder that the bright summer days and longer nights will soon return.

A cocktail that combines all these elements is the Peach Paloma and you can bypass seasonality issues by using a fruit infused gin liqueur, in this case we have selected June by G’Vine Wild Peach and Summer Fruits.

Gin liqueurs are a useful addition to a home bar to add sweetness and flavour to cocktails or simply enjoyed in a spritz, with fizz, or to update your G&T. Gin liqueurs are usually sweeter (in this case through natural sugars) and they have a lower ABV, June comes in at 30% ABV as opposed to the usual 37.5% which brings down the alcohol content considerably.

June by G’Vine is made by Maison Villevert, an independent French distillery located in the Cognac region that was founded by an oenologist and as such their gins are made using grapes rather than the traditional use of grain (usually wheat and barley). The distilled grape spirit gives the gin a more fresh, smooth and rounded taste and not using grain also results in a completely gluten free spirit.

Maison Villevert’s signature gin, G'Vine Floraison, provides the base for June by G’Vine for both their Wild Peach and Summer Fruits and Royal Pear and Cardamom gin liqueurs.

What makes G'Vine Floraison particularly special is that it is infused with vine blossom. This delicate, aromatic vine flower only blossoms for a few days each year around the month of June (hence the name chosen for their liqueur) before the grapes form. The blossoms are picked by hand and preserved before adding to the gin. Technically the gin already contains flowers so if the 14th is suddenly upon you and you find yourself flowerless, you’ll find the excuse is in the bottle.

This Peach Paloma recipe only uses three ingredients in equal measures so it is quick and simple to create and can be scaled up as required making it an ideal recipe for a sharing cocktail for Valentine’s gatherings, or when you’d prefer not to be behind the bar.

G’Vine Wild Peach & Summer Fruits is priced at £29.00rrp (70cl) and is available from Fenwick, The Whisky Exchange Booths (50cl exclusive size £25.00 rrp) | fenwick.co.uk | thewhiskyexchange.com | orders.booths.co.uk

Peach Paloma

Ingredients

June by G’Vine Wild Peach and Summer Fruits | Tequila (can swap for Mezcal if you would like a smoked flavour) | Grapefruit Juice

Method

Pour equal measures of June Gin Liqueur, tequila and grapefruit juice into your chosen vessel, serve with lots of ice and top with tonic water to taste.

Garnish with grapefruit slices - Experiment with full rounds, half rounds or smaller triangles both on the rim and inside the glass.

THE IVY TOWER BRIDGE

Boasting a host of restaurants across London and beyond, The Ivy offers an inviting menu wherever you decide to dine. However, not all can deliver quite the same experience as dining mere metres from one of London's greatest landmarks, Tower Bridge.

With both up and downstair seating available overlooking this iconic architecture along with an outdoor terrace - maybe wait for some warmer weather before braving that - there are plenty of options for dining with a view.

Inside, the unique, vibrant interior design complete with signature distinctive artworks and plethora of mirrors creates an exciting atmosphere for a weekend brunch while remaining equally ideal for breakfast, lunch or dinner whether with friends, family or colleagues.

Offering a vast number of menus, from breakfast to daytime and evening set menus, dedicated weekend brunch and afternoon tea, there really is something for everyone at any time of day. The all-day a la carte menu is available seven days a week for both lunch and dinner and packs a seriously broad culinary punch. A basket of irresistible zucchini fritti is a must to enjoy while you decide what to indulge in, and the truffle arancini also found on the pre-starter snack section are a firm flavour favourite.

Navigating the menu can be a challenge if you like lots of different things, so it might be worth dining with someone who doesn't mind sharing so you can sample more than one thing, but the options on offer will certainly not leave you wanting - only maybe to return again.

Dishes such as roast pumpkin and butternut squash soup and crispy duck salad make up the starter list alongside stand-outs such as the twice-baked cheese soufflé and steak tartare. Meanwhile, the main event comes in the shape of classics including chicken milanese; fish and chips; and steak, supported by dishes of blackened cod fillet baked in a banana leaf with a soy marinade, citrus-pickled fennel, grilled broccoli, chilli and yuzu mayonnaise; and aromatic duck curry, a coconut-based Keralan sauce with chilli, choy sum, sweet potato and jasmine rice.

Whatever you choose, you can wash it all down with an almost endless offering of wines and cocktails - or of course non-alcoholic options - with the 'Salted Caramel Espresso Martini' a perfect way to finish any meal.

FISHWORKS

MARYLEBONE

After the season of indulgence, enjoy a dinner of light and impeccably sourced seafood from Devon and Cornwall’s fish markets paired beautifully with small-batch wines.

With three restaurants located in Swallow Street near Piccadilly, Covent Garden and Marylebone, Fishworks showcases the best fresh fish that you can either enjoy in the restaurant or take home and cook for yourself.

The Marylebone location is conveniently located on Marylebone High Street and boasts fresh seafood from Brixham Market.

With a counter at the front for those looking to take fish home, the modern restaurant stretches back and features calming shades of blue and natural light from the large back window.

Highlights from the beautifully presented menu include the Fishworks tasting platter for two. Described as the best of Fishworks menu in a dish, the stunning platter features crispy fried fish and samphire, filleted grilled sea bass, wild prawns, scallops and sea bream, fresh oysters, mussels, clams, Devon crab and crevettes on ice.

Elsewhere the Argentinian prawns with chilli ginger, white wine and garlic are fresh and juicy; and the classic Moules marinières is wonderfully creamy.

Guests can also sample Whole Devon Crab, fresh Lobster, Day Boat Dover Sole, and Oven roasted Sea Bass. There is even a smaller grilled seafood platter that is similar to the tasting platter for two but more suitable for one person featuring a sautéed scallop cooked with white wine and garlic butter; sea bass, sea bream and ginger and garlic prawns.

There's a large cocktail and wine list created to complement the fish. Fishworks own Portugese FishWorks Fernão Pires, 2018 Quinta da Boa Esperanca is the perfect all-round accompaniment for the delicate flavours of the fish.

Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy classic desserts such homemade fresh lemon tart; sticky chocolate brownie; and apple and raspberry crumble. There's also a hearty British cheeseboard for those looking for something more savoury.

Focusing on the fresh flavours of the sea, Fishworks is the perfect location to enjoy simple seafood done well.

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