AGENT2 HAD A FIELD DAY
LAST WEEKEND SAW THE SAHARA DESERT DUSTY VICTORIA PARK IN EAST LONDON HOST THIS YEAR’S FIELD DAY. PEOPLE WERE OUT IN THEIR DENIM AND SUN HATS BRAVING BEING BURNT IN THE OPEN MEADOW. A HORIZON OF CHECKED SHIRTS MET YOU AS YOU WALKED IN AND OUT OF TENTS FOR SOME SHADE AND SOMEONE TO DRINK YOUR BEER WITHOUT GETTING A MOUTHFUL OF DUST AND STRAW. JENNY BUTLER OF AGENT2 MAGAZINE LOOKS AT A RUNDOWN OF THE BEST BANDS ON OFFER AND ALL THE DAY HAD TO OFFER.
When I got through the rather lengthy ticket queue just to get into another queue to get in the cider was really about to hit on. A plethora of fairground shenanigans were all around and I couldn’t help but be a little tempted by the coconut shys. From the corner of my eye I could see a number of crazy trendies having a go at a sack race. Of course this was no match for the skinny jean wearing boys, who were use to feeling restricted in their every day movements.
The first band that caught my eye was Amiina at the Village Mentality Tent. I could hear the familiar sound of violins, plus it was the first tent as you entered the festival. A chilled way to start the day, the use of a saw to create a haunting whistle was pleasing so early on in a hot day.
The early part of the day is generally spent spiralling in and out of tents trying to squeeze in as many acts as possible. As I went winding in to the Adventures in the Beetroot field tent to see Atlas Sounds, one of the bands I was desperate to see I could hear sound problems from the outset. Riddled with sound issues, the muffled vocals and crumpled instruments made this brilliant band sound terrible in comparison to their great album.
The main stage held host to a number of quality acts. Lightspeed Champion got the crowd dancing in the 4 o’clock heat. His raw energy and simple set up was perfect. By far the best band of the day was The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. It was Jay-Z with trumpets, synchronised moves and rippled six packs. If you haven’t heard of them this Chicago based 9 -piece is something special. Mix in the occasional rap and you have a mixture of soulful hip hop.
As night time fell the stage was lit for Phoenix. Having seen this band back in the Camden Roundhouse six months ago I didn’t rate them and went to see them, as most people, because they were headlining. Although they have improved and some of their songs are catchy, they are nothing more than a band of the moment. They were a light bite after some of the days more complicated and more musically capable bands, but they were nothing special. But, for a brief moment as least, they got my feet dancing like a cat on a hot tin roof.
Words Jennifer Butler Images Professor Nerdester
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GLASGOW – STYLE AND IDEAS
IN MY HOMELAND CANADA, THERE IS TORONTO AND MONTREAL, IRELAND HAS CORK AND DUBLIN, AND SCOTLAND HAS GLASGOW TO ITS EDINBURGH. I HAVE SEEN AND ENJOYED BOTH, PERHAPS FOR DIFFERENT ASPECTS. ONE’S AN INDUSTRIAL, SLEEVES-ROLLED-UP, NO NONSENSE CITY AND THE OTHER A MORE REFINED AND CULTURED CITY.
Glasgow’s charm is very different from its eastern sister. If Edinburgh is a Hollywood blockbuster, with obvious character and beauty, Glasgow is more of an indie flick, hoping you’ll discover its quirky charm in your own way.
But on closer inspection of Glasgow’s architecture and unusual creativity, this industrial city has nothing to envy from the classic Edinburgh. The Scottish metropolis isn’t done with reinventing itself. To keep its high status of excellence, Glasgow has chosen to live following this rhythm of avant-garde and Scottish modernism, which began in the 19th Century.
Its red sandstone Victorian buildings provide contrast to the steel of its post-industrial era architecture, but it’s the Arts and Crafts movement constructions that won my heart.
The movement known as well through Europe as Art Nouveau, was instigated in Glasgow by ‘The Four’, which included Charles Rennie Mackinstosh, Herbert MacNair, Margaret and Frances MacDonald. Together, they created the vision which became world famous as the Glasgow Style – a blend of Celtic and Japanese art. In 1896, Mackintosh won the competition for the rebuilding of the Glasgow School of Art.
The movement contributed to Glasgow economic boon and international recognition by reinventing the fields of architecture, interior design and painting.
To have a taste of the Glasgow style, go for a nice cup of tea at the Willow Tearoom, the last room created by Mackinstosh for restaurateur Kate Cranston.
Glasgow was designated ‘Architectural and Design city of the UK’ in 1999. In fact, from interior design to fashion, nothing escapes the creative talents.
A major new centre for the arts and creativity opened last September called Trongate 103. It offers opportunities to view and buy a wide variety of art including printmaking, photography, digital media, film, video, kinetic sculpture, painting and ceramic all under one roof.
In the medieval quarter, the Merchant City, a beautiful Victorian building has brilliantly been transformed into the new home for 100 visual artists and cultural organizations and is available for visits.
The Kelvingrove Art Gallery has reopened its doors after a four year renovations and several million pounds spent in its refurbishment. It is the most popular art gallery in the UK after London. It has a superb collection from the Glasgow Boys, a wing devoted to Mackintosh and a magnificent variety of paintings from the Scottish Colorists and the French Impressionists. A must see.
Two years ago, Glasgow was named a UNESCO City of Music by a UN cultural body – to celebrate the city’s role a world player in music and its rich and varied music heritage. The city’s legendary music scene stretches across the whole spectrum from contemporary and classical to Celtic and country. Its venues are equally varied and include the famously loud and sweaty King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, the Barrowlands, Glasgow Royal Concert Halls, as well as many pubs and clubs throughout the city.
Like the famously incomprehensible accent of Glaswegians, this unpretentiously stylish city with its Georgian and Victorian glorious architecture, world-renowned museums, café culture and quarters like Merchant City and the West End deserves decoding.
WHEN TO GO
Glasgow is a vibrant year round city but we recommend a visit during The West End Festival which celebrates the cultural diversity of Glasgow’s West End with hundreds of performers covering music, comedy and theatre and the Glasgow International Jazz Festival that strives to bring a broad range of top performers.
WHERE TO SHOP
Che Camille On the top floor, above the busiest street in Glasgow. Browse the most exciting and innovative indie boutique/showroom space in Glasgow. Che Camille’s fashion house a cool indie boutique with a larger women collection and more modest but complete boy collection. You can also get a bespoke outfit with the help of their in-house designers on hand to help out with creative ideas as well as taking advantage of their onsite customizing and alterations services. Che Camille also sells music, art and crafts from local artists. Check that gem out!
Floor 6, Argyle Centre, Buchanan Street
WHERE TO EAT
Enjoy a relaxing dining experience, where affordable contemporary cuisine is served with a distinctly Scottish flavour. Try the excellent and mouthwatering scallops!
Top of Byres Road
Osteria Piero was voted best Italian restaurant in Scotland 2010. With over 90 years of tradition and experience, a warm and cosy atmosphere as well as a menu full of fresh rustic Italian cuisine.
111 West Regent Street
Voted Urban Restaurant of the Year at the Scottish Restaurant Awards 2009, the Left Bank is synonymous with laid-back eclectic dining and enchanting intimate surroundings.
33-35 Gibson Street
WHERE TO STAY
Blythswood Square in Glasgow city centre is the latest addition to the Town House Collection of luxury boutique hotels in Scotland. Aiming to be Scotland’s greenest hotel, the Blythswood is located in one of Glasgow’s most famous historical landmark, previously the home of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club
11 Blythswood Square
The recently refurbished Lorne Hotel Glasgow is the ultimate experience in luxury hotel. Located in the vibrant West End and near by botanical gardens.
923 Sauchiehall Street
Words and images Vincent Bernier
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HEAT PROOF
July 15, 2010 by Editor
Filed under BEAUTY AND GROOMING
SHIELD YOURSELF FROM THE RAYS WITH THE LATEST CUTTING EDGE SUN CARE. BE IT ECO-FRIENDLY INGREDIENTS OR A FUSS FREE FORM, WE BRING YOU A SELECTION OF SUN SCREENS WITH BENEFITS.
Sunscreen Swipes SPF30, £28, Supergoop!
For sun protection on the go, Supergoop! Offers the ultimate convenience in the form of its re-sealable wipe designs. Solving the problem of sticky fingers and stains, Sunscreen Wipes fill the niche for city sun care, particularly the handbag friendly Travel Swipes size. Free from parabens, petrochemicals, fragrances and phthalates, this is a fuss free formula with green credentials.
UV Protect Targeted Sunscreen Stick For Face & Body SPF 50, £18.50, Kiehl’s
Cult skincare brand Kiehl’s have formulated organic UV filters – Mexoryl SX and XT – which maintain their protection properties from the sun and do not break down, even in the most intense heat. The stick design is practical and offers a less messy alternative to sometimes-greasy lotions, while there’s more than a hint of old school vacation to this retro packaging.
Sun Lotion SPF 30+, £39, Jurlique
Organic extracts of Lavender and Orange add a soothing quality to this light- weight formula, while the broad spectrum sun protection shields against both UVB and UVA (the harshest rays that penetrate deep into the layers of the skin). This earth friendly lotion smells so delicious, you could find yourself developing an applying addiction!
Invisible Staying Powder, £38, INVISIBLE ZINC
The Aussies know a thing or two about sun protection, so it’s no surprise that the pioneering INVISBLE ZINC range is from down under. The naturally derived micro fine Zinc Oxide formula creates second skin defense against UV rays and environmental pollutants. We’re particularly taken with the innovative Invisible Staying Powder, which melts into skin to set foundation or can be simply used on its own.
Body Spray SPF 25, £17, Clinique
Tired of having to corner someone to slather sun cream on your back? This micro fine spray ensures optimum coverage in those tricky to reach areas. The Solarsmart technology ensures a photostable sun screen, whereby ultra harmful UVB protection is three times proportional to UVA protection, while also being allergy tested and 100% fragrance free. The bright yellow bottle is pure sunshine, too.
Bronzage Anti Age, £18, Lierac
The new sun care range from French skincare brand Lierac includes this specially formulated product designed to target the incredibly delicate areas of the face and décolleté. Enriched with Cactus fig extract to provide resistance from the appearance of age spots and skin discolouration, it also combats the process of premature ageing.
Photo Reverse Body, £39, Institut Esthederm
For shade dwellers with a zero tolerance policy to a tan, the latest product from Institut Esthederm allows the freedom to emerge from under the sun umbrella. The technology actually inhibits the melanogenisis process, which means your skin will undergo no change from UVA and UVB rays, while the reversal of pigmentation remedies previous damage.
Words Emma Harding
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ROSSO – DINING THAT WON’T LEAVE YOU SEEING RED
SITUATED ON MANCHESTER’S PRESTIGIOUS KING STREET, ROSSO HAS RECEIVED A SOMEWHAT LUKEWARM RECEPTION TO THE CITY’S EVER GROWING PORTFOLIO OF ITALIAN RESTAURANTS. THIS IS NOT TO SAY THERE HASN’T BEEN A GREAT DEAL OF INTEREST SURROUNDING IT; WITH THE CO-OWNER BEING MANCHESTER UNITED STAR RIO FERDINAND AND THE COUNTLESS STORIES CIRCULATING OF CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS. WOULD THE POSSIBILITY OF DINING IN THE SAME ROOM AS BILLY ZANE (AS SEEN ON THEIR WEBSITE) BE ENOUGH TO RATE ROSSO AMONGST MANCHESTER’S MANY CREDIBLE EATERIES? HAD THEIR SEVEN MONTHS OF OPENING ALLOWED FOR ANY TEETHING PROBLEMS TO BE SMOOTHED OUT? AGENT2 WENT TO SEE FOR ITSELF.
On entry, my guest and I passed through a beautiful, grand marble archway and were warmly greeted by the maitre d’ (Italian of course). En-route to our table we bypassed an impressive looking bar arrangement, which offered a wide range of fashionable Bellinis and cocktails. Had we arrived a little earlier we would certainly have indulged, but we had a seven thirty booking to stick to and more importantly we had to answer the grumbling cries from our empty stomachs. First impressions; a lot of thought had obviously been put into the decor. Themes of black, white and red running throughout. It certainly had the glamour factor yet was subtle enough to maintain the charm and elegance that this grade II listed building positively oozes. Modern, classic furnishings that pay an element of respect to over a century of history seen within these walls. My only concern was the distance between our table for two and our neighbour’s. However, this concern was only momentary as there proved to be plenty of room once we were seated.
This evening we were in the mood for red wine. With no forethought to our choice of food we went straight in. Forget the rules – tonight, red wine would suit any dish we choose. An impressive wine list on offer we were spoilt for choice. A bottle of house wine will cost you a reasonable £15.95 but if you’re feeling frivolous you could opt for a vintage 2006 Solaia Antinori Cabernet Sauvignon at a mere £265. We were recommended the Valpolicella ‘Ripassa’ (£27.95). Rich, velvety and intense fruity flavours; it hit the spot to say the least.
My guest and I were pleasantly surprised by the ambience. A steady stream of customers flowed through the doors creating a definite buzz about the place. An interesting mix of clientele readied themselves for experiencing, “an authentic example of Italian regional culinary tastes”. Time to put their mission statement to the test.
So to the food.
As you might expect from an up market establishment such as this, the menu is by no means simple. An extensive array of pizzas, pastas, meat and fish dishes was to be trawled through. A passing waiter gave us a glimpse of a delicious looking pizza, which was destined for another table. Not even reaching the £10 mark for the top end Pizza Marinara, this is surely a bargain for a quality, generously topped pizza. However, we were to venture deeper into the menu. Starters ranging from the Bruscetta con Melanzane (£3.95) to the Gamberoni al’Aglio (king prawns – £8.50) again, very reasonably priced. I chose the Terrina alla Rosso (chicken liver parfait to you and I – £6.75) and my guest decided on the prawn cocktail. A short time passed allowing us to sip on the wine until our starters arrived.
We were both taken back a little as to how busy and perhaps overcrowded our plates looked. Nevertheless we continued and the food was undoubtedly delicious. My parfait was smooth and creamy, served with Tuscan toast, red onion marmalade and a salad garnish. I got the feeling the salad was there merely to brighten up the dish. However, the heavy dressing seemed a little unnecessary as it overwhelmed the powerful combination of sweet and savoury from the parfait and red onion. The prawn cocktail again seemed a little over-complicated. Served in half a melon with star fruit and strawberry garnish the presentation seemed a little dated, perhaps better received in the 70′s or in a beachside restaurant in the Caribbean. The flavours however, were well and truly present.
Mains start at £8.25 for a traditional Tagliatelle Bolognese through to the 8oz fillet steak at £21.95. A specials menu was also available which was almost as large as the main menu. Being a fan of Halibut I was drawn to the Halibut All’agguato (£17.95) from the specials. Sat on a bed of wilted spinach and drizzled with langoustine bisque, this was the highlight of the meal. Beautifully meaty and moist and served with a side of sautéed potatoes as recommended by our waiter. The modest flavour from the bisque brought the whole dish together. My guest chose the spaghetti with lobster, in a creamy tomato and basil sauce. Confusingly, a whole lobster was positioned on top of the spaghetti. Bemused, she concluded that she would have to work a little harder than expected to retrieve the lobster meat. On closer inspection she found the shell to be empty, a sigh of relief followed. Maybe this was the chef’s way of proving that there was actually lobster in the spaghetti. We believe you. Plenty of sweet, tender chunks in a surprisingly spicy sauce with perfectly al dente pasta. A great dish.
The service was excellent throughout our visit. Friendly, informative and very attentive. These were true professional waiters. We rounded off our meal with a cheeseboard to share (£5.75). A selection of Italian cheeses with crackers, chutney and grapes. Perfect to swill down with the remainder of our wine. Other sweet options are available such as a Blueberry Crème Brulee (£4.50) and the Italian classic Tiramisu (£4.50).
Rosso appears to have taken heed to the criticism since its opening in October last year. Although I am not totally convinced this is traditional Italian cooking in its truest form, I am convinced that Rosso serves up quality food at reasonable prices. You can expect a great dining experience in beautiful surroundings and it is fair to say that they will be giving competing restaurants a run for their money.
43 Spring Gardens, Manchester
Words Dan Howell
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BOY OH BOYD’S!
IF GRANDIOSE SETTINGS ARE YOUR THING AND YOU ENJOY GOOD QUALITY CHOW BUT PREFER TO EXPERIENCE IT AT A REASONABLE EXPENSE – DON’T WE ALL – THEN BOYD’S BRASSERIE MAY JUST BE YOUR THING.
The restaurant is situated at the newly opened Northumberland Hotel within sight of Trafalgar Square, and I think it would be fair to say the large traditional entrance epitomises all one would expect from an historic London hotel – overstated, lavishly decorated and downright impressive.
The hotel’s reception opens out to a lobby that flows into a central bar, and beyond the bar is Boyd’s. In a sense, it’s a sea of marble – floors, pillars, walls, well just about everywhere. Different colours of stone are used to create accents of various features and the ornate, vaulted ceilings are certainly something to be admired. It’s a place in which you could quite possible feel there is almost too much to take in – perhaps a reason therefore to visit on a number of occasions.
But let’s get back to the centrally situated bar, the hub and perhaps focal point of the restaurant. It’s a very different story to the rest of the room – stainless steel, square and simple – a real juxtaposition to its surroundings. It evokes images of interesting individuals sitting propping it up while sipping something on the rocks from heavy tumblers. And, I’m sure in the evenings this is the case, but as we visited on a sunny Saturday afternoon, those drink swillers may well have been somewhere else basking in the rays, only to fill the place up later that evening.
There is a real air of class in this room, not only because of the marble and decorative ceilings, but the heavy, mustard-coloured curtains and solid, comfortable chairs, adorned with thick, decadent fabric. Leather booths also sweep round the room providing little cubbyholes for romantic dinners or those just wishing to be inconspicuous in the large, open setting. However although the hall would appear on first glance to be filled with echoed voices and an impersonal vibe, I really didn’t find this at all. Goodness knows how they’ve done it, but the acoustics are tweaked perfectly, without too much noise drifting from other tables, and also making sure the background music – which had a cool and calm indie feel – was agreeably audible.
What was my favourite feature at Boyd’s though? As a lass whose eye is attracted to anything which glistens, it had to be the wonderfully over-the-top chandeliers. On entering the lobby, they’re huge and round, with lots of dangling crystal strings, and in the main restaurant it’s all about traditional sweeping gold frames housing decadent, glass lamps. I was spoilt for choice on which of them to take in first.
‘Yes, but what about the food?’ I hear you cry. Well I’m getting to that. The menu we chose from this Saturday lunchtime was as plentiful and varied as any you’d expect to see in an evening sitting, and for quite an impressive monetary value too. The Little 8s section is a wonderful idea – hailed as Boyd’s tapas, there are eight small dishes to pick and chose from, all of which are just £2.50, and they include delicious treats such as London cure smoked salmon, lemon and shallot salad; fried snapper, fennel and tomato ketchup; glazed goats cheese, beetroot and balsamic; and duck hash, white onion and thyme puree.
But my partner and I decided to dig into the starters and main courses. I had a delightful chunky fish soup, rouille – for just £9 – which was hearty and extremely tasty. I would say it was a little too large for a starter if I wasn’t such a glutton when it comes to food. Also on offer for starters are egg and bacon salad (£7) and chicken liver and fois gras pate with fig chutney ad toasted brioche (£9).
On to the main courses and I was pleased to see a grill section with various cuts of Scotch beef steak priced from £20, as well as impressive gourmet burgers, from what I could see on other diners’ plates. As for the rest of the main dishes, gammon knuckle and parsley (£17), various gnocchi concoctions (£14) and other reasonably prices dishes were available, with a selection of appetising side orders to go with them.
Most desserts are £7 and all seemed to be beautifully presented, which in fact all the dishes were. This is a restaurant that really focuses on presentation both in the surroundings and the food.
If you’re looking for an all important theatre deal, Boyd’s Brasserie offer some excellent prices for this, and they even have a breakfast and brunch special if you’re nursing a sore head the morning after and fancy a bit of luxury.
All in all Boyd’s Brasserie gave me everything I could ask for in a dining experience, and the fact it was a warm day outside, meant we had much of the restaurant – and fantastic waitress – to ourselves. I can only imagine how this beautiful place must buzz of a night time. Certainly somewhere I shall be returning to in the not-so-distant future.
The Northumberland, 8 Northumberland Avenue, London, WC2N 5BY
Words Emma Zücker
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SCARLET BY NAME, GREEN BY NATURE
CORNWALL HAS ALWAYS BEEN A DESTINATION THAT CONJURES CARE-FREE IMAGES OF BOHEMIAN OUTDOOR LIFESTYLES IN OUR MINDS HERE AT AGENT2: SOMETHING THAT AS DEVOTED, FAST LIVING, CITY DWELLERS WE OFTEN STEER CLEAR OF WHEN PLANNING A WEEKEND AWAY.
However, The Scarlet Hotel in Mawgan Porth, Cornwall peaked our interest with its promise of being ‘a place to eat, dream and play in peace and be influenced by the natural rhythms of Mother Nature.’ We were also more than a little curious to see if the UK’s first, purpose built, eco-luxe hotel could successfully shake off our preconceptions of sawdust toilets, hemp cloth bedding and self-righteous eco-warriors scowling at our every over-indulgence.
It is apparent that our pace of life begins to slow with every twist and turn of the roads leading to the hotel. The sleepy pace is soon jarred on arrival by the spectacular location carved into the North Cornish cliff above the crashing Atlantic Ocean.
The Scarlet was the brainchild of three sisters who also own the well established; family orientated Bedruthan Steps Hotel, further on up the hill. The entrance to the hotel ensures the mood is set for luxurious self-indulgence, with floor to ceiling glass offering us the unbroken view of an infinity pool, leading the eyes to the sea. Designed to blend into the surroundings with features such as a flat roof covered in sea shale, copper walls, sweeping timber curves and rock plants reflecting the cliffs and beach below; the hotel offers an ideal base to explore the Cornish coast and countryside if you can manage to pull yourself away from the lure of the hotel’s luxurious trappings as the interior seems to effortlessly melt into the beautiful exterior.
With the number of doors in the Scarlet purposely kept to a minimum in an effort to retain an air of tranquility, light envelops each of the spaces found in the hotel. The library is the perfect place for lounging in comfort while outside, two terraces; a natural reed pool and a scarlet, fire-heated hot tub offer views of Mawgan Porth Beach from a stunning, cliff- top location.
If you’d rather see than be seen then anyone of the hotel’s 37 rooms provides the perfect private sanctuaries. Each of the luxurious rooms offers a private balcony and sea view. Large head showers, deep bathtubs, thick and soft robes and towels and natural Cornish soaps make this little slice of heaven complete. The only thing that is going to get AGENT2 to leave the hotel is the fire alarm and even if that were to sound, we’d still need a little coaxing to leave this lap of luxury.
The word ‘sanctuary’ cannot be over used when describing the offerings at the Scarlet and one place we can really lay the use on thickly is when it comes to describing the hotel’s spa. Individual Ayurvedic ‘journeys’ are the relaxation du jour after a therapist’s consultation to identify your body type (they did refrain from hurting our feelings). The treatment rooms are tented with heavy curtains rather than doors, ensuring no sounds break the tangible peace and quiet. Wallowing in the subdued glow produced by a myriad of tea lights while a deep tissue massage is performed is followed by cocooning in one of the cushioned deep relaxation pods, suspended from the ceiling. This is just the ticket for pushing our feeling of deep relaxation into a more coma like state.
This seamless luxury that envelops each aspect of the hotel is not a miss in the hotel’s food offering. Ben Tunnicliffe (formerly of the Michelin-starred Abbey in Penzance) casts his masterful touch over the menu. Breakfast offered choices such as poached rhubarb with thick yoghurt; kippers and a full Cornish breakfast of locally sourced produce. The evening’s menu choices are equally as delicious and as you would expect from a hotel proud of its eco status, the items are locally sourced with an emphasis and great, fresh produce and fish that tastes as though it was just plucked from the sea. An extensive wine list compliments the menu but in the thoughtful fashion seen throughout the Scarlet, only European wines are stocked reducing ‘food miles’ in line with their green policy.
Luxury aside, we cannot brush over the Scarlet’s green credentials. As well as minimizing their visual impact on the landscape the hotel boasts solar panels that heat both the indoor and outdoor pool. A bio-mass boiler burns woodchips from local sources to heat the rest of the hotel. With a £120, 000 price tag, the boiler demonstrates the hotel’s green resolve. Grass roofing, water recycling initiatives and a team of litter picking staff discharged to the beach make sure this resolve never waivers.
A weekend at the Scarlet is more than enough to change our city-loving mindset and take a small timeout from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With high-design meeting the beauty of the natural surrounds of the Cornish coast, wonderful food and a spa that will tame the fastest of lives all topped off with a fantastically world conscious ethos, this is certainly one lavish, luxurious weekend retreat that will definitely leave you relaxed – mind, body and soul.
Scarlet Hotel Ltd
Tredragon Road
Mawgan Porth
Cornwall
TR8 4DQ
T. 01637 861800
Words Eileen Green Images Scarlet Hotel
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HOT CHOCOLATE
JUST WHEN WE’VE PACKED AWAY OUR EASTER EGGS AND TOLD OURSELVES THAT WE DON’T NEED TO SEE ANOTHER CHOCOLATE SHAPED TREAT FOR AT LEAST A MONTH, WE ARRIVE IN SUNNY BOURNEMOUTH…AT NONE OTHER THAN THE DELECTABLE, THE DELICIOUS, CHOCOLATE BOUTIQUE HOTEL. AND IT’S CLEAR THAT ABSTINENCE OF ANY KIND IS SIMPLY OUT OF THE QUESTION. THIS IS A PLACE OF TRUE INDULGENCE, AND I CAME PREPARED – AN OPEN MIND, A SENSE OF HUMOUR AND A VERY EMPTY STOMACH.
It turns out that these three key properties are all that is required when staying at the world’s only chocolate-themed hotel, for everything is as unusual as it is tasty but all of it is just right. Parking up on this sunny April Friday, at the Grade II listed Victorian building striped with a signature chocolate-brown band, I almost skipped to the front door, asking myself how much chocolate can one eat in a night? The answer, after being greeted by a giant chocolate fountain – used at Peter and Jordan’s infamous wedding – and an oversized martini glass loaded with white, milk and dark chocolate chips, is a lot.
Being a chocolate lover, this wasn’t exactly a problem and peering through our chocolate-bar designed door to see the cappuccino, truffle and mocha decorated room, I could already spot some more delicious treats. It isn’t just the home-made melt-in-your-mouth chocolate handed out at every opportunity that makes The Chocolate Boutique Hotel as special as it is. It is the detail and quality of each of its 13 chocolate-named rooms that protects it from being kitsch or cheesy. Chocolate here remains seductive, elegant and divine and so too, does the hotel.
The flawless design of its textured café au lait wallpapers against its fluffy milk chocolate carpets and clean, sharp dark chocolate furniture creates an ambiance that indulges even the most sophisticated of clientele. And whilst falling back on the king sized beds might feel like you’ve collapsed onto a whipped-cream cloud, everything is so clean, simple and stylish, you never feel trapped in a Nestle advert. Far from it. In fact, even if you didn’t like chocolate before you came, you suddenly feel mesmerised and coaxed into this dreamy world of creamy molten chocolate and the seductive scent of the purest cacao. The huge canvasses of chocolate delights are enough to make even the strongest give into temptation. But then, when in Rome…
Opened in 2007 by chocolate entrepreneur, Gerry Wilton and his wife, Roo, this family-run hotel exceeds all imagination. The concept is almost so natural and familiar; it’s a surprise to hear that it hasn’t been done before. But as we sit here on mocha-coloured stools and sip from an array of chocolate cocktails, we learn that this is an experience that can’t be recreated in any other ‘ordinary’ hotel in the world.
And all in the little town of Bournemouth. Having only visited when I was a child, my memories of this coastal town were of ice cream and windy beaches, but as we walked along the famous seven miles of golden sands beside a promenade of trendy restaurants and bars, I realised that things have changed a lot since then. The short ten minute stroll from the hotel to the beach meanders through the lovely Lower Gardens, from where you can even try out the Bournemouth Balloon – a perfectly spherical hot air balloon that gives passengers a 20-mile view of Dorset. Set back from the bustling town centre where you can find any shop you desire, is this beautiful little patch with mini golf, picnic areas and, as my memories confirmed, plenty of ice cream stalls.
The Lower Gardens leads onto the standard seaside fairground, including carousel rides and caricature stalls, as well as a Helter Skelter at the end of the landmark pier.
The beach itself was filled with sunbathers, windsurfers, children playing games and pensioners reclining in striped deckchairs outside multi-coloured seaside huts. It was a perfect summer’s day beach scene that you sometimes forget can be achieved in this country, let alone in April. But the beautiful sights of the sun setting over the beautiful English coast couldn’t distract me from my task at hand. I came to eat chocolate and that’s what I intended to do.
After a quick stop at one of the many fancy fish (or fish and chip, depending on your tastes) restaurants beside the sea, we returned to the hotel for those much-anticipated cocktails. I sipped and slurped my Chocky Wocky Minty (£6) as it if were milkshake, which with its ingredients of Crème de Menthe, Crème de Cacao and of course, more cream, it nearly was. As diet-unfriendly as it appeared, there were even more calorie-laden choices, including The Chocmeister, crammed with chocolate chip cookies and vanilla ice cream in addition to the creamy alcohol. But then, if you’re on a diet, this really isn’t the place to go!
Sipping my liquid dreamy mint aero, my eyes caught upon the flashing lights of Gerry’s much-loved automated cocktail machine. One of only two in the world (both of which, Gerry owns), this machine has the creative engineering reminiscent of a Chitty Chitty Bang Bang invention, with the retro design and bright ‘80s lights that would’ve belonged easily in Cocktail.
This machine, along with Tom ‘Gerry’ Cruise, made The Chocolate Bar come to life, far beyond creamy chocolate liqueurs. Serving colourful drinks, whilst chatting to the other guests in this cosy lounge room was something I’d never experienced in another three star hotel. Together with the spilling chocolate fountain and squidgy marshmallows that were just an arm’s reach away it was like being at your family’s for Christmas – without all the fights, tears and turkeys.
Waking up in the chocolate paradise, I was greeted with one of the most delicious of breakfasts – a crisp folded pancake oozing with pure melted chocolate complete with personalised ‘Good Morning Natasha’ message from Gerry, neatly scribed onto the plate. Tucking into this molten chocolate delight, sipping on my ‘Mighty Leaf Chocolate Mint Truffle Tea’, instantly brought a smile to my face beyond the effects of the superfluous chocolate endorphins that must have been racing through my body by now. For those who were sick of chocolate (though I didn’t meet anyone like this), there were plenty of other choices including a Full English. It is this amount of choice that makes The Chocolate Boutique Hotel perfect for everyone; guests can either totally indulge in all the complementary chocolate treats, or have other options instead. But quite frankly, I was here for one reason. The rest was just a bonus.
I truly learnt that extent of the public’s obsession with chocolate, when at 11 a.m. we were joined by 10 other people in the hotel’s famous Chocolate Workshops. Now operating in seven different cities with up to 30 people on each workshop, this short-course is the latest craze to sweep Red Letter Day gifts. And I can see why it’d be the perfect present. Mums, dads, children, grannies, everyone loves these workshops, where you are taught by a trained chocolatier how to make, design, and package delicious truffles yourself. In just over two hours, you’ll have created around 40 of the tastiest truffles you’ve ever had and the best part is you can take them home for yourself (or of course, put in neat ribbon packages as gifts for others, if you’re less greedy than I am.)
The whole Chocolate Hotel experience is a totally unparalleled holiday, but to really get an appreciation of what chocolate is about, where it is from, how it is made and how long it takes to craft one handmade truffle, you will need to experience a chocolate workshop.
A stay at The Chocolate Boutique Hotel was everything that I hoped it would be: gorgeous interior that brought back the seductiveness, richness and sensuality of chocolate, without the cheap gimmicky stuff, truly delicious home-made chocolate in endless supply, and one of the most enjoyable hotel atmospheres I’ve ever experienced.
The only chocolate hotel in the world, it has the potential to take the world by storm, but nowhere will quite be able to replicate the humorous, homeliness and hospitality of Gerry and Roo’s family-run hotel hidden on our beautiful English coast.
For more information or to book a room or workshop visit www.chocolateboutiquehotel.co.uk or call 01202 556857.
The Chocolate Boutique Hotel
5 Durley Road
Bournemouth
Dorset
BH2 5JQ
Enjoy a stay at three star The Chocolate Boutique Hotel in Bournemouth, where you will be greeted by all the chocolate you can dream of. Singles (The Cocoa Bean room) start at £65, doubles (Theobroma Room) at £120 and the deluxe suite, The Chocolate Truffle Suite at £160prpn.
Chocolate Workshop
Two and a half hours of Belgian truffle making, including lessons about the history of chocolate and the art of making delicious truffles, as well as coming home with plenty of tasty masterpieces of your own. Costs £59pp. See website for more details or to book a private lesson for two.
Try a Chocolate Weekend at The Chocolate Boutique Hotel
A two-night stay with two chocolate workshops and a chocolate party will set you back £259pp but for chocolate-lovers, it’s totally worth it.
Things to Do
Visit www.bournemouth.co.uk for more information on things to do in Bournemouth.
Bournemouth Balloon – Adults £12.50, Children (up to 14 years) £7.50
Land Train – Take the land train from Bournemouth Pier to Alum Chime for a scenic ride along the beach. £1.90 for adults, £1.20 for children for a single ticket.
Entrance onto Pier 60p
Words Natasha Al-Atassi
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GO WEST! HOTEL REVIEW
DESPITE DROPPING INTO THE CAPITAL ON A REGULAR BASIS, STRAYING FAR FROM THE WEST END NEVER SEEMS TO HAPPEN. SHEPHERDS BUSH IS A STONE’S THROW AWAY FROM CENTRAL LONDON BUT HAVING NEVER HAD A REAL REASON TO VISIT, IT HAS REMAINED OFF OUR BEATEN TRACK. NOW WITH THE OPENING OF THE WESTFIELD SHOPPING CENTRE, THE BIGGEST URBAN SHOPPING CENTRE IN EUROPE, AGENT2 FINALLY HAD A REASON TO MAKE IT A DESTINATION AND SAMPLE THE DELIGHTS OF THE STUNNING K WEST HOTEL AT THE END OF DAY OF RETAIL THERAPY.
Making your way through the revolving doors of K West Hotel, you find yourself walking straight into the lobby bar, the K Lounge. Divided into a seating area, dominated by leather and wooden furniture, and a mix of large and small tables, the bar is both minimalist and cosy. The very impressive long bar with green lighting is by far the main highlight of the space.
Near the staircase leading to the hotel’s mezzanine restaurant Kanteen, you will find abstract artwork, stones, and a very cool fire running along the wall that we at AGENT2 coveted for ourselves.
Overall, the ambiance managed to avoid the pretension of other lobby bars in Central London, despite its exciting clientele of both hotel guests and creative types working in the recording studios nearby, who meet up for unofficial parties until 2am. If you’re lucky, you may even rub elbows with some celebrities such as Girls Aloud or Franz Ferdinand. Expect the bar and restaurant to lack atmosphere at more quiet times though.
All eyes are drawn to the bartenders mixing up some cocktails and promising to surprise and tease your taste buds. The drinks menu with its list of cocktails is exhaustive at K Lounge– you will find the usual tipples from a very reasonable £6.50 as well as a few fresh new ideas direct from K West’s very knowledgeable bar tenders. Be sure to try the Funky Bitch, the Angel’s Kiss, or the Climax with a very rich mix of crème de banane, crème de cacao, triple sec, Amaretto, vodka and double cream.
The crowning glory at the K West hotel is its magnificent spa that has recently undergone a bit of pampering of its own. A £2 million refurbishment has completed the Spa with a relaxing Hydrotherapy Pool, a refreshing Snow Paradise, Sanarium, Sauna, Foot Spa, Steam, Sun Meadow as well as seven beautifully designed treatments rooms and Dry flotation Room. The Spa tops the luxurious experience of the K West, making it a spectacular and relaxing space to escape and unwind from the hustle and bustle of the ‘Big Smoke’.
With a spa to help you soothe your cares away and a night scene where it’s definitely cool to be, well, seen K West has everything you need for a stay in the city neatly wrapped up in a well designed packaged.
Go west! Life is tasteful there.
Richmond Way
London W14
020 8008 6600
Words Graham Gartside
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Visit India: The UN-Official Guide [/caption] India Country Guide India is a mystical land that presents the traveller with a bamboozling array of unforgettable experiences....
“INDIA” – JOURNEY TO THE LAND OF MYSTERY AND WONDER
A SEVENTY-FIVE STRONG TROUPE OF MYSTIFYING ARTISTS HAILING FROM MANY REGIONS OF THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT COME TO FRANKFURT AM MAIN UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF HIS HONOURABLE GAJ SINGH II, MAHARAJA OF JODHPUR, TO ENTERTAIN AND INSPIRE US WITH THE SPECTACULAR WORLD PREMIERE OF THE SHOW ‘INDIA’.
With help of superbly innovative stage technology, Prime Time Entertainment AG transforms municipal space in the centres of European cities into a magical tent village. The huge marquee, in the perfect illusion of a palace landscape, is where the bewitching Indian culture presents itself in a whole manner of new and exciting ways.
Upon entering this fabulous marquee world, it is easy to conjure up the great Maharajas of times gone by as ornate pile carpets, colourful Divans and furniture made of precious woods line the walls, floors and ceilings. You may take in different aspects of life at court by visiting themed rooms such as Sky Garden, Bengal Door, Banyan Lodge Himalayan Court, White Elephant, Emerald Room and also a lively bazaar before the big spectacle in the high Chapiteau begins.
The scene is set by a silently meditating Fakir sitting frozen on a bed of nails and the frenzied whirling dance of a glamorous eunuch. The lights dim, the drums begin to beat and out rush dozens of scantily clad, body-beautiful dancers all undulating to the sounds of Keith Levenson’s groundbreaking fusion of Indian and Western music.
The shows takes you on an awe-inspiring journey to the land of mystery and wonder through performances by fire jugglers, magicians, fakirs, contortionist and musicians; from the ape-men of Jogi who can shin up three meter vertical poles and hold spectacular gravity defying shapes to the mesmerising shadow puppeteer who creates a wonderful catalogue of animals with his bare hands.
The show has been designed by the world renowned Pascal Jacob, an expert in circus arts and Brian Burke who staged the legendary Las Vegas shoe ‘Le Reve’. The encounter with Indian myths and rituals, with dances and acrobatics is truly a work of art firmly embedded in the music, which combines traditional character with a modern soundtrack. This fascinating panorama of a world culture, which is marked by an aesthetical brilliance and erotic charm as well as by philosophical depth, is not to be missed.
“India” is at St Pauli Heiligengeistfeld, Hamburg until 3rd March 2010 then touring Germany and Austria throughout 2010-11
Words by Almaz Ohene
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TWOTWENTYTWO MAKES A REAL MARK
LONDON’S LANDMARK HOTEL IS FAMOUS FOR ITS FIVE STAR OLD-SCHOOL LUXURY IN THE CAPITAL. ITS NEWEST ADDITION, RESTAURANT AND BAR, TWOTWENTYTWO CERTAINLY DOES LIVES UP TO ITS NAME, KEEPING UP ITS REPUTATION FOR IMPECABLE SERVICE IN LUXURIOUS AND STYLISH SURROUNDINGS.
The basement of the Landmark Hotel is the recently refurbished home of twotwentywo, a short walk from Marylebone tube. Named after the address the hotel’s situated at – 222 Marylebone Road, you may be surprised at the light, airy space that twotwentytwo delivers.
Upon entering you may be surprised by what you find. Red wooden panelling covers the walls, in keeping with the heritage of the space, highlighted by the ornate white ceiling. At the far left is an ornate heavy-wooden bar with wine bottles attractively set up behind. Casual low tables and chairs line the periphery of the space around a central area of Champagne tables: a central section of booth-like chairs nestled around tables with the middle cut out for keeping Champagne on ice.
The dining area is made up of low-key dark wooden tables, pushed against a long tan leather sofa. Beside this small space are large armchairs that you can sink into after your meal with a digestif or settle in for the whole evening as you work your way through the cocktail menu. The set-up is more gastro pub than an upmarket bar and restaurant, although therein lies its charm. Opulent twists such as beautiful chandeliers with delicate chains hanging low beneath them remind you where you are.
What stands the decor apart are carefully thought out touches that you’ll notice the longer you stay. Large gilt mirrors surround the space, and attractive Victorian lantern-style lamps can be spied with candles inside, creating a decorative appeal. The real pièce de résistance, however, are two specially-commissioned paintings depicting landmarks of London (think The Eye, Gherkin, Big Ben, St Pauls, Tower Bridge, and a London bus – number 222, of course).
The atmosphere here is surprisingly upbeat and relaxed. Local office workers visit for a post-work drink, relaxing in the attractive surroundings. The din of conversation is pleasantly high as people chill out without a hint of pretension. In the background, the music changes as the night progresses – earlier in the evening relaxed chill out tunes play, changing to jazz with Latin tones, then pop and commercial songs through to house and even RnB as the night wears on. It’s a clever way of reflecting the mood of the crowd as the drinks continue to flow.
That said, this is still an undeniably upmarket spot. The staff ensures you don’t forget where you are, their service is impeccable although it’s lined with a warmth and friendliness.
The menu at twotwentytwo is simple with dishes like fish and chips and steaks to choose from. Starters (£3-£8) include dishes such as a shellfish basque and beef carpaccio with rocket, black truffle oil and freshly shaved parmesan. However, it’s an idea to order the sharing platter instead, which is just £12 for three well-sized dishes, ideal for sharing or as a starter to your meal. Recommended is the delicate calamari with a light batter that offers no hint of greasiness. Also good is the gravadlax – slim strips of delicate salmon with a delightful saltiness underlying each mouthful and a fresh citrus dressing. Finally, try the smoked aubergine puree with mini pitas. Although the fluffy, light pittas could do with being warm, they do provide an ideal accompaniment to the fresh, creamy puree with a pleasant smoky aftertaste.
Mains include a range of dishes from salads to grills. Particularly good is the seafood risotto (£16.50) with generous helpings of softly cooked calamari and plump, rich king prawns although there’s little evidence of the promised crab. There are also large mussels that slip out of their shells with ease. The risotto is a pleasant consistency. Although creamy, it doesn’t taste like rice pudding, instead highlighting the strong flavours of the seafood.
If you want to go all out, then the fillet steak is a house specialty although at £25 it’s not the most credit crunch friendly dish. Nicely presented, although not a hearty portion, it comes with a metal pot filled with chips. The chips are lightly salted and delightfully crisp on the outside with a soft, fluffy middle. It also comes with a delicious homemade béarnaise sauce that offers a creamy, rich undertone to each mouthful. The medium-rare steak was juicy, tender and full of rich flavours that pleasantly filled the mouth and was brilliantly complemented by the creamy béarnaise.
There are a few desserts on offer (£5.50). The apple crumble with homemade custard is a little disappointing. The crumble isn’t as sweet as it could be and the fruit is a little too gloopy. However, the delightful custard is creamy and light with a rich vanilla flavour that lifts the flavours nicely. The chocolate fondant with butterscotch ice cream, however, is a real delight. The chocolate is smooth, soft and rich and is well complemented by the sweetness of the ice cream, which has a strong butterscotch taste that works in tandem with deep chocolate flavours. Delightful.
For an impromptu inexpensive night out, twotwentytwo also offers special food deals such as a burger and chips with a glass of wine for a tenner.
There’s a lengthy drinks list in the bar with a good choice of cocktails (priced at the £11 mark), premium spirits, aperitifs and digestifs. They also offer some well-priced Champagnes, especially nice if enjoyed at the Champagne tables. A glass of Taittinger Brut Reserve (£15) is especially good with a fresh, clean taste that slips down a little too easily.
There’s a decent selection of wine by the bottle, although it’s not the lengthy tome of drinks you may expect from a venue like this. The helpful staff are happy to make recommendations and really know what they’re talking about. A highlight of the menu is the Gavi di Gavi Casetta 2007 (£30), a dry fresh and fruity white wine that has a wonderfully clean flavour. Also excellent is the Petit Chablis Chateau de Maligny 2007 (£34) with a delightful pale straw colour and a clean finish with lemon and apple flavours coming through.
For a bar and restaurant located within a five star hotel, twotwentytwo is surprisingly relaxed and offers a few lower priced deals if you’re watching the pennies but want to go somewhere upmarket.
For more information visit twotwentytwo-london.com or landmarklondon.co.uk. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 11:30am – Midnight, Saturday 12pm – Midnight. To make a dining reservation contact dining@thelandmark.co.uk.
twotwentytwo ,The London Landmark Hotel, 222 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 6JQ
Words Graham Gartside
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