Scottish Escape

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SCOTTISH ESCAPE

Soak up stunning scenery whilst enjoying some of the best golf courses in the UK. The undeniably beautiful St. Andrews offers up a host of golfing options with plenty to keep you busy, but there's so much more to explore in the picturesque Scottish countryside.

JAPANESE SANCTUARY

Inspired by Japan, The Prince Akatoki London Hotel offers a peaceful sanctuary to escape the city and experience the best of Japanese hospitality and culture.

Providing an enlightening experience, the 5-star hotel promotes mindfulness and tranquility at every point. A neutral and naturally light colour palette aims to leave guests feeling calmer and physically lighter during their stay.

Each of the 82 rooms and suites boast large beds, a minimal aesthetic, luxury fabrics and premium amenities, effortlessly fusing Japanese traditions with modern touches ensuring there is nothing to want for during your stay.

From the Superior and Deluxe Rooms to the Studio Suites with king beds, a walk-in double rain shower, luxury toiletries and complimentary soft drink mini bar, there is something to suit every need.

The name Akatoki comes from an ancient Japanese word for sunrise. It represents the feeling you get when you wake up relaxed, rejuvenated and ready for the endless possibilities of the day ahead. That feeling of hope and clarity is exactly what the hotel was aiming for when considering the overall guest experience.

Just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Marble Arch, Oxford Street and Hyde Park, you couldn't ask for a more central location in the middle of the action. That said, The Prince Akatoki is a welcome retreat after a hard day's shopping and exploring the capital.

TOKii, the hotel's main restaurant is serves a vibrant main menu focused on sushi, sashimi, seafood and dishes from the Robata grill.

Designed to bring the best of Eastern and Western flavours together, with Japan at the forefront, the exciting menu uses fresh and international ingredients to create an array of beautifully presented sharing plates.

Among the many dishes, which are divided into sections of hot, cold, signature dishes and sushi; highlights include Buttermilk and sancho pepper crispy chicken; Green tea cured mackerel, shaved fennel, wakame and pea shoots; Pork belly teriyaki TOKii style skewers; and Lobster croquettes with yuzu and mango salsa. Mainwise, the Japanese Grade A5 Wagyu beef with spicy ponzu and Japanese mustard mayo is not to be missed; as is the Miso glazed black cod with sweet corn fried rice.

TOKii also boasts a full menu of Nigiri, Sashimi and Sushi Roll options, mixed Skewers (meat, fish and vegetable), and fried Tempura. Options include Tuna Otoro; Yellowtail; Sea Bass; Scallops; and Shrimp.

Open from breakfast, and with a fantastic offering of salmon and miso soup alongside a more traditional English offering, the sleek and stylish restaurant serves up terrific food in elegant surrounds. With a dark and sophisticated colour palette, TOKii embraces a minimalistic decor with a liquid metal wall mural inspired by the ocean, dark timber joinery, blackened cladding and timber screening, dividing the space making this the perfect venue for business lunches and intimate dinners alike. From plush banquettes and traditional seating to the theatrical display at the sushi counter, the restaurant is the perfect accompaniment to the rest of the Japanese inspired hotel. After dinner, guests can retire for a cocktail or two at the stylish and intimate The Malt Lounge & Bar.

Welcoming guests with a graceful cherry blossom tree, The Malt Lounge & Bar, is currently offering guests a special menu of Sakura inspired cocktails and Japanese picnic hampers alongside a wide range of premium Japanese and international whiskies, signature cocktails and a stock variety of Japanese homegrown sake.

DECADENT COUNTRY RETREAT

AT SCHLOSS ROXBURGHE HOTEL & GOLF COURSE

Just across the Scottish border close to Kelso on the River Tweed sits a fine country retreat that is more than worth the journey. Hidden away in the beautiful Scottish countryside, the Schloss Roxburghe Hotel enjoys a tranquil, remote existence that affords its guests with a luxurious escape from the rest of the world.

Arrival is a grand affair with a long driveway eventually reaching the sprawling front lawn from which you lay eyes on the stunning manor house. You are welcomed into a cosy oasis with warm tones and natural materials at every turn.

From the entrance lobby you can take a welcome rest from your

journey in the welcoming, comfortable and beautiful bar or head straight to your luxurious room. With a total of just 20 rooms and suites, the hotel is an exclusive stop for the most discerning of traveller, combining modern comfort with traditional, historic elegance. Each well appointed room has a unique offering in both design and views including the stunning 76 sqm Schloss Suite which offers a home from home for two adults plus two children, perfect for a family retreat. It's also a dog friendly hotel, so you can even take your four-legged friend with you to enjoy the stunning surroundings.

With such a warm, comfortable interior, you might find it hard to leave the luxurious embrace, but it would be a wasted visit if you didn't venture out and explore the grounds and surrounds. First up is obviously the Roxburghe Championship Golf Course. A spectacular, challenging course that is the only one of championship grade in the Scottish Borders, this golf course is one of the finest in Scotland and does not disappoint. A 7,100 yard 72-par course that flows over natural contours, offers dramatic water hazards, and delivers Sam Torrence's once favourite 14th tee in Scotland. "Roxburghe's signature hole, The Viaduct, is my favourite 14th tee in Scotland. It's such a beautiful hole in such a glorious setting".

There is no denying the quality of this course, and the views simply make it that little bit more enjoyable - regardless of your score. However, it's not just golf on offer here. There is a plethora of outdoor pursuits that you can engage in while on the estate with everything from fishing and shooting to segway and horse riding. The vast, expansive estate provides the perfect destination for outdoor activities whatever the weather.

Why not try your hand at fly fishing at the on-site Fly Fishing Centre where you can learn the ropes with the chance to catch Atlantic Salmon, Sea Trout and Brown Trout on rivers and stillwaters on the River Tweed system or if you'd rather stay closer to dry land, head to The Roxburghe Shooting School to steady your hands and hit stationary or moving targets. Everything from tomahawk throwing and archery to air rifle and clay pigeon shooting is available and what's more, you don't even need to have any experience. The expertise of the instructors will guide you to become an instant marksman...maybe.

Cycling, horse riding and hiking all lend themselves perfectly

to this destination with seamingly endless countryside in every direction, you won't be short of potential routes to explore, just make sure you plan ahead to ensure you make it back to the comforts of the hotel in one piece.

After an activity filled day, you will be ready to relax and unwind and the ever-present Bar 1745 is on hand to help you slip into a far more comfortable state of mind. The stylish, historic library bar complete with roaring fire is the ideal place to recharge your batteries and offers not just a selection of fine beverages from wine to whisky, but also a selection of culinary delights throughout the evening. Pre or post-dinner, this is where you want to be, just make sure you arrive early for a spot by the fire.

If your adventures come to an early close, you might just find a tasty treat or two in the Drawing Room. An sumptuous afternoon tea will not only give you a chance to rest, but also replenish with a delicious selection of traditional delights.

Cuisine is an integral part of your Schloss Roxburghe Hotel experience whether you enjoy an indulgent breakfast or save yourself for a stunning dinner. Sunlaws Restaurant will

ensure your culinary experience is one to remember. A 'from estate to plate' philosophy has taken the hotel's food offering to new heights. Focussing on the provenance of the produce, you won't find much fresher ingredients on a restaurant plate.

A commitment to the environment and sustainability has been incorporated into the hotel's day-to-day operations understanding a growing desire for healthy eating and sustainably sourced produce from guests. An organic estate farm provides the freshest vegetables possible and ensures that they find their way to your plate as soon as possible. For those ingredients not available from the estate itself, the hotel goes out of their way to source the most local produce possible, reducing the environmental impact of transport and supporting other local businesses.

Growing fine, fresh produce is only half of the battle - you also need to know what to do with it. Executive Chef Olivier Borja incorporates produce from the gardens into the seasonal menus of the restaurants.

Combining home grown vegetables with other fresh and locally sourced produce, including the best local meat and fish, the kitchen team create plates which represent the very best foods of the Scottish Borders and present them in truly beautiful fashion. From hearty meals to fresh sweets, you can go from course to course delighted with the delicious and organic food on offer.

This destination hotel has everything you could possibly need for the perfect Scottish retreat in a package that delivers on every level. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure, culinary delights or simply looking to escape, you will find it all in this beautiful, historic hotel. Contact the hotel directly when booking to find out what activities are available to avoid disappointment as some are seasonal and weather dependent.

FAIRMONT

ST ANDREWS

Synonymous with golf, St Andrews is a must visit for enthusiasts and casual players alike. With a plethora of courses stretching along the coastline and throughout the area, this is the ultimate golfing hotspot. At every turn you will find a new course to enjoy, but you want to ensure you find the perfect spot to settle down and relax after a day on the greens.

Thankfully, just a stones throw from St Andrews' town centre, complete with not one, but two championship golf courses of its own is the Fairmont St Andrews. Winding through 520 acres of truly breathtaking scenery, The Torrance and The Kittocks courses deliver some of the finest golfing views in the UK while offering a challenge for every golfer, novice or otherwise.

On arrival, the grand entrance gate hints at the scale of the estate, while a long drive up to the hotel provides a little time to soak up a first glimpse at the views. Situated above the golf courses and inland, the impressive hotel building overlooks all of the action with views spanning across the bay to St Andrews and beyond.

You are welcomed into the vast open-planned lobby which is home to the reception and concierge desks as well as an ideal waiting spot for your colleagues - or competitors - and Kittocks Den, the main lounge bar, perfect for an after round tipple before returning to your room.

Kittocks Den is named after the valley that runs through The Kittocks course. The meaning behind the word is old Scottish for ‘flighty lady’ and the Kittocks Den smugglers hole was where alcohol was spirited in the area which is now reflected in the hotel's ‘Spirit of Scotland’ list. An impressive collection of rare and unique single malts, cocktails and othe spirits are on offer in this vibrant, relaxed lounge bar.

If you're looking to continue with your sporting endeavours, you can head to the Zephyr Sports Bar instead where you can indulge in a stein of Zephyr pilsner while challenging your friends to some light-hearted competition on the dart board, pool table or foosball.

Dining options at the hotel include a substantial bar offering at Kittocks Den. With the likes of The Fairmont Club Sandwich, steak and fries, and cod and chips on offer with a hot fudge sundae to finish, this is the ideal spot for a quick, relaxed meal. Alternatively, you can dine in the Squire Restaurant, named after Gene 'The

Squire' Sarazen, the golfing legend and a past winner of the Grand Slam of golf. Providing all-day dining, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner here with options including dishes from the currently closed La Cucina and St Andrews Bar & Grill restaurants such as West Coast Cumbrae oysters, truffled wild mushroom risotto and St Andrews Bay whole grilled lobster.

After a long day on the course with a full belly from the restaurant you will undoubtedly want to retire to your luxurious room to relax. With four room and five suite options to choose from, you will find your perfect spot to unwind, whether that's with a view over the course or an extravagant suite with room to stretch out. If you're travelling with family or a group of friends, the hotel also offers a stunning Manor Home option for up to eight guests. Complete with a farmhouse kitchen, breakfast bar, dining room with separate formal dining room, four en-suite bedrooms and open plan lounge with two TV areas, you and your guests will have plenty of space in this home from home with stunning views across the resort, golf courses and surrounding area to relax. Not only ideal for access to the Fairmont courses and hotel facilities, but the perfect destination to explore and enjoy the huge number of other courses in the vicinity.

As the winter months move in, the courses will begin to deliver an extra level of difficulty for those looking to challenge themselves, but you can stay indoors if you would prefer to relax and unwind in the comfort of the Fairmont Spa. Ten treatment rooms are available for you to enjoy one of the many treatments on offer from facials to massages with a pool, steam room, sauna and hydrotherapy experiences to enjoy after. For those keen to maintain their strength and mobility ready for the course, head to the well appointed fitness suite to work out without the risk of adverse weather.

With the Covid impact still affecting some facilities, it is essential to check online or direct with the hotel when booking if there is something specific you are looking to do during your stay as there are regular changes to what is available such as the restaurant offering.

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FINE FOOD IN THE HEART OF MAYFAIR

European fare-a-plenty; Mayfair is home to some of the finest cuisine around and Le Comptoir Robouchon is most certainly up there with the best. If you have heard of the famous Robouchon mashed potato, but never had the chance to experience it, then this is your chance. Your won't be disappointed.

LONDON COCKTAIL W E E K

Now extended to the whole month of October, London Cocktail Week has announced an incredible line-up of events to celebrate the festival.

BYRON BURGER

Do you dare try the limited edition Hot Trick Burger at Byron this October (running from 1st-31st October), in preparation for the spookiest day of the year? The chefs at Byron have upped the ante and have added some serious spice to their special spook-tastic burger. The Hot Trick combines a 6oz beef patty, tangy American cheese, smoky chorizo, deep fried spicy jalapenos, chipotle ketchup, ranch dressing, and crisp lettuce for a full and satisfying meal. What's more if you turn up to any Byron restaurant in full fancy dress this Halloween (on the 29th, 30th or 31st October 2021)*, you will receive a free side, from the all new sides menu. Choose from dirty fries, Byron slaw, onion rings, mac and cheese, halloumi fries. Better still, wash it down with Byron’s crowning glory - a thick milkshake! Oreo, strawberry, vegan salted caramel shakes to name a few.

*Eat in only. Must purchase a full priced burger. Not in conjunction with any other offer. The Hot Trick for £13.95. Sides from £3.00 and shakes from £5.00.

byron.co.uk

With a timetable of unmissable parties, pop-ups, masterclasses and immersive experiences for everyone from amateur to expert, there are also 250 hand-picked venues from London’s highly celebrated bar scene serving special Signature Cocktails for just £7 all month long to those wearing a wristband.

Wristbands are £15 and can be used throughout the month of October, available from londoncocktailweek.com. Getting a London Cocktail Week wristband presents a truly unrivalled opportunity to drink incredible cocktails at bars such as Tāyer+Elementary, Blue Bar at The Berkeley, Artesian at The Langham, Lyaness, Sketch and Three Sheets alongside brand new openings such as Bar La Rampa, Sucre and Abajo, Park Row and Hacha Brixton at a fraction of the usual cost.

New for 2021, London Cocktail Week has partnered with Covent Garden to create a hub for the festival, with the main aim to encourage people to re-discover the West End. Visitors to Covent Garden will also be able to enjoy the best of global and independent dining, world class shopping as well as experience immersive art installations by artists such as Chila Burman and more.

The heart of the hub for London Cocktail Week in Covent

Garden is The Essence House an immersive, multi-sensorial drinking experience, which allows you to understand your personal palate profile. With expert guidance, guests can enjoy an intricate series of flavour and aroma tests, designed to help you uncover new ways to reimagine taste and understand the impact of effervescence, temperature, and garnish. With these next level skills, you'll learn how to reinvent the way you create cocktails for both yourself, and others, before heading out to the rooftop terrace where you’ll be welcomed by talented bartenders serving signature

London Essence cocktails. Elsewhere zero-waste spirits brand, Discarded Spirits Co., is launching a first of its kind and decidedly unique drinking experience: The World’s Most Rubbish Bar. Immersive, stylish and sustainable, it will take locally sourced to another level, with the world’s leading bars including the likes of The

NoMad, Silo, Lyaness, Artesian and Eve Bar, transforming 'waste' into exquisite sustainable Discarded cocktails.

HARRY'S

Located in St Christopher’s Place, just a stone’s throw from Selfridges and Oxford Street, stylish Harry’s Bar is a glamorous 1960’s style restaurant serving up an array of hearty and delicious Italian cuisine.

Offering 150 covers, the stylish space, which was inspired by its namesake Mayfair private members club in the 70s, boasts sumptuous banquette seating, a large wood panelled bar and bright, colourful artwork with a nod to mid-century Italian glamour adorning the walls. Together with ambient lighting, the dining room creates an unrivalled atmosphere of relaxed luxury.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and with a stunning al fresco terrace to match, all the ingredients used have been carefully sourced from specialists in their field, working directly with Italian suppliers and importers. Harry’s own special blend olive oil is from organic olives grown on an agriculturally sustainable estate in hills of Maremma, where the olive trees are tended with the greatest care.

Menu highlights include the delectable Harry’s Truffle Tagliolini, a creamy blend of gratinated Tagliolini pasta with truffle, parmesan and cream; and Harry’s Spaghetti Seafood, comprising of prawns, squid, clams, mussels, datterini tomatoes, garlic, chilli and parsley.

Notable fish and meat dishes include the Bistecca di Manzo ribeye; Harry’s Veal Parmesan; and Tonno Alla Griglia, Chargrilled tuna steak served with cannellini beans and a warm tomato, black olive, Amalfi lemon and basil salsa.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Italian menu without an array of fresh salads, the Buffalo mozzarella Insalata Caprese is a favourite, and freshly made pizzas. The team makes the pizzas from hand-stretched dough made from a mixture of different Italian flours before proving it for 72 hours to maximise the flavour for a light and crisp crust, finished with classic toppings.

For dessert, the giant profiteroles or classic Tiramisu are worthy choices. To wash it all down, Harry’s Bar offers an extensive wine list and wide range of Italian Botanical G&T’s.

For those who only fancy a light bite, guests to the terrace can enjoy a special Cicchetti menu that’s perfect with a coffee or one of the many innovative cocktails.

28°-50°

SOUTH KENSINGTON

Independent Wine Specialists 28°-50° have opened their fourth site on Draycott Avenue, South Kensington

Complete with a new late-night licence and menu for those seeking a post dinner or theatre digestif, locals can take advantage of the new wine library, aptly named ‘The Château de Candie Room’ after the group’s independently owned vineyard in the French Alps and treat themselves to the exclusive ‘Night cap menu’ in celebration of the carefree abandonment synonymous with the Roaring 20’s.

Guests can choose from timeless classic cocktails including a Sidecar, Hanky-Panky, Manhattan or an Old Fashioned or even a glass of fizz from the spectacular champagne trolley. More traditional offerings can be seen in an unrivalled selection of rich red wines, cognacs and whiskies, including the owner Richard Green’s own whisky, an 18 year old single malt scotch which harks back to 1996.

The evening drinks are complimented by late night foodie treats such as the popular truffle arancini, a cheese and charcuterie board, and sweeter options such as a lemon posset with lemon and lavender sablé, or a bourbon and chocolate mousse.

Also exclusive to South Kensington is a five wine and platter pairing menu (for groups of up to four people) accompanied by a guided tasting masterclass courtesy of Head Sommelier Xsenia Karpenko, making this the perfect opportunity to discover new wines whilst relaxing with friends in the atmospheric dining room.

The latest location joins Marylebone, Covent Garden and Chelsea. In keeping with its sister locations, 28°- 50° South Kensington serves French and modern European cuisine, alongside a thoughtfully curated award-winning wine selection, ranging from accessible wines to the fragrant and wellbalanced Provencal Maison Saint Aix Rosé 2020 (£39 per bottle) or the restaurant’s own Chateau de Candie Viognier (£42 per bottle) whilst rare collectors’ vintages, such as 1986 Petrus will appeal to oenophiles. Many wines are available by the glass or carafe as well as the bottle or magnum. Group Head Chef Julien Baris oversees the seasonally changing A La Carte menu, with small-bites, charcuterie selections, seafood, fish and grill classics and a set lunch menu.

The Hunter's Moon

With the changing of the seasons and the hard winter we endured separated from families and loved ones last year, a cosy pub is the perfect place to hunker down and enjoy a warm, loving meal with friends and family alike.

Effortlessly fusing a traditional cosy pub with a modern eatery, the welcoming dining room at The Hunter's Moon in South Kensington features oak and vintage tile flooring, textured walls, an open fireplace, soft autumnal coloured furnishings, velvet accents and an original AGA.

The name 'Hunter's Moon' comes from the fact The Hunter's Moon is the first full moon after the Harvest moon and is a superlunar event that falls between October and November. In the UK, it has traditionally marked the time that stores need to be filled for the upcoming winter – to go and hunt for the last time and prepare for the cold to come. It was the time in folklore that Father and Son would hunt for the last time until spring, that the fires would start to be stoked, the smokers prepared and the larders filled – ready for an extended period of time inside where people would find solace in the warmth of their cottages and families.

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, The Hunter’s Moon offers a daily-changing menu of modern European dishes. Begin with a classic aperitif or even Half a Dozen of Jersey Royale Oysters before moving on to an array of starters such as Wild Garlic Soup with glazed olive and thyme roll; Foie Gras and Chicken Liver Parfait; and Sashimi of Scallops with wasabi mayonnaise, shrimp beignets and guacamole.

Hearty mains include Assiette of Pork with apple tart fine, choucroute, morteau sausage and mustard sauce; Soy Blackened Salmon with stir fired box choi, pickled daikon, fried garlic and ginger; Braised Featherblade of Beef with carrot puree, kale, triple cooked truffle and parmesan chips; and Roast Lamb Rump.

Traditional sweets such as Raspberry and White Chocolate Baked Alaska and Banana Sticky Toffee Pudding will satisfy even the sweetest of teeth.

For those looking for something lighter, the front pub area offers a more casual menu of snacks and sharing plates, from scotch eggs and sausage rolls to courgette and ricotta croquettes. A special blackboard champions a range of meat cuts and daily specials, whilst an extensive wine list sits alongside premium spirits, lagers and real ales.

Offering a Saturday brunch and a fantastic Sunday roast, The Hunter's Moon will quickly become your new favourite local.