IF YOU ARE A MEAT EATER AND WANT SOMETHING A BIT MORE UPMARKET THAN TGI FRIDAYS THEN SOUTHERN ELEVEN IS THE PLACE FOR YOU. 

After a tour of Spinningfields we finally found the place and was pleased to see it was busy with a good atmosphere. I wasn’t mad keen on the décor but they’ve obviously put a lot of thought into it using huge carved wood logs to separate the restaurant from the kitchen.

Our waiter was attentive and knowledgeable which was handy when we ordered our cocktails, being a Mojito lover, I went for their own version called Gin & Jazz which had a Lemoncello twist and was delicious, my partner went for the option of mixing his own, risky if your not a mixologist but it turned out good in the end. The option to mix your own is of course a fun option for groups and could be an excellent ice breaker should you go there on a first date, I liked this creative spin on ordering drinks.

The food was fabulous, for starters we went for the Chicken Wings and Fried Spears, the latter definitely worth trying and something different. Southern Eleven have their own smoking ovens that create truly delicious tender meats. Mark the waiter told us that the owner James Hitchin went to the USA for a year to learn how to cook like this and teach the chefs – I think it was definitely worth it. For mains we had a selection of meats all from the Ginger Pig Farm in Yorkshire that supply outdoor reared, rare breed pork and Longhorn beef.  Hard to choose the best but my favourite was the Short Beef ribs and the Southern Chicken Dinner, all the dishes we’re very well presented.

If you can manage a dessert, go for the Chocolate brownie – it’s awesome.

Southern Eleven, Spiningfields, Manchester
www.southern11.co.uk

Words Kelly Doran

TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FESTIVAL GOERS TURNED UP TO CLAPHAM COMMON ON SUNDAY 24TH JULY TO CELEBRATE PEACE, LOVE AND ICE-CREAM AT BEN & JERRY’S SUNDAE ON THE COMMON. 

A very family friendly festival in the style of an old summer fete, artists such as Maximo Park and Gary Numan battled to win the crowd’s attention against a mass of other attractions. On entering the park a farmer appeared herding several pantomime cows through the throngs of people and it set the tone for the day nicely.  Equally bizarre, but no less enjoyable, were the toe wrestling competitions, knock out competitions with giant foam bars, air guitar bands and mystic moo (telling fortunes from palms and empty ice cream tubs). On a serious side, the festival did much to raise the profile of such worthy causes as Fair Trade, ethical farming (including the new RSPCA ‘Think Pig’ campaign) and Oxfam, whose ‘Pants to Poverty’ group were running a bouncy bungee run (in their pants, of course). A large portion of the range of food stalls present offered organic and free-range food, with free samples being given out by ethical brand Devon Cereals as well as the chance to win prizes through their wheel of fortune.

Of course, for a festival put on by Ben & Jerry’s the main attraction was bound to be the free ice cream with over 150,000 scoops given away during the weekend in both Manchester and London. Each fair trade flavour was represented on it’s own stand, with queues proportional to demand. New flavour Coconutterley Fair proved extremely popular (and very delicious), as did perennial favourites Cookie Dough and Phish Food. Considering the crowds the speed at which ice cream was served was very impressive and nobody had to queue for long.

The petting zoo from Vauxhall City Farm proved almost as popular as the ice cream, with children and adults alike queuing up to meet Alpacas, Sheltand ponies and tiny newborn chicks. Also popular with all ages were the fairground rides with the queue for the famous Helter Skelter stretching far back into the park, although I preferred the beautiful old-fashioned carousel. All rides are free, although donations were been taken to help Vauxhall City Farm with it’s running costs.

Headliners of the day Maximo Park proved that they’re as popular as they were when they started with a large crowd gathering to watch them finish the day, but the highlight in my mind was Gary Numan (despite most younger festival goers being baffled until he got to ‘Are Friends Electric?’, famously sampled by the Sugababes in 2001). Earlier in the day saw Little Comets, Stephen Fretwell and The Duke & The King take the stage whilst festival goers fought to get the treasured spots in the shade of the burning sun (the first aid tent were forced to put up a ‘no suncream here’ sign early on in the day).

All in all, the festival was an enjoyable day and well worth the £17 ticket price if just for the ice cream and rides alone. The line-up was not the most spectacular of the summer, but it was an enjoyable and fun day out with something for a whole families to appreciate.

Words Tamsin Worrad

WHEN WE THINK ABOUT A PRIVATE GET AWAY, SOMEWHERE WE CAN RELAX AND TAKE IN A BIT OF FRESH AIR, BALLINA COUNTY MAYO IN WESTERN IRELAND OFFERS AN EXPERIENCE THAT WILL MOST DEFINITELY LEAVE YOU SPEECHLESS. IRELAND HAS MANY ATTRACTIONS IF EVERYDAY LIFE IS BECOMING A BIT STRESSFUL, AND YOU FIND YOURSELF NEEDING A WELL-DESERVED BREAK, THE REFRESHING COUNTRY AIR WILL SOON SORT THAT OUT.

The Ice House is a chic boutique spa hotel overlooking the River Moy in western Ireland.  Built in 1859, the hotel has 32 bedrooms and suites, many of which offer stunning views of the tranquil forest and surrounding landscape.

The location is perfect as it compliments everything The Ice house represents; the spa facilities really bring it all to life as you are left feeling like you’ve just landed on another planet far far away. The treatments are just spectacular and you have a choice between Signature treatments, treatment Rituals, Facial Treatments followed by Body treatments.

I had the pleasure of enjoying a 60-minute facial, which was not at all what I expected. The therapist discussed the look I hoped to achieve then recommended the treatment that would achieve the best results.

I lay there in one of five treatment suites relaxed and totally chilled by the candles burning around the room and the classical music peacefully playing in the background; at this point I felt as though I was in heaven.

Between treatments, you have the use of other spa facilities like the relaxation area that has a stunning view of the River Moy Estuary giving you time to lay and chill out with a glass of freshly-squeezed orange juice or you could use that time to read your favorite glossy magazine. The beauty inside is just as breathtaking on the outside, which you’ll find out when you go for a dip in the external hot tub, situated right over the river, giving you the opportunity to watch swans swim by while you take in the beauty of the vista.

Depending on your room preference, you have the choice between a traditional styled suite or a heritage one. Both offer two separate settings that make you feel comfortable and totally at home. You can expect a modern designed setting within the traditional room, with two plasma TVs. You can expect sliding glass doors, which lead straight to the balcony overlooking the waterway, giving a magnificent view of the surrounding area.

The luxurious room setting is complemented by a king size bed and the bathroom has built-in shower and deep bath. Soaps and products from L’Occtitane are provided for you to enjoy at your disposal.

The Pier restaurant has a glass wall, offering a view of the river, making the atmosphere very pleasurable. Winner of Best Restaurant design 2010 by the Restaurant Association speaks for itself. Breakfast is the best way to start the day here as you can look forward to a buffet full of fresh pastry delights, fruit salads with yogurt, freshly- squeezed orange Juice and still or sparkling water. If that was not enough for you, there is a breakfast menu with a choice of items – a full traditional Irish breakfast or Eggs Benedict served on toasted brioche with pancetta and hollandaise were just two of the mouthwatering offerings.

My choice had to be the American-style buttermilk pancakes served with syrup, presented with strawberries, which were to die for.

If you enjoy a bit of country air and want to get out and about you can enjoy a day of golf along the coast at one of four courses, take a boat trip, go fishing or maybe you would prefer a long stroll along Enniscorne beach for a view that is definitely breath taking.

The Ice House is a place for you to unwind and get away from daily stresses, enjoy the finest cuisine in their award-winning restaurant after a well-deserved day of spa treatments.

INFORMATION

Ryan Air has flights straight into Knock airport which takes 1 hour 30 minutes.

For further information visit www.ryanair.com

On arrival, there are taxis available to get to your destination in approximately 20 minutes.

Tourism Ireland offer tours and information on Ireland and surrounding areas.

www.discoverireland.com

The Ice house
The Quay
Ballina
Co. Mayo

Tel 000353 96 23 500

Email chill@theicehouse.ie

Web www.theicehouse.ie

Prices start from £60 pppn, which includes breakfast and a deluxe room.

Words Lucy Gillfillan

IT’S BEEN HARD TO IGNORE ALL OF THE PRESS COVERAGE CURRENTLY BEING GIVEN TO RICHARD AYOADE’S DIRECTORIAL DEBUT SUBMARINE, WHICH IS TO OPEN IN CINEMAS THIS FRIDAY.

A comical “coming of age” story set in Wales, the film is adapted from Joe Dunthorne’s novel of the same name and has been causing a bit of a stir with those ‘in the know’ for quite some time.

Accompanying Ayoade’s vision on scoring duties is Arctic Monkey’s front-man Alex Turner who features six songs in the film, all of which have just been released as an EP. A stripped down, other worldly acoustic effort that sets the tone for the film perfectly, as an EP this sounds a complete and coherent work from start to finish. The songs whilst individuals, all clearly point towards a much larger work, obviously, not a great surprise when you remember why these songs exist. The sense of completion however does improve the listening experience considerably.

Forgetting for a second that they have been written for a film, as a collection of songs this is an impressive record. As someone who isn’t enormously enamoured with the Arctic Monkeys and had previously found Alex Turner’s song writing a bit charmless, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by this record. But, that said, for all of the accolades and sycophancy bestowed upon this man over the past few years, I’m not sure that these 6 songs have convinced me that I was completely wrong about him and that he actually is the greatest song writer of our generation.

There were moments on the first play-through when I found myself pausing a song for one reason or another and completely forgetting that I’d been listening to anything, which isn’t the behaviour of someone immersed in a work of genius. If anything on repeated listening it’s easy to find the tracks a little boring and I did constantly find myself looking for reasons to hit the pause button. Considering this it’s easy to say that the EP is a lot less than sum of it’s parts and whether the EP will retain any of its initial charm once the film leaves our cinema screens will remain to be seen.

The film isn’t out for a few days, and I was already pretty excited about it. Having now listened to part of the soundtrack and better understood how it will work and enhance the film, I am now going to spend the rest of my week trying to find things to do until Friday.

4/5

Words Luke McGee

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Buy the Submarine EP now by clicking here.

For more reviews click here.

BAND: WHAT WOULD JESUS DRIVE

ALBUM: BLACK AND BLUE

RELEASE: 28TH MARCH (DIGITAL), 30TH MAY (PHYSICAL)

CONSIDERING THAT PANCAKE DAY HAS ONLY RECENTLY PASSED, I THINK IT MIGHT BE NICE TO TALK ABOUT PANCAKES FOR A SECOND.

Now, as a meal there is nothing inherently wrong with pancakes at all. In fact, you could say that their pros easily outweigh their cons. They are easy to make, they comprise of simple ingredients that you almost always have and they take no effort to eat. You could easily slop one down when on a hangover with minimal vomit potential or make them a full on meal with lots of hearty toppings. They are sweet but equally delicious savoury and taste fine on their own without toppings and extra additions.

What Would Jesus Drive are similar like that. They taste absolutely fine on their own. But could they benefit from the addition of something else a little more interesting? Yes. Yes they could.

Black and Blue is not a horrible album and is actually fairly listenable but not at all memorable. It’s the kind of thing that you might find slung into the middle of an indie playlist in a shit hole club that you’ll never remember the next day. They follow the tried and tested formula of mildly accented vocalisations mixing it up with spoken word and shouty romps ala Art Brut and Los Campesinos! Only, they don’t have the lo-fi charm of Art Brut, or the musical chops of the ever expansive Los Campesinos! (Apparently the exclamation mark is essential, which I agree is very annoying).

Truthfully – and I say this with a heavy heart because their name is fantastic – there is really very little to WWJD. Just like pancakes. They bring nothing new or particularly original to the table and we have already heard it all before. Most likely in the band that you yourself formed aged 16 and why would you listen to that on a album when you could listen to something a lot better by…I don’t know… those funny indie failures that never did anything – The Oxfam Glamour Models. At least they, whilst being tragic and terrible had a genuine fire to them. WWJD just seem forced. Like The Wombats, and the only time that was ever acceptable was in 2007. Of course I might eat my words when they release their new album later this year but something tells me I won’t have to. Something tells me it will either sound nothing like their debut or be absolutely rubbish. WWJD just sounds like an angrier version of Wombats and that’s not great.

Still, I bet they’re banging live and fun to dance to, which is probably their real aim anyway. I hope. Now where did I leave my pancakes.

2/5

www.whatwouldjesusdrive.co

Words Jordan Waller

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For more reviews, click here

THERE’S A VERY GOOD CHANCE THAT YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF ÓLÖF ARNALDS. THIS IS BECAUSE AS A GENERIC WESTERN CONSUMER, YOU’RE SO PRE-OCCUPIED WITH FINDING THE NEXT BUCKET OF DRIVEL SERVED UP BY BRITAIN OR AMERICA, YOU’VE LITTLE TO NO INTEREST IN ANYTHING THAT MIGHT BE HAPPENING IN ICELAND. ESPECIALLY SINCE THEIR ENORMOUS CONTRIBUTION TO OUR ECONOMIC CRISIS, YOU PROBABLY DON’T THINK WE CAN TRUST THEM.

Well, luckily for your I’m here to point you in the direction of an artist so whimsical and exciting in equal measure that on her most recent album Bjork featured as nothing more than a backing singer and her only UK show currently scheduled for this year has already sold out.

So, the album is already out and her only UK gig you won’t be able to get tickets for, so why on earth am I telling you about this person?

Ólöf Arnalds is an artist achieving both critical acclaim and relative fame at an unusual stage in her career. Although she has toured with a number of other artists and has for some time been a member of the experimental band Mum, it’s only now at the age of 31 and as a solo artist that Ólöf is receiving the individual attention that she so clearly deserves.

Her 2010 album Innundir Skinni was written after giving birth to her first child, an experience Ólöf described as inspiring her to have a lot of beautiful ideas from being in a blissful state.

Next month she will release another single from last year’s album, and to promote it she has added another date to her European tour, one day after the sold out show at London’s Vortex Jazz Club.

You could do far worse than to check out the upcoming single ‘Surrender’ by watching the video beneath this post however, please be aware that it has some moderately graphic scenes and should a bit of human flesh be too much for you then you can listen to the single on SoundCloud by clicking here.

The single is a beautifully intimate folk lullaby that is stripped down to such a degree that you could easily believe the performance to be taking place in the room with you.

Bjork provides a haunting backing vocal that are understated enough not to overpower the song’s core, but adds an ethereal dusting to the extraordinarily personal performance from Ólöf.

She has already been tipped by The Guardian, NME, Mojo and Q magazine to cause a bit of a stir in 2011. Well, as much of a stir as someone seemingly so reclusive can muster.

You can book tickets for the London show by visiting this website and if you’ve decided to do that, you might as well buy a copy of Innundir Skinni, which is avaliable on iTunes.

Follow me on twitter @monkeyhotel

Words Luke McGee

IF EVER THERE WERE A SENTENCE LIKELY TO DISCOURAGE YOU FROM LISTENING TO AN ARTIST, IT MIGHT BE THIS; “HE BEGAN CAPTIVATING LISTENERS WITH MUSIC THAT HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS A BLEND OF DAMIEN RICE AND BJORK”.

Oh dear. I mean, the Bjork bit is okay and I suppose Damien Rice isn’t exactly evil, but where on earth is the middle ground between the two?

Fortunately whenever I get a press release I scroll immediately to the bottom of the email looking for a link to the music before reading any of the text. It’s easier this way and probably avoids hours of reading about something I’ll ultimately hate or ignoring something very special indeed.

I’ve not been as immediately captivated by an artist as I have by Moddi in a very long time.

On paper Pål Moddi Knutsen’s debut album Floriography sounds the opposite of anything any normal human should want to listen too. Slow, evolving, ambient songs from a sentimental and contemplative songwriter who works alone and at night.

Songs that all sound more or less the same and under normal circumstances should begin to bore you, but instead draw you further into the intimate bubble, in which only exists your mind and Moddi’s voice.

The voice is a good place to start in praising Moddi. To describe his voice as androgynous would be quite an understatement. Working out whether he is male of female is only the start of your dissection of this rather peculiar voice. It may be something about the Norwegian accent, but Moddi’s voice sounds constantly as though it is being electronically modified.

The album does have stand out tracks, which I’ll address shortly, but it’s important to acknowledge that this is a proper album. When I say proper album, I mean that the songs are in an order where they pay compliment to each other, and by the end of record you feel as though you have listened to one cohesive work, rather than a selection of songs by one writer.

So often do artists fail to achieve this on a debut album, and produce what feels like a best of show-reel that is part of a desperate scheme to become famous. Floriography is instead an album with such a distinct voice that on first listen, it’s difficult to remember how many songs you’ve listened to or how much time has passed. In Floriogaphry, Moddi has created a sonic world in which his music is everything, his music is sovereign and you are an invited guest.

That’s not to say that the album is an easy listen. As I mentioned above, Moddi’s voice presents the ear with a problem, which remains a point of integral interest until the end of the record.

The musical arrangements provide just as much fascination; Unconventional recordings of acoustic instruments, seamlessly mixed with electronic sounds and creative uses of harmony combined with timbral ideas to create significant tensions and releases that reflect perfectly Moddi’s voice and lyrics.

If you like your pop music a little more challenging than Coldplay but as listenable as anything you’re likely to hear elsewhere, then please watch the video for the rather excellent single ‘Magpie Eggs’.

If you like the idea of Damien Rice collaborating with Bjork, then do yourself a favour and avoid this album.

Floriography isn’t out in the UK until April 18th, but you can listen to it now on Spotify, and you can find out everything you need to know by visiting the official Moddi website.

Words Luke McGee

Follow me on twitter @monkeyhotel

HOW OFTEN IS A MEAL OUT IN LONDON YOUR EVENING’S MAIN EVENT

MY GUESS IS NOT VERY. FOR MANY OF US A RESTAURANT IS A PLACE TO MEET OR A WAY TO KILL TIME BEFORE GOING TO THE THEATRE, A GALLERY OR SOME OTHER GHASTLY NIGHTLIFE SPOT.

This is certainly the case in London’s west end, where eating out is something we expect to be over with quick snap with the quality remaining sky high, before moving on with the rest of the evening.

On Drury Lane, a walking distance from anywhere worth visiting in the west end, lives an Indian restaurant like no other I’ve been in before now.

Sitaaray is an intimate room (maximum capacity only 55) that is not only unique in the manner with which it serves you food, but also in that it is a themed restaurant where the concept doesn’t feel uncomfortably crowbarred into the menu, nor does it feel thrust into your face.

The theme is Bollywood. As you walk in, you’ll discover the walls dripping with pictures of Bollywood stars and promotional posters for famous Bollywood films. Although most of these people and films will be unfamiliar to us Brits, the decor does add a genuine sense of glamour and class, which makes Sitaaray feel a truly unique and special place.

Once in the restaurant you will be seated in one of four themed booths; the heroine booth, the villan booth, the hero booth or the romantic booth, situated downstairs.

When seated you will be asked to make a choice, and as far as what you eat goes, this is virtually the only decision you will have to make all night. The choice? Vegetarian or meat.

After making your decision, you will be handed a menu informing you of what is about to be placed in front of you, one course at a time. There are 12 items on each menu, nine kebabs and three curries.

The courses are then brought to you at a rapid pace, one after the next with each installment building to a crescendo of deliciousness.

It would not only be unfair to give any particular dish special mention, but also rather a waste of time, as once you’re done with sampling everything from your selected menu you can have as much as you like of any particular item. Not bad for £22.50.

Having said this, it’s worth keeping an eye out for the battered fish, a lentil sauce which accompanied the naan bread for dipping (that takes 3 days to prepare, so the chef informs us) and the tikka masala.

Drinks wise, the cocktails are reasonably priced and wonderfully refreshing. I was recommended the Awaara, a raspberry and vodka tribute to the 1951 Bollywood classic, and I would like to pass this recommendation onto you.

Other reviews I’ve read have criticised the lack of choice, claiming that it makes you feel out of control. Well, I personally found this aspect not only relaxed me, but the knowledge that I could re-order any of my favoured items made me feel more in control than if ordering off a menu. Also, what kind of maniac is concerned by how much control they have over dinner?

Sitaaray is a conveniently located restaurant that for its price range, towers above anywhere else I can think of within a mile radius. It is certainly the best Indian food I’ve had in London. Whether you’re looking for a convenient place to grab a bite before a show, an intimate meal for two or a celebratory meal with friends, Sitaaray is a place that must be considered.

Click here to visit the website and peruse the menu. If you want to eat in a large group, you will almost certainly need a reservation.

167 Drury Lane
Greater London
WC2B 5PG

Tel: 020 7269 6422

Words Luke McGee

THE TERM ‘IDM’ (INTELLIGENT DANCE MUSIC) IS ONE I HAVE ALWAYS FOUND RATHER CRINGE INDUCING. AT LEAST I DO UNTIL HEARING THE MUSIC IT’S BEING USED TO DESCRIBE, AT WHICH POINT A VEIL OF RAGE AND GLOOM DETACHES ME FROM THE REAL WORLD.

Isn’t it a preposterously pretentious term? Placing some dance music on an intellectual pedestal above other dance music, that is in all honesty probably equal in its vapidity? And what about a Strauss Waltz, or a Chopin Mazourka? Unintelligent, I presume.

Well, at the risk of sounding an enormous hypocrite, an album is soon to be released that I believe may deserve the descriptive tag “IDM”.

If you’ve heard of the experimental pianist Hauschka, then please, accept my congratulations. The rest of you, pay attention for the next 300 words or so.

The wonderfully creative composer is back with a new album, that will hopefully pick up precisely where his 2010 slice of wonderment ‘Foreign Landscapes’ left off.

‘Salon Des Amateurs’ will see Hauschka (aka Volker Bertelmann) returns to his celebrated prepared piano style, where he will present us with what will doubtless be a unique take on minimalist techno and house.

For those of you unfamiliar with the prepared piano (do you know nothing of the works of John Cage? Goodness me!), Bertelmann achieved fame for placing unusual objects; bottle tops, gaffa tape and even vibrators inside the body of his piano, which allows the instrument an emphasised set of percussive properties.

It is from these percussive sounds that Hauschka will presumably form the basis of his dance tracks.

‘Salon Des Amateurs’ will certainly be quite a departure both stylistically and aesthetically from any of Hauschka’s previous works, particularly the aforementioned ‘Foreign Landscapes”, which saw his distintive arrangements evolve from the piano and spread across an orchestra.

The album isn’t out until April 11, so in the meantime I suggest you make yourself familiar with some of Hauschka’s back catalogue, starting with his last album which can be listened to in full beneath this article.

For more information on Hauschka, click here.

Follow me on twitter @monkeyhotel

Words Luke McGee

Hauschka – Foreign Landscapes by Hauschkamusic

A LOT OF TIME HAS PASSED SINCE THE BREAK UP OF OASIS. AT THE TIME I THOUGHT “WELL, THAT’S A SHAME. I HOPE NOEL CARRIES ON RELEASING MUSIC”.

I just assumed that Liam would probably call it a day and spend more time on his fashion and socialite career. Noel Gallagher was the pulse that drove Oasis. Whilst Liam gave the band its swaggering, rebellious image that certainly aided the group’s success, it’s probably fair to say that any musical contribution made by the singer was detrimental to the band. Anyone who has heard an Oasis song penned by Liam should agree with this.

Nevertheless, I was delighted when I first heard that Liam was to continue releasing music with his new band Beady Eye, a band that consists of Liam and the former Oasis hired-guns Gem Archer and Andy Bell. I suppose you could look at Beady Eye as being Oasis sans Noel.

So what do Oasis without Noel sound like? Fairly average, unfortunately. ‘The Roller’ sounds like an Oasis song that would probably have been scrapped, or at best been a B side. The song opens with sustained chords and a vocal tune that are painfully similar, if not identical to the Beatles ‘All You Need Is Love’, which then continues throughout every verse. I assume this was deliberate, although I’m not sure that makes it any less cringe worthy. We get it Liam, you like John Lennon.

The lyrics are a tough lightweight, and although the chorus is quite catchy, the verses are practically un-listenable.

Although ‘The Roller’ will be Beady Eye’s debut single, it’s the third song we’ve heard from the band’s forthcoming debut album Different Gear, Still Speeding, which will be released on February 28th. Sadly, the two songs we’ve already been treated to tell a similar story, and haven’t filled me with a great deal of excitement for the album.

I think it’s fair to say that towards the end Oasis had long since peaked, and the split felt inevitable. Noel had been performing on his own for a while and at the time it seemed obvious to all the he, and the rest of the band were ready to move on. This is why the former members of Oasis forming a band like Beady Eye strikes me as being slightly short sighted.

To my ears Beady Eye don’t sound like the remnants of a groundbreaking band moving onto pastures new. Rather, they sound like a new band who were heavily influenced by Oasis.

Yes, they are perfectly passable as a standard, British guitar band and I’ve certainly heard worse music, I’m sure we all have. However, when you consider the heights that these musicians used to scale, one can’t help but feel that they would have been better advised to take a dignified final bow, rather than desperately hang onto what might be a lengthily descent into the pits of mediocrity.

If you would like to learn more about Beady Eye then you can visit their website by clicking here, and you can listen to ‘The Roller’ beneath this post.

Words Luke McGee

Follow me on twitter @monkeyhotel

I DARE SAY THAT NOT MANY OF YOU WILL REMEMBER WHO KIMBERLY WYATT IS, IF INDEED YOU EVER KNEW AT ALL.

That’s the problem with being part of a massive pop group, especially if you’re not the ‘famous’ one – it’s easy to dissapear into obscurity. We only need observe what has happened with the Girls Aloud splintered solo efforts to see that the tangibly ordinary Cheryl has commercially outshone the considerably less famous but far more talented Nadine Coyle.

In 2010 Kimberly Wyatt announced her departure from the frighteningly successful Pussy Cat Dolls, leaving her kicking her heels. Instead of fading away from our collective memories, Wyatt stands before us with her new musical project; Her Majesty and The Wolves.

The duo is completed by Jupiter Rising’s Spencer Nezey, who takes care of production and occasionally chips in with this urban warbling.

Stars In Your Eyes is, although a tad generic, smothered in personality and is certainly very current. The production is flawless, the beat is tight and the song is oozing with class and glamour. This really is high end pop, and the very much worth pointing your ears towards for 3 minutes.

From the outset the vocal melody is unpredictable and striking, whilst the backing music is relentlessly upbeat in the best possible sort of way. The song has dangerously catchy chorus, and if you can sit through it without wanting to get up from your seat and dance like a lunatic you should probably consider giving your pulse a quick check.

Sure, it’s a bit of electro-pop fun and not overly substantial, but it’s fairly apparent that this duo is more than a means to and end for Wyatt and Nezey. Music without character and personality is quickly exposed, and this single has two very distinct hallmarks stamped all over it, leaving the song feeling entirely authentic as a passion project.

If you like what you hear from the video below, then why not join us in cheering for the underdog? You can follow HMATW on FaceBook, and the single is avaliable for purchase on iTunes by clicking here.

Words Luke McGee

SHERIDAN SMITH SANG LIVE ALONGSIDE BLOOMFIELD AVENUE AND RICARDO ALONSO AT THE ROADHOUSE IN COVENT GARDEN.

The Roadhouse is a vibrant night club located in the heart of Covent Garden and is famous for its live bands, DJs and yummy cocktails. The Roadhouse is also the host to the World Flair Championship, a competition where the best bartenders show off their mixing and spinning bottles skills to win the top prize, 10,000 pounds.

Sheridan Smith, Bloomfield Avenue and Richard Alonso offered an electric performance that made everybody sing and dance all night long!

Sheridan Smith is a famous actress and singer, very well-known for her roles in the TV series Two pints of lager & a packet of crisps and Gavin and Stacey. She has also been playing the lead role in the musical version of “Legally Blonde” in London’s West End since 2009 and has started the workshop productions for a new musical adaptation of “Bridget Jones’ Diary” where she will be playing Bridget next year.

Bloomfield Avenue are a six piece band whose members are very well-known and admired in the music theatre world. They are currently performing in several London West End musicals, including the sensational “Jersey boys”.

Ricardo Alonso was discovered by a Disney producer which led to his singing and voicing on many Disney and DreamWorks animated features. He is currently performing at the musical “We Will Rock You” where he plays Galileo and has also played in “The Night of 1000 Voices” at the Royal Albert Hall.

The event was hosted and organised by Richard Austin Rees and Nicole Hatch.

The atmosphere was electrifying and all the guests were rocking and rolling on the dance floor!

Words Veronica Carpio Martin  Images Dan Harley

“AND HOW ABOUT YOU, MADAM, WILL YOU BE GOLFING TOO?” ASKS ONE OF THE TALL, DARK AND HANDSOME, CONCIERGES.

“HMM, DONNAFUGATA GOLF AND SPA RESORT. SO THAT’S SPA AS WELL AS GOLF, I SEE.”

Not wanting the concierge – I already mentioned how handsome he was – to turn his attention to another guest I quickly answered the original question in the negative. I would take full advantage of the spa facilities and leave the golfing to the men.

In the South-East of Sicily, near the Baroque town of Ragusa, Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa, part of the NH Hoteles group, is a luxury five-star resort, newly opened in summer 2010.

Situated close to the beautiful beaches of Camarina, Punta Secca and the Marina di Ragusa, the resort is a fantastic place to hone golfing skins on its two exclusive 18-hole championship courses. The Parkland course was designed by Gary Player, the legendary, world-famous player and award-winning designer of over two hundred courses situated throughout the world. The course runs along the rustic countryside of Ragusa, which can be seen all around, offering players fabulous views.

The Links course has suitably different characteristics. The holes stretch over two large valleys, each of which includes a lake. The fairways have been carved out of the newly landscaped areas that skirt them, which means that so that their profiles stand out. This creates plays on colour which change wonderfully according to the seasons of the year.

If, like me, players are trying out golf for the first time, the Golf Academy of Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa will be a valuable facility. Using the very latest technology combined with traditional methods, highly qualified instructors are on hand to help all players with learning the techniques on to their choice of equipment, and understanding the psychology of golf.

The resort houses nine meeting rooms all equipped with the latest in audio-visual/conference technology which was show-cased at the press conference called by the legendary golfer, Gary Player. At 75 he’s still playing pro-golf and keen to highlight the value of the Donnafugata golf courses.

Here at AGENT2 we’re very keen on well-being activities that feature spa experiences so moving swiftly on to the Donnafugata spa awarded “Traveller Favourite Overseas Day Spa for 2010” by Condé Nast Traveller.

Six rooms for aesthetic and wellness treatments; a beauty centre, sauna, steam bath, multi-sensory showers and heated indoor swimming pool, in which to relax immersed in three different types of whirlpool areas, offer days devoted to beauty care and pure relaxation.

The spa is open daily from 9am to 9pm and also includes a top-of the-range multi-gym centre. The empty marble room with clouds of steam descending about me was the perfect way to begin my spa experience. The heat and moisture of the steam bath allowed my pores to open and I spent many glorious minutes perspiring my cares away.

The ‘Culti Method’ philosophy is utilised in the techniques that the masseuses apply. For up to 100 minutes the body is pampered; stress and tensions are melted away with the warmth of hands gently activating your lymphatic system to drain any water retention.

The luxurious treatment rooms and heated indoor swimming pool look out over the incredible surrounding scenery, which allowed me to become totally absorbs in my own thoughts as I swam graceful lengths of breast stroke under the soft lighting. The complex also thoughtfully provides a ‘relax’ area in which I was able to sip herbal teas while perusing Italian fashion magazines.

The International buffet breakfast which included freshly prepared pastries and cappuccino at the Restaurant Il Fico D’India (which translates as The Prickly Pear) was a great way to start each day, as I found a rich spread of sweet and savoury specialities and dishes.

Each evening was spent enjoying the world-class cuisine at Resturant Il Carrubo (which translates as The Carob).The bright and airy dining room, where floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning views of the surrounding golf courses and gardens, is the perfect setting for fine dining. The cuisine offers a delightful balance between tradition and innovation; Sicilian gastronomy, strongly influenced by the wisdom of Moorish recipes. These include high-grade fish – snapper, scorpion fish, octopus, tuna and prawns – all bought daily at the market and enhanced by the simple flavours of fresh vegetables such as aubergines and the Pachino cherry tomatoes that are typical of the Ragusa area,.

The Il Carrubo cellar offers an array wines from the finest Sicilian vineyards, along with a great selection of wines and spirits from the entire peninsula such as l‘Alcamo Bianco, Moscato and Passito di Pantelleria.

Nicknamed ‘The 19^th Hole’ the Club House is the perfect place to eat and drink after having played golf. The menu includes gourmet sandwiches to fresh seafood prepared with fresh local ingredients creating simple but absolutely delicious fare.

The resort is also an ideal base for exploring the towns of Ragusa, Modica both UNESCO World Heritage Site and, as such, the cradle of Sicilian Baroque. These are homes to the legendary Donnafugata Castle near Ragusa and the extraordinary and unique chocolate of Modica, produced with an ancient and original Aztec recipe in Modica and are gateways to Sicily’s charms of the past.

HOW TO GET THERE

British Airways operates flights from London Gatwick to Catania – www.britishairways.com

Alitalia operates flights from London Heathrow and London City Airports to Catania via Milan Linate and Rome and flights from Glasgow via Amsterdam and Rome – www.alitalia.com

Transfer from Catania International airport to Donnafugata Resort and Spa is 1 hour, 30 minutes by car.

Airport and helicopter transfers are available on request.

Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa

Contrada Piombo

97100

Ragusa

ITALY

Phone: +39 0932 914200

Fax: +39 0932 914222

Email: nhdonnafugata@nh-hotels.com

Web: http://www.donnafugatagolfresort.com

Prices start at €250 per night for a Standard Room.

Words Almaz Ohene

THE CHARING CROSS HOTEL CAN TRULY CLAIM TO BE AT THE VERY CENTRE OF LONDON: THE ELEANOR CROSS JUST OUTSIDE IS THE POINT FROM WHICH ALL ROAD DISTANCES TO THE CAPITAL ARE MEASURED. AS PART OF THE GUOMAN COLLECTION OF DELUXE OF LONDON HOTELS; THE CUMBERLAND, THE ROYAL HORSEGUARDS, THE TOWER, AND, OF COURSE, THE CHARING CROSS ARE THE IDEAL PLACE TO MEET, CELEBRATE, OR SIMPLY RELAX IN THE HEART OF THE CITY.

The Grade II listed building has been restored to all of its former Victorian glory giving it an elegance and grandeur that are both very much of its time, and yet completely suited for the twenty-first century and beyond.

From the moment I step in, I am made at ease by the impeccable Concierge service and impressed by the chic interior design highlighting the importance of elegance through the use of rich dark shades, opulent fabrics and signature statement pieces, designed to reflect the hotel’s iconic location at the official centre-point of London.

With 239 luxurious bedrooms and Junior Suites, the attention to detail and cutting-edge design is excellent. Each room includes black out blinds, large work stations with Wi-Fi, Hypnos beds (a brand recommended by the Queen), Egyptian cotton bed linen, bathrobes, rain head showers and tea/coffee facilities, for the optimum guest experience.

The hotel is also complete with a state of the art guest-only gym. With a modern chic look, the new gym is kitted out with three plasma screens, an iPod docking station, refrigerated refreshments and fresh towels. And if you need advice, or just a little extra motivation, you can book a session with their own fully-qualified Personal Trainer.

The inlaid mosaic floor of the Terrace on the Strand Restaurant is the Victorian original. Winner of an AA Rosette, it serves an adventurous menu of classic British and international cuisine. With the hotel so close to many West End theatres, it’s the ideal choice for a pre-show dinner or long lunch after a morning sight-seeing.

The discreet yet attentive service makes the Strand Lounge a calm, sumptuous place to relax. Settle back and savour our famous London Afternoon Tea, accompanied by magnificent views over The Strand and Trafalgar Square.

Strand Bar is open twenty-four hours a day for a drink, or light meal. Each Friday night there is live music in the lounge, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the great atmosphere of this Central London hotel.

The candles and tea-lights which adorn the length of the corridors and staircases on an evening are welcome tonic after the hustle and bustle of a day in the busy city.

The Charing Cross hotel is the gateway to London’s West End and its world-famous shops, theatres and other attractions. And with Charing Cross mainline and Tube stations literally next door, this iconic Central London hotel has firmly established itself as the leading ‘destination’ hotel in the area.

Charing Cross, The Strand, London. WC2N 5HX

Tel: 0871 376 9012

Fax: 0871 376 9112

http://www.guoman.com/en/hotels/united_kingdom/london/charing_cross/index.html

Words Almaz Ohene

ITALY… THE COUNTRY OF PIZZA, PASTA, TIRAMISU, ICE CREAM, CAPPUCCINO, MACHIATTO, LATTE, LIMONCELLO. THE COUNTRY OF LEONARDO DA VINCI, MICHELANGELO, SOFIA LOREN, MONICA BELLUCCI… THE COUNTRY OF HISTORY, ART, ROMANCE, PASSION, LOVE… I HAVE BEEN TO ITALY MANY TIMES SINCE I WAS 16 AND I HAVE ALWAYS ADMIRED HISTORIC ROME, CHIC MILANO, THE COSMOPOLITAN AMALFI COAST BUT THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT THE TUSCAN REGION MORE MYSTERIOUS, MORE DISTURBING, MORE STRIKING THAT MAKES IT INCOMPARABLE WITH ANY OTHER ITALIAN REGIONS.

As my taxi takes me from Pisa airport to the Fattoria Mansi Bernardini, I can’t stop admiring the view, the postcard-perfect hills and trees that adorn the Tuscan landscape, creating a romantic and intriguing ambiance that has attracted millions of travellers for decades.

It’s the first Yoga & Arts Healing holiday held in this sumptuous villa so I am really interested to practise yoga and to find out the benefits of healing therapy.

My first session is a creative free flow workshop by Dalia Zermon, an abstract artist and creator of the company Paint Jam London, which offers art & meditation workshops. Dalia starts the session explaining that it’s not about improving our painting or drawing skills but a way to relax, release bad energy and do meditation through painting. I begin painting, mixing different colours and let my fingers freely move around the paper. It’s relaxing but after a while my paper is just full of random colours which I believe it’s not possible to mix anymore. Once everyone in the class has finished, Dalia asks everyone how we feel and what our paintings mean. Some people comment that the experience is very profound, enlightening and liberating. For me, it has been energizing, it feels great to let yourself go freely without worrying what other people think. Although not as meaningful and deep as I thought it would be, it definitely is an interesting journey through colour expression exercises and meditation.

Straight after, I rush to the yoga class. I have done sports since I was little and I work out often in the gym but I have never done yoga before so I am really curious to start the class and learn all about it.

The word yoga means “union” in Sanskrit, the language of ancient India where yoga originated. Yoga creates a union of mind, body and spirit.

Until now, my limited view of yoga was impossible postures that improve your flexibility and meditation through breathing and exercise but our teacher, Francis D’Angelo leads me to discover that there is much more to it. Francis has been a yoga teacher for 14 years and his open-minded and humorous Hatha style approach to yoga promotes physical, mental and emotional balance.

Although some of the postures weren’t easy, I managed to do most of them. The class was really enjoyable and it’s a great small-impact work out. The breathing and meditation techniques make you feel purified physically and mentally.

After the class, I have a look around this magnificent place. The Fattoria Mansi Bernardini is a luxurious farm situated in the hills of north Lucca. Its name, Bernardini, comes from a family of merchants who invested their money in this hilly area surrounded by olive trees and vineyards. Over the centuries the size of the farm increased enormously as the Bernardini family purchased nearby properties and Antonieta, last heir of the family, got married to the marquis Rafaello Mansi, bringing new interest to this splendid estate. Their first-born son and present owner, Luigi, relaunched this place as a luxury farm.

The Fattoria Mansi Bernardini has 4 separate villas, each with their own garden and pool. This exclusive Tuscan estate has also a group of 4 smaller houses, called “Il Borghetto”, with their own garden but sharing a pool. Every house boasts a living-room with TV, video player and CD stereo. The room’s décor is luxury-meets-history-meets-rustic. All the rooms have modern comforts but have preserved the original layout. They are very spacious, with low-energy eco lights and cosy, with a very homely feeling.

The Fattoria offers also a wine tasting excursion in Tenuta di Valgiano, where it’s explained how they produce the wine in this region. Since 2005, Tenuta di Valgiano is a member of Renaissance du Terroir, an association of 160 wine-makers worldwide under the common denominator of byodinamic agriculture, which means that they don’t use weed-killers, synthetic chemical products, concentrator or cryoextraction.

As I taste the white wine Tenuta di Valgiano 2007, the red wine Palistori di Valgiano 2008 along with mozzarella, scamorza (typical of this region), salami and focaccia uva (Italian bread with grapes), I can’t stop looking at the beautiful surroundings.

After too much wine and cheese, I head back to the Fattoria to get ready for my theta healing treatment. Having done some research before coming to Lucca, I discovered that theta healing removes the negative beliefs that make you unhappy, unhealthy and unfulfilled, downloading positive energy that will allow you to live your life how you really want to.

This treatment is done by Lorena Granata, a theta healing and abundance practitioner with more than 20 years’ experience in holistic and Shamanic medicine. The healing is supposed to be instantaneous, as it goes to your subconscious and destroys the negativity you no longer need. Lorena starts asking me what troubles me in my life and a repetitive process of me acknowledging my problems and Lorena downloading positive energy takes place. After the healing, I talk to other people and to some the process has really changed their lives. Do I feel like it has changed mine? Not really, but maybe I am too sceptical. If you really believe it will change you completely, probably it will.

Nevertheless, I think it’s a complex process to understand yourself better and what you need to improve or change to live and feel happier.

When thinking of the Tuscan region, Lucca never seems to be named. Other Tuscan cities such as Florence, Pisa or Siena have been taking all the protagonism, but Lucca is starting to shine on its own as one of the prettiest and more picturesque cities in Tuscany.

Lucca has Etruscan and Longobard origins and was well-known in Roman times. Its wealth came from silk, wool and leather, which were exported to England, France and Flanders. Lucca’s glorious past has left stunning churches and palazzos and, specially, its city-walls, still complete and well-preserved.

Its famous Piazza Anfiteatro, where the famous Roman amphitheatre used to be based, has become one of the landmarks of this city.

Bizarrely, Lucca is the biggest producer of tissue and toilet paper in the world.

Besides, one of its cathedrals, Duomo di San Martino, has a controversial sculpture of a black Christ, which is not even mentioned in guidebooks.

After the visit to Lucca, I get ready for my next treatment: Advanced Deep Tissue and Neuromuscular massage, by Kristina Karanyizc. I have always loved massages. There is something very revitalising and calming about them so I am really looking forward to relax my mind and muscles for one hour.

Kiristina believes that our physical problems have a huge connection with emotional and psychological issues. She tells me that the right part of our back is connected to masculine problems (boyfriend, husband, father, male boss, male friends etc.) while the left part is related to feminine ones (girlfriend, wife, mother, sister, female friends etc.).

She starts massaging my back vigorously, releasing my muscular and energy blockages, eliminating bad energies and replacing them with positive thoughts to heal, balance and nourish my whole body. Her touch is strong but soothing and I can honestly say that it is one of the best massages I have ever had.

Kristina gives the most effective massage treatment possible. Highly recommended.

My last treatment is The Journey, by Sandra Ferreira, a type of healing that clears emotional issues and blockages stored in your body. Sandra takes me through an emotional journey, looking at my subconscious and problems from the past, to the present and the future. Sandra’s aim is to help others to achieve a free, healthy and rich life, bringing passion, peace, love and freedom.

The Journey is an interesting process to analyse your past, evaluate your present and consider what you want to achieve in the future.

The Fattoria is the perfect place to escape from everything, detox, relax and become at peace with yourself. The stunning natural surroundings, luxurious villas and delicious Italian food and wine will make you feel like you are in heaven.

HOW TO GET THERE

• EasyJet flies to Pisa from London Gatwick and London Luton in less than 2 hours. Prices vary depending on the time of booking. For more information, visit: www.easyjet.co.uk
• The Versilia beaches are 25kms away. The Conque Terre is about an hour’s drive away, while Florence, Pisa and Siena can be easily reached in about an hour on the motorway.

THE FATTORIA MANSI BERNARDINI

• Extra-virgin olive oil and DOC colline Lucchesi wine are produced here following traditional agricultural methods.

• Cookery courses can be organised in the villa kitchen, using old recipes from the Mansi Bernardiny family.

• The Fattoria can accommodate 60 people and it’s an ideal place for small congresses, conventions, company meetings, relaxing holidays and weddings.

• The next Yoga & Healings Art holiday will take place next May 2011. The price is £495 pounds and includes: 1-week accommodation, breakfast, dinner, yoga, wine tasting excursion, use of tennis courts, private swimming-pool and private gardens.

For further information visit www.divineretreats.co.uk

Treatments price list:

MASSAGE: £50 per hour     www.involutiontherapies.com

THETA HEALING: £50 per session   www.thetahealingpracticionerlondon.com

JOURNEY HEALING: £35 per hour   www.holisticjourneytherapy.com

CREATIVE FREE FLOW: £30 per session, including material   www.paintjamlondon.co.uk

You can also book massage, theta healing and journey healing together for £125.

Fattoria Mansi Bernardini
Via di Valgiano, 34
55018 Segromigno in Monte
Lucca – Tuscany – Italy

0039 0583 921721

www.fattoriamansibernardini.com

Words Veronica Carpio Martin

LONDON, AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST FASHIONABLE CAPITALS, OFFERS A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE FOR SHOPAHOLICS, FASHIONISTAS AND ANYONE LOOKING FOR THE LASTEST FASHION ACCESSORY OR BARGAIN.

The famous American quote, “the city that never sleeps”, perfectly defines the busy, Oxford Street, well-known for high-street fashion with lots of trendy stores such as: Topshop, a tourist spot on its own, and the largest branch of the country renown for its straight-from-the-catwalk high-street versions, Primark, Zara, the Spanish retailer boasts high-quality and exclusive designs at high-street prices, River Island, offers a chic British style and interesting collections from graduate fashion designers and also, Mango, GAP, Jane Norman, Dorothy Perkins, Office, New Look.

The area also hosts luxury department stores such as: John Lewis, House of Fraser and Debenhams and Selfridges, the uber chic store has recently opened The Shoe Galleries, with 4,000 shoes on display and 55,000 in stock, this shoe-paradise is the biggest in the world.

For a more exclusive feel, the iconic Carnaby Street offers a unique shopping experience with a large number of mid-range fashion boutiques such as Miss Sixty, Replay, Diesel, Fornarina, to name a few and also the quintessentially British department store, Liberty, very well-known for its trademark prints, high end designer clothes and exclusive cosmetics that are very hard to find anywhere else.

The elegant Regent Street, also boasts numerous flagship stores such as Banana Republic, Ted baker, The Apple Store, Levis, Guess, Ferrari, Karen Millen, the world- famous toy shop, Hamleys, very popular amongst tourists, and traditional British labels such as Burberry and Jaeger.

For pure luxury, swanky Bond Street is home to the world’s most famous retailers. The northern part is called New Bond Street, the most expensive avenue in Europe, where you can find high-end designer stores such as Armani, Dolce&Gabbana, Fendi, Louis Vitton, Prada, Versace, Miu, Miu… The southern part, Old Bond Street, boasts prestigious jewellery shops such as Tiffani & Co, Leviev, Watches of Switzerland, Cartier, De Beers and also sophisticated designer boutiques such as Chanel, Ives Saint Laurent, Gucci, Alexander McQueen, DKNY. Bond Street also hosts Sotheby’s auction house, antique and art stores.

After shopping, I checked into the Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel, conveniently located near popular London landmarks such as British Museum, Soho, Covent Garden, Oxford Street and Piccadilly Circus.

Following a 25 million pound makeover, this hotel has become a symbol of luxury, comfort and style. From the moment I step in, I am aware of the attention to detail and cutting-edge design. The reception boasts a wall covered by pages from Virginia Wolf’s most famous book, Mrs Dalloway and a striking art installation by Ian and Richard Able.

The bar area has a touch of exclusivity while retaining an intimate atmosphere which makes you feel welcomed and relaxed. The deep gold, crushed velvet sofas, designer curve backed chairs and bronze sculptures create a sophisticated and intimate ambiance.

The restaurant offers a very stylish décor with black leather chairs, black lacquer tables, tall scarlet vases set in alcoves and white orchids. The food menu showcases contemporary European food using the finest ingredients at a reasonable price (starting from £19.50 for two courses).

The refurbishment has added a brand new 7^th floor and the hotel boasts some of the largest bedrooms and bathrooms in London. As I enter my deluxe room, the first thing that catches my eye is the extraordinary view over the British Museum’s famous dome. The king size bed, luxurious bed linen, fine leather headboards, bespoke furniture and Baccharat chandeliers create a luxurious and cozy atmosphere.

All rooms have the latest audio/visual technology with sleek flat screen TVs and complimentary high-speed wireless.

The hotel also features one of the largest conference spaces in central London, the Folio Room, with capacity for 300 people, unique Op-Art silver walls, in-built Blu-Ray equipment and intuitive touch-screen technology.

If you are searching for a hotel with a central location, superb service, excellent food, great comfort and the latest design, look no further.

Radisson Edwardian Hotels are giving The Pay, Save and Stay offer for Christmas, which provides 20% discount from all room nights between 19th December and 9th January inclusive, plus 25% off dining throughout all hotel restaurants.

Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel,

9-13 Bloomsbury Street, London, WC1B 3QD

020 7636 5601

www.radissonedwardian.com/bloomsburystreet

Words Veronica Carpio Martin

WHEN WE THINK OF SWISS ALPINE EXPERIENCES HERE AT AGENT2, WOODEN CHALETS, HEIDI AND CUCKOO CLOCKS POP INTO OUR HEADS – NOT TO MENTION THE SERIOUS AMOUNTS OF PHYSICAL EXCURSION IN THE FORMS OF HIKING, SKIING AND MOUNTAIN BIKING THAT ARE READILY ASSOCIATED WITH MOUNTAIN RESORTS.

Thinking of this usually brings me out in a sweat as my daily activity normally peaks at running from one meeting to the next, heavily laden down with laptop and a tall skinny latte.

Bearing all this in mind, I was more than pleasantly surprised to find Adelboden, in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland came with all the charm I had expected from a traditional mountain village but with equally mountainous sized portions of luxury and relaxation.  With views across the mountains that would inspire even the most committed city dweller to don Lederhosen and Yodel, a quaint village atmosphere, picture perfect chalets and more top class restaurants and boutique hotels than you can shake a stick at, the village is a million miles away from my stereotypical preconceptions I originally had.

After an enjoyable and relaxing 2-hour flight from Manchester with Switzerland’s national airline, SWISS where I was served with chocolate and smiles, I was safely deposited in Zurich where a remarkably scenic journey to Frutigen was next on the itinerary with Swiss Railways SBB.  The high-speed journey of 3 hours passed by with the true efficiency you would expect from a nation renowned for their clock-making prowess.  After a short bus journey from the station I reached the picture-perfect village of Adelboden.

The area caters for a variety of tastes and requirements as both a winter and summer destination.  Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway for two, an outdoor, action-packed adventure or something to keep the kids occupied while the adults indulge then this is the destination for you.  Conveniently situated at the base of the Wildstrubel, minutes from the cable cars that  take you to the summit, the mountainous terrain is perfect for skiing and snowboarding during the winter season and hiking and biking in the summer.  For those of you who prefer to indulge and relax, plans are also in the pipeline for a new wellness and sporting facility, Alpenbad, that will boast a huge spa, 14 different indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, a warm water pool with views over the Engstigle Waterfalls and a 5-star hotel to boot (work is due to begin in spring 2011).

I checked into The Cambrian Hotel, part of the Design Hotels group.  The charming exterior melts seamlessly into the traditional surroundings and belies the interiors sleek modernism and quirky elements; the 71 rooms are a perfect marriage of ‘Scandi-cool’ and cosy with enough designer elements to have seriously made me consider buying a bigger bag for the return journey home!  The Cambrian’s own bar, Scott’s, blends enough high-design and glamour to make anyone want to indulge in après-ski as well as warming up with plenty of avant-ski (a tradition we at AGENT2 strictly observe!).  Nova, the hotel’s own restaurant serves up ‘new alpine cuisine’, their own fresh take on mountain classics with all ingredients sourced from within the region.  Here you will find something for everyone from smaller plates to more hearty meals that would enable you to tackle the most rigorous of outdoor activities.

The Cambrian itself has everything you would expect from a luxury, boutique hotel with friendly assistance given at every step to make your stay is as pleasurable as possible.  On arriving, scooter and chair lift rides had already been organised as well as a relaxing treatment in the hotel’s own world-class spa – no doubt to aid in the recovery needed after the aforementioned exhausting activities.   Other packages are also available to make your trip as pain free as possible.

With the breathtaking scenery on your doorstep, activities arranged and a post-activity recovery plan in place, the pull of the outdoors is too much to resist!

The spa at The Cambrian provides a number of treatments using natural alpine ingredients and influenced by the different phases of the moon, and is open to both hotel guests and residents of the region.  As a guest of the hotel I was at liberty to use the facilities whenever it took my fancy, and believe me, the fancy took me.   The hotel has fantastic facilities including an indoor pool complete with its own waterfall, Finnish sauna with steam bath and rain shower and my personal favourite, an outdoor infinity pool complete with stunning mountain views.

Tearing myself from the warm, bubbling pool and beautiful scenery I moved on for my ‘Mountain Herb’ massage.  This relaxing and revitalising, full body massage used oils scented with alpine herbs to leave my skin feeling energised as though I had just thrown myself into a mountaintop, glacial lake.  With a number of packages to choose from it is advisable to book so as not to be disappointed.  The ‘Hiking & Wellness’ package is to be recommended and includes many of the things highlighted in my stay.

Having arrived in Adelboden with the weight of fast-paced city living on my shoulders and preconceptions in mind I have found that all my cares have melted away in the crisp, alpine air as I sit, sipping thick hot chocolate from The Cambrian’s Winter Garden roof terrace.  This truly is a destination with something for everyone where the pace is yours for the choosing.

TRAVEL DETAILS

Swiss Air operate regular flights from Manchester to Zurich with prices starting at £120 return.  For more details please visit www.swiss.com.

We travelled from Zurich to Frutigen by train.  See Swiss Railways SBB for more details.

We stayed at:

The Cambrian Hotel
Dorfstrasse 7
3715 Adelboden
Switzerland

Double rooms cost from £75 and a range of great packages are available.

More information on Adelboden and the surrounding can be found at www.myswitzerland.com.

Words Vincent Bernier Images The Cambrian Hotel

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

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 19^th 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

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

Brasserie Oran Mor

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

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

The Left Bank

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

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

Lorne Hotel Glasgow

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

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

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.

rossorestaurants.com

43 Spring Gardens, Manchester

Words Dan Howell

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

www.boydsbrasserie.co.uk

Words Emma Zücker

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

scarlethotel.co.uk

Words Eileen Green Images Scarlet Hotel

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

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

k-west.co.uk

Words Graham Gartside

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

pte-ag.com

Words by Almaz Ohene

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

YOU MAY HAVE FAILED THE POST-CHRISTMAS DETOX, YOU MIGHT NEVER FULFIL YOUR RESOLUTIONS AND YOU PROBABLY WON’T BECOME A REGULAR AT THE GYM AFTER ALL, BUT ONE THING YOU MOST DEFINITELY CAN CHANGE FOR 2010 IS YOUR HAIR. IT DOESN’T BLOAT EVERY MONTH, IT DOESN’T PUT ON WEIGHT AND WHEN IT’S STYLED, IT WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN. GIRLS. BOYS. IF IT’S AN IMAGE OVERHAUL YOU WANT THEN LOOK NO FURTHER.

The New Year is often a time of reflection. We start the year with great expectations, pinning hideous photos to the fridge as a means to motivate ourselves to avoid the chocolate cake inside and setting idealistic goals of extreme weight loss. But we all really know that by the time Christmas comes round again, you probably won’t look like Kate Moss and that picture will have just been thrown away – after all, who wants to eat chocolate cake feeling guilty?

But one image-defining element that we never think of changing is our hair. Looking back at photos, hair styles hold more significance than you think. It reflects good times in our lives, it reflects the bad. It reminds us of an era (the perm); it reminds us of a celebrity (only Posh can pull off ‘The Pob’) but there’s nothing more demoralising than a year of bad hair days.

Such a defining feature, it deserves precedence in our styling routine. So maybe 2010 should be the year that you use your hair to make a beautiful you?

And there’s no better place to start than Fibre Hairdressing, at Manchester’s Lowry Outlet Mall. The only outlet mall in the city, The Lowry Outlet Mall, set in the trendy Salford Quays, is a great place to start your New Year revamp. Housing famous brands such as Molton Brown and Marks & Spencer at 60 per cent off their high street price, The Lowry Outlet Mall, is a great weekend stop to avoid the crowded shops of The Arndale or Trafford Centre. But it’s its salon upstairs that holds all the cards at image reinvention.

Let me introduce you to Fibre Hairdressing. With a permanent eye on key trends and new celeb ‘dos’, Fibre Hairdressing is the place that’ll have you bouncing into 2010. It’s amazing what a new hair style can do.

My lovely stylist Yvonne explained to me that New Year is a busy time for the salon, with people wanting to refresh their image and rejuvenate their confidence. At this time of change, the way a style frames your face or a colour warms your skin could all have positive effects on a customer’s confidence and personality.

And unsurprisingly the most popular New Year requests from clients are…to look like celebs. Boys choose Beckham. Girls choose Cheryl. And I was no different. With a picture of our favourite Geordie in my hand I was asking Yvonne for the caramel highlights and tousled bob that she’s heard many times before – and Cheryl only changed her image on X Factor’s penultimate show in December. That’s how influential celebrity styles are on us mere mortals and how important it is for stylists like Yvonne to know exactly how to replicate our fave dos before Cheryl’s stylists finish slicing away her brunette locks.

Lucky for me, this is what Fibre Hairdressing is so good at – knowing what celebrity is going to affect hair trends and knowing how to replicate this for their style-hungry customers. Over the years there have been a multitude of famous cuts from Jennifer Anniston’s ‘Rachel Do’ in the 1990s, every one of Victoria Beckhams crops, chops and bobs to Mrs Cole herself. Changes in celeb cuts directly affect popular styles, and sensitive to customers’ demands, Fibre Hairdressing is the first place to find out how to create quiffs Rihanna would be proud of.

Tellingly, when Posh got rid of her extensions after the 2006 World Cup, requests for extensions took a sudden drop. And when Jennifer Aniston wore braids in her hair to the 2009 Oscars, Fibre Hairdressing were the first to realise this was a trend that would dominate our summer hair.

And if it’s a simple style – like JA’s braids – that you want then Fibre Hairdressing has engineered its own innovative Style Bar. This drop-in service allows girls to choose from a menu of suggested dos for a special occasion. No shampooing, blowdrying or cutting involved, this simple service can give you a ‘Chick Flick’, ‘Side Pony’ or ‘Party Curls’ in as little as 15 minutes, perfect for after-work dinners long after the party season comes to an end. Wanting to look like Angelina Jolie has never been easier.

Hair cuts, colours and styles have always had a huge influence on how we look and subsequently how we feel about ourselves. That’s why Fibre Hairdressing doesn’t just cut hair, but also offers pampering hair ‘Treatments’. These half hour sessions involve a shiatsu head massage, hand massage, consultation to choose the right products to revive your hair, conditioning treatment, blowdry and a take-home pack with Paul Mitchell products inside. The packs, with names such as ‘Thirst Quencher’ and ‘Bling on Blonde’, are specific to your hair needs, thickening, conditioning and hydrating your locks wherever necessary.

Whatever you choose to get done, you’re bound to have a great ‘feel-good’ time and come out looking like a million dollars (or like you have a million dollars). Using the best products, continual training, and following celebrity trends makes Fibre Hairdressing one of the best salons in this city – it’s not hard to see why it already has a few real celeb clients of its own.

But for me? I came in looking like The Adams Family’s Cousin Itt and came out like a member of Girls Aloud. Cheryl Cole, I might not be, but for today, and 2010, I, at least, have her hair.

Fibre Hairdressing
Lowry Outlet Mall
Salford Quays
M50 3AH
0161 877 4797

Open seven days a weeek

lowryoutletmall.com

Pampering Treatment At a snip from £12.50, this treatment includes shiatsu massage, hand massage, conditioning, consultation and treatment take-home kit.

Style Bar £10 per 15 minute appointment to create a dry-style of your dreams for that night out or special occasion.

Words Natasha Al-Atassi

A SHORT WAY FROM THE BRITISH COAST LIES ONE OF FRANCE’S MOST INTERESTING REGIONS, DRAWING VISITORS WITH ITS WONDERFUL COASTLINE, ATTRACTIVE TOWNS AND GREAT FOOD. AGENT2 CROSSES THE CHANNEL TO DISCOVER THE CHARM OF BRITTANY, A UNIQUE REGION RICH IN HISTORY AND BEAUTY.

I didn’t know much about this part of France, but I soon found out there’s more to it than just Asterix the Gaul.

As I set foot in Rennes, the city didn’t first strike me as a place of cultural and social ferment that I had expected from its pride and resistance to power, much like Asterix’s adventures. Its quiet streets, timber-framed houses and slow pace convinced me that the renowned local passionate temperament was just a saying.

However, I soon reconsidered. After attending the music festival the city hosts every December, Les Transmusicales, I saw first-hand the passion and life this region has to offer.

Fever Ray performing at Les Transmusicales

Les Transmusicales is an annual showcase of incredible new musical trends and talents. With a beer in hand, I ventured inside the huge hangars of the Parc Expo.

For four days a year, Rennes becomes the European capital of music: artists from all over the globe come to town to perform in front of  30,000 strong crowd.

New trends in music are offered all night long for a marathon that explores many genres. I danced to the songs from Jamaican artist Terry Lynn, I enjoyed the dark and sometimes unsettling beats of Fever Ray, the amazingly talented BLK JKS and the mind-blowing electro-reggae of Major Lazer. After my second night at Les Trans, Rennes already showed much more character than I thought it ever could.

My ears still burning from the concerts, the following morning I set out to discover the city. A big part of the old town was devastated in a fire in 1720, but it’s still easy to imagine what Rennes must have looked like if its timber-framed houses were still there amongst its bright colours and tiny alleys.

But the beating heart of Rennes is in its squares. The elegant Place de la Republique is a perfect starting point to visit the city. Just make sure you don’t spend all of your time shopping: the famous storeGaleries Lafayettes is here, and the streets all around are full of boutiques.

Walking for a few minutes along streets lined with nice houses and funny restaurant signs, I found myself in front of the imposing neoclassical silhouette of the Cathédrale Saint Pierre. Nearby is Place des Lices, which hosts a lively and noisy market every Saturday, the second biggest in France. It is crammed with locals stocking up on oysters, mouth-watering cheese and freshly baked bread.

The busy Place Saint-Anne is dominated by the Palais du Parlament de Bretagne, which was seriously damanged by a fire in 1994, after a violent demonstration by local fishermen. In front of the Parlament there were many stalls selling delicious local food and I challenge you toresist the temptation of  crêpes avec chocolat.

Foodies won’t be disappointed: Rennes is dotted with charming restaurants offering ample opportunity to savour the local cuisine and take in the atmosphere of this peculiar city.

Less than one hour north of the city is the Emerald Coast. Its rugged and windy cliffs overlook gulfs with cobalt blue water, while the waves crash on rocks and lighthouses appear on the horizon. Clouds travel fast, and rainbows colour the sky.

A visit to the village is a must; walking along the harbour you can see the evanescent silhouette of Mont St-Michel. When the sun is not shining, everything seems to romantically seep into black and white.

The real gem of the coastal area is Saint Malo, an elegant walled city.

Its past is one of pirates, sailors and privateers, and walking on the ramparts around the town centre, the wind blowing fiercely, I contemplated the forts and rocks dotting the sea all around. The sun was setting, making the buildings shine like gold.

As I recall my time there, I understand that the warm and welcoming people, jaw-dropping panoramas and rich heritage of Brittany are not only enough to make me want to come back, but also to realize why Asterix was so determined to keep Rome’s hands off it.

WHERE TO STAY

Located a few steps away from Rennes’s train station, Hotel Astrid is a great place to stay. For EUR 55 prpn, it’s only a few minutes away from the city centre. Rooms are simple, quiet and clean. The hall and the breakfast room are very well-decorated, and having a warm baguette with jam in a stylish room is the perfect way to start your day.

WHAT TO DO

VISIT THE LITTLE OYSTER MARKET IN CANCALE

For breath-taking views of Mont Saint-Michel and to snap a picture of a site of oyster harvesting, walk to this tiny market at the end of Cancale’s seafront.

THE MEDIEVAL TOWN OF DINAN

Discover the ancient charm of this little village. Its port, on the river, has great views on the woods and hills around, an old stone bridge and a Roman aqueduct.

HAVE A COFFEE IN SAINT MALO

Le Café du coin d’en bas de la rue du bout de la ville d’en face du port Le Java, 3 Rue Saint Barbe, is an unusual and eccentric place, where stools are swings, the toilet is hidden in a wooden booth and thousands of porcelain dolls, puppets, pictures and stuffed animals make customers’ heads spin. You’ll barely know what you are drinking, too busy looking around. Which is a pity, because the coffee is actually really good.

HOW TO GET THERE

Ryanair flies from London Stansted to Dinard in one hour. Prices vary but good offers can be found at ryanair.com.

Flybe flies to Rennes directly from Southampton, and from Manchester, Edinburgh, Exeter, Belfast and Newcastle connecting in Southampton.

For more information visit brittanytourism.com

Words and images Roberto Priolo

WHEN WE TALK ABOUT INDIE MUSIC WE USUALLY THINK OF WEIRD TUFTS OF HAIR (WHY? AND HOW IS THIS GUY DIFFERENT? PROBABLY BEST TO DESCRIBE THE NORMAL BEATS, SOUNDS OF THE MUSIC WHICH THE NIRO DOESN’T COMPLY WITH).  BUT THERE’S ONE GUY WHO REPRESENTS INDIE MUSIC IN HIS OWN WAY. SHOWING A TENSION AND A STRENGTH, HIS TRACKS ARE WORKS OF ART DIFFICULT TO FIND IN THIS POPULAR AND POLLUTED GENRE.

Italian-born Davide Combusti grew up surrounded by music before starting up his own band, The Niro, from 2002. Currently considered one of the best young songwriters in Italy, he is beginning to establish a name for himself on British shores.

Son to a famous drummer from some important Italian rock bands during the 1970s (I Ribelli, I Centauri, La somma), he cultivated his interest for music playing the same instrument before taking his hand to the guitar and bass.

He took to the stage as a drummer, when he decided to write music and lyrics for his own band: The Niro. When they split up he kept the name and continued his solo career as songwriter. In 2008 his first EP, An Ordinary Man was released by Universal. Its five songs were also part of the 13 track album: The Niro.

He has played in New York, LA and Paris and last October, he performed a whistle stop tour around the UK with LiveZone and Track1. Having previously opened for the Zephyrs, Isobel Campbell and TKO and contributed to the Belle and Sebastian’s tribute album with his version of I fought in a War, his biggest British performance was his recent London gig last winter.

On 22 October 2009, The Gramaphone in Commercial Street filled with ‘Indie’ types, eager to listen to something new. Guys chatting on black leather sofas sat awaiting the new beats and sounds that will change the genre for the coming year, as drums and guitars are set up on stage.

The Niro – wearing jeans, black t-shirt and a bowler –  jumped on it.

He played songs from his debut with great precision and heart and his performance reflected his discrete and private manner, steering clear of shouting rock bands. Saying only a few polite ‘thanks’ during the set, he’s clearly one of those who prefer communicating through their music and avoid wasting too many words about it.

His style of singing seems to be influenced by Jeff Buckley’s high notes and falsetto reverberations, while his music offers a wide range of emotions: from happiness to melancholy, from rage to serenity. Classic arpeggios suddenly turn into aggressive progressions while tempo and rhythm changes often surprise the audience.

Bass guitar and drums are perfectly synchronized and form a complex carpet on which the artist is completely free to express himself. Years of lessons from his father have paid off and the consensus amongst the now-standing audience was clear: The Niro machine works amazingly well.

The performance quickly left behind something difficult to explain: an uneasiness or sadness that resonated through his lyrics and between each note.

Worlds away from the usual Europop dance tunes of Eiffel 65 that normally filters through from Italy’s music scene, The Niro’s songs are full of content and heart. So much so, that for the first time, the whole world is listening to The Niro to change Indie music to change for the better, and it’s safe to say, we’re eager for more.

www.myspace.com/theniro

Words Luca Russo

IN A WORLD SATURATED WITH FASHION BLOGS SCOTT SCHUMAN’S THE SARTORIALIST HAS BECOME THE ONLY FASHION BLOG TO LOOK TO FOR EVERYONE FROM THE REAL FASHION DICTATORS TO THOSE SIMPLY WITH A LOVE OF TIMELESS STYLE.

The Sartorialist has become a worldwide phenomenon, with over 180, 000 visits a day. It has been named as one of the top six style blogs by the Sunday Times and is rated by Technorati as the Number 1 fashion blog in the world.

Scott Schuman worked in the fashion industry for 15 years before setting up his blog. The aim was and still is to showcase the varied style of real people on our streets, not only those of the fashion elite.

Although in an ironic testament to his talent and status it is often the fashionistas who clamour to get their picture taken by Schuman, as Cathy Horyn, The New York Times, said: “Everybody loves being photographed by Scott Schuman. If he spots you in the crowd whether in New York, Paris or Milan, it’s kind of a validation.”

In this book Scott has compiled his favourite images, adding the odd comment here and there, but mostly letting the images speak for themselves.  From achingly hip Stockholm to the faded grandeur of Milan Schuman captures the essence of style and distils it in his now world-famous images.

It is his clever, appreciation of individual style which has readers of his blog hooked. He does not include just ‘fashionable’ people, but dapper gentleman exuding a quiet arrogance striding around the streets of Milan, a newspaper casually tucked under one arm.  Or a disparate group of rosy-cheeked teens posing against the dramatic backdrop of the Eiffel tower, each competing with each other to make their own individual style statement.

Images of fashion’s big players, such as Editor-in-Chief of French Vogue, Carine Roitfeld, appear alongside an awkward 13-year-old Parisian boy photographed in his brand new high-tops. It is this contrast of the recognition of high fashion and the perceptive eye for a great image which makes this book work.

He often focuses in on particular quirky details, such as the frayed, worn cuff of a suit in a photograph entitled, ‘His Dad’s suit, Milan’. This poignant caption is all that is needed to spark off thoughts of a man’s long-held respect for an absent father.

The book differs to the blog of the same name in that it does not allow readers to interact with the images. This dimension is removed and perhaps at first sight Schuman’s brief captions may not seem enough but if you require more, you are missing the point. He wants you, the reader, to develop your own thoughts on an image, to draw your own conclusions. It is a picture book of the greatest kind.

The longer comments he does include, however, are so tantalisingly insightful they leave you longing for more. Beside the image, ‘Conflict of expression, Stockholm’, Schuman’s comment makes you study the image of that shy young girl with a kind of arcane, secret knowledge.  He discusses the misconception that you have to be confident within yourself to express personal style and comes to the conclusion that often this dichotomy between, “wanting to remain anonymous and yet dressing in a noticeable way- can lead to equally great expressions of personal style.”

Often the photographer and the subject do not speak the same language so the resulting image retains a certain mystery and the character created is forever suspended.  As Schuman eloquently puts it, “I am totally open to creating my own version of who I think this person is.” Sometimes when you do delve beyond the surface a romantic image is tarnished a little, therefore these images without dialogue are perhaps some of the most special in the book.

Schuman is constantly relevant, including images of those dressed in head-to-toe designer fashion alongside images such as, the young man dressed in a five-dollar doctor’s coat. He remarks that it is wholly about how you wear something, as this guy testifies by pulling off this look, “with a cool nonchalance.”

There are many street style blogs out there, but none with the unflinchingly honest, appraising eye of Scott Schuman. In this way The Sartorialist is unrivalled.

If you require style inspiration on a particularly bleak day or simply want to spend a pleasurable couple of hours lost in far-flung, imagined lives then look no further.

penguin.co.uk

thesartorialist.blogspot.com

Words Ashley Wallis

CORK OVER DUBLIN? THAT IS WHAT THE LOCALS GLADLY RECKON AND WHAT MANY GLOBETROTTERS THINK AS WELL. AGENT2 WAS SENT TO FIND OUT WHETHER CORK REALLY STOOD A CHANCE AGAINST IRELAND’S OLD TIME FAVORITE.

Cork has much to offer: great and innovative restaurants, a pedestrianised town centre surrounded by lovely waterways and is conveniently located near the splendid western coast. The River Lee streams around the core of the city – an island loaded with grand Georgian parades, narrow 17^thCalleys and modern masterpieces such as the opera house (corkoperahouse.ie)

Cork or Corcaigh in Gaelic, meaning ‘swamping land’ has known a real financial and cultural boom. Made Cultural Capital of Europe in 2005, the city doesn’t need to envy Dublin anymore when it comes to culture, entertainment and of course, Ireland’s legendary misty pubs.

Originally built around a monastery founded in the 7^thC, Cork has had a rich and vibrant history, surviving both the Vikings and the English. During the 18^thC, this historical city became ravaged by the Great Famine, losing a great deal of its population, who died or immigrated to America.

Strongly attached to its Irish identity, it has also had a big part to play in Ireland’s independence from 1919 to 1922. Having connections with the IRA led to a number of bombings in the city and on December 11 1920, the centre was totally burned out.

However, Cork has recently seen a huge comeback with the installation of great American companies in the area. Its economic vitality and peace is now visible and the pride of Cork city is back for good…

THINGS TO SEE

… So much so that it is even host to one of Europe’s biggest and most popular jazz festivals. Every October since 1978, The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is held in Cork. In 2009, the festival exhibited over 1000 musicians from 29 countries, playing in over 60 venues to a hungry crowd or 50,000.  This years festival saw international jazz songstress, Imelda May headlining and performing to a sold-out crowd (guinnessjazzfestival.com).

Imelda May performing to the sold-out crowd at The Savoy

The pretty and picturesque streets of the Shandon neighbourhood on the top of the hill dominating the city, is the best place for long meandering walks with breathtaking views. The neighbourhood surrounds the protestant church of St Ann, whose tower is one of the city’s symbols, famous for its clock that never gives the same time and got the nickname ‘Four Face Liar’ (shandonbells.org).

The city centre streets that cover part of the long island on the Lee River are animated with many businesses and pubs. St Patrick’s Street, the main commercial strip in the city, brings this quiet town to life, finishing on the bank of Lee River, facing Saint Patrick’s Bridge.

Stop to explore Saint Fin Barre Cathedral, the most curious building designed by William Burges in 1863 – the architect behind Cardiff Castle (cathedral.cork.anglican.org).

For a swig of Ireland’s famous liquid, head to the Beamish Brewery. Located in the heart of the city and founded in 1792, it is one of the oldest breweries in Ireland and a superior cousin to Guinness and Murphy’s.   Book ahead of your visit (Beamish.ie).

For those interested in knowing more about Cork’s tumultuous and fraught history, visit the Cork Museum. Situated on the site of the former Beamish brewer’s house, it supplies hungry visitors with history about the city throughout the ages.

OUTSIDE CORK CITY

BALLYCOTTON

With its wild Atlantic escarpments giving the small fishing village a variety of settings and climate, Ballycotton has every characteristic an Irish village would have in my imagination; salty air, breathtaking views of the Ireland’s beautiful coast, and a rocky, steep island in the horizon crowned by an old lighthouse.

Ballycotton is one of Europe’s most notorious bird-watching sites – in fact, the region is host to 300 different species including a diversity of Sandpipers, Tree Pipits and Dowitchers. You have to do the famous cliff walk to Ballytrasna and rejuvenate your soul with this alluring area, a complete contrast with (ballycotton.com).

COBH

Over 6 million Irish left Ireland for the United States and Canada from 1848 to 1950 when the country fell into problematic times –famines and depressions. From these 6 million migrants, over 2.5 million departed from Cobh, making it the most important port of emigration.  You need to visit Cobh Heritage Centre where you can get full coverage of the Irish Exodus as well as stories of liners that famously stopped or sank near Cobh, including the Titanic and Lisutania (cobhheritage.com)

WHERE TO STAY

Newly established resort in the Cork County, the Castlemartyr Resort is a five star hotel renowned for its charming hospitality and sets new world standards on luxury accommodation. The hotel complex is located about a 10 minute drive away from Ballycotton and 20 minutes east of Cork City and Cork Airport. The resort resides on a 220 hectare estate that includes a 17^thC manor and the beautiful and inspiring remains of a castle built 800 years ago under Richard Earl de Clare, aka Strongbow. These premises are witness of the extremely rich Irish cultural heritage and its103 deluxe guest rooms are magnificently restored to provide a unique experience of unspoiled sumptuousness.

The resort offers a range of services including the excellent Knight’s Bar, gourmet cuisine at The Bell Tower restaurant, 16 000 sq ft Spa, indoor and ozone-treated pool, saunas and a golf course designed by Ron Kirby. The hotel pampers to every visitor and offers brilliant outdoor activities such as clay pigeon shooting, archery, crochet, a stroll through the woodland trails or boating.

Castlemartyr Resort offers luxurious accommodation from £175 per room including a full Irish breakfast. For bookings call 00 353 214 219000 or visit www.castlemartyrresort.ie.

HOW TO GET THERE

Regular flights are available to Cork International Airport form London and Manchester with Aerlingus (aerlingus.com).

The best way to see Cork and its beautiful surrounding countryside is by hiring a car. Hertz offer some good deals (hertzflydrive.com).

It’s the spark and warmth of Cork County, a remnant of the region’s enduring rebellious history that captivated me and probably will bewitch you too with its bare but prodigious beauty.

For further information about holidays in Ireland visit www.discoverireland.com.

Words Vincent Bernier – vincent@agent2magazine.com

IF YOU’VE NEVER BEEN TO PEARL RESTAURANT IN CENTRAL LONDON BEFORE, I CAN ASSURE YOU YOU’RE MISSING OUT – AND FOR SO MANY DIFFERENT REASONS. NOT ONLY IS THE MENU ONE OF THE MOST ASTOUNDINGLY BRILLIANT THINGS WE’VE SEEN HERE AT AGENT2 MAGAZINE, BUT THE DÉCOR, SURROUNDINGS AND AMBIENCE ARE QUITE BREATHTAKING.

But first, let me explain to you just what Pearl, part of the Chancery Court Hotel in High Holborn, is all about. The kitchen is lead by executive head chef, Jun Tanaka, who has featured in a host of cookery programmes and worked at countless Michelin star restaurants, and in this restaurant concentrates on a modern French-fusion menu.

The building was originally the grand banking hall of Pearl Assurance which was built in 1912. And it really is grand. The tremendously tall ceilings are supported by great big, marble pillars, all originals, as well as ornate cornicing and decadent coving.

What’s beautiful about the building is the original design being left untouched. Creators of Pearl Restaurant have developed a real juxtaposition in the addition of modern, chic and simple lines. It means the grandiose of the original building is softened by slightly more understated fixtures, fittings and furniture.

Although there is a reception area, bar and dining room, on closer inspection it becomes apparent that it’s one big, conjoined space which has been cleverly divided up into welcoming, seemingly separate areas.

My dining partner and I are eager to experience the impressive bar when we arrive, so pull up a stool and select our tipple. In this lounge area, rows of pearls hang from chrome rails which create subtle dividers between tables and booths, keeping the flow and openness unspoilt while adding a touch of privacy.

The long bar, which stretches almost the width of the room is polished and packed with rows of sparkly glasses and liqueur bottles, and the delicate sounds of a Nora Jones-esque live singer-pianist float up and down the room.

Just around the corner is the dining room, which is separated merely by the bar length, and still benefits from the live music, but transcends a whole different atmosphere – a little more intimate and private, even though the room is quite open plan. The carefully positioned waste-height dividers work their magic without diners even noticing.

On the tables, the slightly pearlescent charger plates swirled with sugary pink match the tiny vases and, I’m told, are commissioned by a local artist to ensure these ornaments are owned by no one but Pearl – an almost unnecessary touch, adding to the all-round beauty.

However, we may well be taken by the atmosphere and air of sophistication, but the reason we dine out is for the food. And on first catching sight of Pearl, my wish is that the cuisine will be as tantalising on the tongue as the restaurant is on the eye. I am not disappointed.

The menu gives a set price for one, two or three courses, but a lot more is offered here, including aperitifs and an amuse-bouche – a beetroot jelly with celeriac foam and chestnut shavings. Just the thought of it now makes my mouth water – the textures, colours and flavours are so perfectly balanced, it feels like utter concentration is essential to fully appreciate the tiny dish.

Starter is followed by the main course – a whole crispy duck, which serves two, hand carved at your table and presented with seasonal vegetables, plum sauce and onion fondant which is impossible to avoid being seduced by. An astounding course.

And then for dessert, why not combine lots of flavours – honey, apple, thyme, cheese – make them into ice cream, jelly and foam, and display them in tiny globules all over the plate? When combined in one mouthful, the flavours are nothing short of heaven.

This is a place which impresses in so many different ways which all combine to create a truly memorable dining experience. Vive la Pearl.

PEARL-RESTAURANT.COM

Words Emma Zücker

OPULENCE IS THE KEY WORD AT VERMILION. ROYAL, REGAL AND DIVINE ARE THE OTHERS. MAKING AN ENTRANCE ON THE RED CARPET BETWEEN TWO HUGE STATUESQUE LIONS, A MOAT OF STILL LIT-UP WATER AND A THREE-STOREY RESTAURANT GLOWING WITH REDS AND GOLD, I COULD’VE THOUGHT I’D JUST STEPPED INTO THE SHANGRI-LA. BUT AS WE PASS THROUGH THE MAGNIFICENT ENTRANCE INTO A WORLD OF ASIAN CHARM, I AM GREETED WITH A SENTENCE THAT DRAWS ME STRAIGHT BACK TO MANCHESTER. “GOOD EVENING,” HE SAYS. “WELCOME TO VERMILION AND CINNABAR.”

Set outside of town, in Manchester’s Sport City, Vermilion and Cinnabar have made a name for themselves as the ultimate ‘destination restaurant’. If you come all this way, you most definitely do it for a treat. And at Vermilion, they have a few of those tucked up their sleeves. Ascending our way to the second-floor restaurant, my senses are imploding from the abundance of architectural and design features, the exotic scents that wisp delicately through the perfumed air and the charming ambiance of the low-lit room.

To really appreciate this 200-seater restaurant and 400-standing cocktail bar, Vermilion and Cinnabar first needs explanation. Set in, what can only be described as an industrial site, opposite the Manchester City grounds, this palace most definitely stands out. Fusing ultra-modern chic design with traditional Asian antiquities, Miguel Cancio Martins, famous for designing Paris’ Buddha Bar, definitely left his mark on Manchester with this effort.

The £5.2million project includes a majestic display of huge Buddha heads, a plethora of statues and exquisite screens, a central Buddha tower that runs through each floor, a temperature-controlled wine-cellar, two huge kitchens, one for the Indian cuisines and one for the rest; and of course, the spectacular private top-floor bar complete with footballer-friendly VIP sections.

Painted with a Vermilion red stain, the entire building succumbs to the opulence of its mystical Asian theme. Together with dim lights and candle-lit tables, the restaurant glows with a magenta sheen, adding warmth and fire to this spicy establishment. Flat pewter-hammered plates on circular mosaic tables give Vermilion its Indian authenticity, whilst jet black screens laced with spotlights, hanging lanterns and giant bamboo sticks merge this with a truly Oriental mystery.

Black chairs painted with Chinese water coloured flowers lends itself to Asia’s misty green waters and the plink-plonk music gives Vermilion  a chilled-out ‘Beach’ vibe that Alex Garland would be proud of. Yet, the bright rich colours, amber tiles and wall of floating flowers transports you to praying on the Ganges River in India. These detailed references to Oriental and Indian images makes for quite a difficult combination, but its fusion in the food is where it works best.

Choosing the Christmas Party Menu (£20pp), we were able to taste a wide range of Vermilion’s dishes from its thick, spicy Indian curries to its Chinese starters and famous Thai cuisines created by Chatchai Jamjang – “Thailand’s answer to Gordon Ramsay,” so we were informed.

And we were here to taste the legend. Sweet nutty chicken Satay, sharp fresh salmon sushi and succulent strips of rich chicken tikka cooked in a separate clay oven, succeeded as the first remarkable attempt at combining these incredibly different Asian flavours. The strong spices and smoky chicken contrasted surprisingly well with the fresh and light sushi rolls.

The next selection of dishes proved to be the ultimate in culinary combinations. The thick tomato curry of Deshi Lamb, the sweet chill kick of Phad Thai Prawns, a Vietnamese-tasting selection of Seasonal Vegetables in soy sauce, and Chinese stir fried Turkey Kra-Praow provided a brilliant apprenticeship in the best of Asia’s fine food. Nutty crunchy textures contrasted with crispy dried spinach, slick Chinese sauces, delicious lentil-thick curries, and soft sticky Jasmine Rice; sugary sweet flavours sat next to the chilli kick of the Pad Thai; citrus and basil blended effortlessly with the warm spicy curry; and thick succulent lamb accompanied the juicy prawns deliciously.

Combinations that might be deemed a hotch-potch of flavours seemed, for some peculiar reason, to work. I guess combining the finest in Asia’s shared ingredients was bound to make a perfect blend

For an after-dinner sup, head to Cinnabar. At the top of the spiral staircase that encircles a column of illuminating ‘floating’ Buddha heads, you will find the intimate and stylish cocktail bar.

Contrasting with Vermilion’s rich traditional features, decadent scarlet and burnt oranges, Cinnabar welcomes a more contemporary design with a giant bubble-ball ceiling, bright coloured seats and six steel pods where guests can recline next to each other at a cool £500 minimum-spending bar tab.

Cinnabar most definitely lends itself to a totally different vibe than Vermilion, looking more London 1960s than Indian or Thailand. But then this is probably quite a welcome scenery change, for a visit to Vermilion and Cinnabar, on the very outskirts of town, means that after a drink, you won’t be going anywhere else.

Totally chilled out, complete with a separate open-plan VIP cushioned area, the restaurant and bar together, have created the perfect package for the complete night out. Good because it’s a more than a trek back to the City Centre.

Everything at Vermilion and Cinnabar is carefully crafted and superbly detailed. You welcome the breaks in between courses just so you can go for a bit of a wander through the labyrinthine building. Its huge luxurious furnishings give the building a decadent edge that still emanates distinctive Asian designs, without the garish presence of billowing waterfalls and giant fish tanks.

It has thought of everything – a grand palace to absorb the interest of passersby and send intrigue running through restaurant sites; a huge car park to invite guests, guests and more guests; a wallet-friendly menu; private banqueting suites and function rooms for the all-inclusive parties and staff dos; an expensive and elite bar where premiership footballers squander their money, but most importantly, delicious authentic cuisines that combine the rich spices of India and the fresh flavour of East Asia. To me, by far, its selling point.

But then again, leaving on the red carpet in between two impressive stone lions, symbols of not just royalty, but also of England, Vermilion and Cinnabar proves that it’s its metaphoric fusion of just about everything that makes it a destination restaurant worth making the trip for.

And I guess, at a push, I could get used to hobnobbing with millionaire footballers, if I had to.

VERMILIONCINNABAR.COM

Words Natasha Al-Atassi

Originally opened in 1867 by Auguste Kettner, chef to Napoleon III, the restaurant fast became a favoured hangout for a number of important figures. Close to the stage doors of Soho, it was a popular and somewhat exclusive place to dine. So it’s no wonder that the recent refurbishment was aimed at sprucing Kettner’s back to its original self, celebrating the classic decor of its heyday.

Everything is elaborate and exudes a vintage chic, alluding to its rich and colourful past. The interior is light, luxurious and sparkles with chandeliers, candles and traditional lights which all contribute to a shabby-elegant style. Oversized, Parisian white-framed mirrors are hung decadently on the walls, and diners can huddle around traditional French-design tables and chairs. Through the centre of the main dining room, a slab of marble on ornate iron legs sweeps right through the centre, with comfy looking stools for visitors to perch on, and a smattering of domed, art-deco lamps illuminate the warmly lit space.

It’s warm and inviting, and it’s clear that every customer feels this. Think relaxed Parisian café, combined with gracious elegance of a well-designed and upmarket restaurant. And the downstairs restaurant isn’t all that’s on offer either. There are an endless maze of rooms of different sizes and purposes, to cater for all who passes through Kettner’s doors.

The pudding bar, for example, is French and is open for tea, a light lunch, an informal rendezvous or a late night treat and is always bursting at the seams with home-made cakes, tarts and other seductively naughty treats.

When I visited on a week night, the welcoming glow of Kettner’s entrance hall was quite delicious, and the hubbub of friendly chatter set the scene for a performance-themed evening.

Following a relaxed drink in the cosy champagne bar – which has one of the most extensive champagne lists I’ve ever seem, as well as a shiny brass bar and bookable nooks – we were politely ushered to our table in the main brassiere. I sat in the corner of the room in a high-backed wicker chair, complete with a peculiar but quirky ape-like character, which hung over me. I later found out this was Auguste the Big Handed Ape, Kettner’s mascot, of course! I should have known. As I faced out towards the restaurant, I wondered what more surprises were in store.

Known for its vibrant history of extravagant parties and soirees, the reformed Kettner’s successfully lived up to its bold reputation. Themed evenings, such as ‘Sing for your Supper’ themed evening that took place during our visit, makes the restaurant come alive with the colourful theatrical characters of London’s Theatre District and is reminiscent of a 1940s glamour and drama.

Although regular diners were welcomed to sample the restaurant’s culinary delights, artists of all sorts were invited to take a seat, eat, and then sing, dance, recite or simply mesmerise others with their chosen short performance.

Gathered around the middle marble bar, a group of young men and women, all dressed in period costume – complete with wigs, white make-up and red lips – began to flounce around, dancing a little, chatting a little, and engaging those who weren’t shy in conversation.

Then two ladies in 1940s’ clothing stood up from their table and began reading old diary excerpts. In the piano bar, the entertainment was a lot more musically themed, with a constant flow of performers taking centre stage to rapturous applause. It was quite a fascinating site to behold.

The food at Kettner’s is simple, fresh French cuisine – you’ll find favourites on there such as mussels, crisp duck confit and beef bourguignon. It’s all very good value with main courses starting at just over £10. But if it’s Paris you’re after, then don’t expect any less entertainment than Moulin Rouge. The delicious food thrown in with good measure, you’ll find it hard to go wrong in here.

KETTNERS.COM

Words Emma Zücker

OVERLOOKING MANCHESTER’S CITY CENTRE AS THE RAIN POURS DOWN, THERE’S A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF PLEASURE INVOLVED IN BEING WARMLY TUCKED UP HERE. SKYHIGH, I CAN SEE FOR MILES AS PEOPLE SKIP OVER THE PUDDLES DESPERATE TO FIGHT THEIR WAY HOME FOR THE WEEKEND, BUT THE BEST WAY TO SPEND A FRIDAY NIGHT IS HERE: SEDUCTIVELY TOASTY, SUITABLY COMFORTED, WITH A LARGE GLASS OF WINE AND RICH, HONEST BRITISH FOOD. HERE, AT MANCHESTER’S THE MODERN RESTAURANT, THEY KNOW HOW TO DO FRIDAY NIGHTS BEST.

Scrambling in from the horrible wet weather, I didn’t much look like I was ready for a posh night out. Umbrella inside out, hair straggly and wet, high heels soggy, all I wanted was a towel and a cup of cocoa. Situated in the iconic Urbis building, I had preconceptions that this was going to be the Sex And The City venue of Manchester, with unpronounceable cocktails and the trendiest PR-reps this side of the Pennines. But after schwooping in the lift to the top floor, I discovered that The Modern’s focus was more on style and pleasure than the over-crowded, snobby Cristal laden bars you could find anywhere. They might not have had cocoa, but after stepping out into the dark, intimate bar, I was most certainly ready for that cocktail.

The contemporary stylish bar oozed class: dark wood tables, giant lampshades, electric candles, floor to ceiling windows all echoed a chic, minimalist feel. And yet it felt distinctly comfortable. Tables were spaced out and little booths lined its edges offering exquisite panoramic views of the city. A rare perspective, in one sweep you can see the Wheel all lit up, the colourful Printworks and late-night shoppers crawling through the Arndale.

Here in the serene quiet atmosphere of the spacious Urbis building, staring at the cocktail book, I couldn’t help but feel a guilty satisfaction, shaking the last drips of water from my hair, that we managed to escape the crowded storm outside.

The professionally made cocktails seemed effortlessly concocted, laced with a touch of class. The formal waiting service was charming and the drinks, deliciously subtle. The Jayne Mansfield (£9) strawberry, champagne and rum cocktail was a sweet, fresh and authentically fruity, aperitif to the rich food menu, whilst the New York Flip of whisky, port, egg, cream and sugar made a bold, strong statement to begin the evening.

Though the restaurant wasn’t bursting with character, it had an ambiance of peace and comfort that can’t often be found in a top-class restaurant on a Friday night. Rows of private tables and the calming mauve, grey and beige walls created an earthly feel, leaving the diners serenely chilled. The kitchen was kept hidden, opposing the trend of open-plan kitchens that has taken over modern-day restaurants, contributing to the welcomed peace.

Sipping from our giant glasses as we waited patiently for our traditional Lancastrian meals, it was a pleasant experience to enjoy each other’s company without shouting over loud chatter or having to share your conversation with your neighbouring diners, so close they might as well be sitting with you. The Modern certainly paid attention to its atmosphere and it, for one, works stylishly well.

Let’s not dismiss the food though. Recently awarded Restaurant of the Year 2009 at Manchester’s Food and Drink Festival, The Modern is known for its classic British meals created with locally quality sourced ingredients. And that’s exactly what we got.

Ingredients combined together to bring out each flavour, texture and taste. The seasonal menu means that the choices remain fresh and the meals suitably craved for. The warm duck salad with orange and croutons (£7.50) to start, is the perfect example. The salty duck cuts through the sharp oranges and is complimented by its rich berry sauce, honing in on the fresh ingredients of the season. The wild and rabbit terrine (£5.50) offered a unique alternative as a starter, that you don’t normally find gracing British menus.

The Roasted Yorkshire Venison (£18.50) was my personal favourite. The juicy succulent meat was presented on creamy potatoes, braised red cabbage and faggot, soaked in a rich blood red juniper sauce. The venison oozed just enough flavour to melt against the sweet berry sauce and pickled cabbage.

If you’re a meatie, then the Cheshire Rib Eye Steak (£22.50) should definitely be sampled. Unlike usual steaks that can often come chewy and unsatisfying, this chunky portion melted instantly in the mouth. Served medium rare, the thick steak was as succulent and juicy as meat can come. Its beef dripping chips offered just enough salty crunch and soft creamy middle to prove their home-made beginnings. Sharpness fell effortlessly against the untouched, delicious flavours of the beef, making this far more than your normal Steak and Chips.

Entirely contented with our rich, homely meals, we shouldn’t have had room for puddings, but seeing the desert menu, we suddenly did. Before we knew it, we were dipping into Dark Chocolate and Malt Whisky Tart (£5) and Apple and Blackberry Crumble (£5). Elegantly presented, the creamy deep dark chocolate tasted pure and luxuriously rich. The Cox, Pippin and Bramley apple and blackberry crumble was a fine example of the quality, unbeatable ingredients. Sweet chunky apples offered both texture and taste, a far cry from the sugary slop you might find in other restaurants.

With tummies full and taste buds pleased, The Modern certainly got our seal of approval. Its matchless city views and chilled-out ambiance are the perfect combination for a restaurant with elegant style, and that’s before the food comes out.

A narrow corridor of tables promises couples a private, cosy evening, but if you’re planning a party, it might not be lively enough for your liking. Shimmering candles, neutral colours and wine decanters clearly proves The Modern to be the place to eat if you’re on a date.

It doesn’t scream colour and it’s not elaborately detailed but then its focus is clearly on its food. And on this subject, there is no detail left untouched. Stylish and delicious as British recipes should be, The Modern well-deserved its award, celebrating our food, our tastes and our heritage.

Watching the rain slowly drip down the window panes circled around us, you can see all that our region has to offer. Except of course, one of the best.

THEMODERNMCR.CO.UK

Words Natasha Al-Atassi

Bored with life? Slowly slipping into a jaded depression that has left your nerve endings redundant and reclusive? Drinking too much over-branded coffee just to keep yourself awake and semi-motivated throughout mind-numbing days of repetition? Find yourself discussing the soaps, celebrity marriages and making mental notes of accumulated Nectar points? Did you really buy that King’s Of Leon compact disc from a soulless and uniformed hyper-market? Make your lunch, pack it, eat it in an empty meeting room with the blinds down. They won’t see you cry in there. Check your Blackberry…Spam…Spam…new shopping deals available exclusively to YOU. New channels – please update your box – don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity. Feeling apathetic? Getting your five a day? Four a day is better than nothing. Calcium is an advantage. Realise and reclaim. Realise and reclaim the part of you that wants to live. Find the essence that gave you colour. At least you’ve got your health…. HEALTH – DIE SLOWLY.

Words Colin French

The region of Murcia, on the South-East coast of Spain, is home to the now infamous resort group, Polaris World. Renowned among UK property owners for its quality villas, Polaris World resorts also host a variety of different accommodation to allow everyone to enjoy its luxurious facilities. Most popular with holiday-goers are its seven 5* InterContinental hotels dotted all over the coast.

Each resort offers guests a break of pure relaxation, with onsite amenities that include outdoor and indoor swimming pools, buffet breakfasts, supermarkets, a choice of delicious restaurants, bars and cafes, and of course Murcia’s quality Jack Nicklaus designed golf courses for a perfect weekend retreat. Polaris’ resorts also feature the ultimate in decadent breaks; the crème de la crème of world renowned spas.

Indeed, its spas unveil an oasis of opulence in this barren area, exuding luxury at its absolute finest. Polaris World’s Mar Menor Golf Resort and Spa contains well-known British spa, ESPA, free to use for all hotel guests. This spa is exquisite; every feature is embellished and every detail scrupulously seen to.

The hotel itself is composed of Arabic and Andalucían influences with limestone walls, marble bathrooms, ornate wooden screens and rich deep colours, paying homage to its traditional Spanish heritage. All the resorts are high-quality design masterpieces individually characterised by open-plan bathroom/bedrooms, huge waterfall shower rooms or perfectly located balconies all offering beautiful vistas.

At ESPA, these excellent features persist, allowing guests to not only feel indulged but respectfully regal too. Its Moorish architecture of dark oak woods, mosaics, lanterns and fine tiles is replicated within the spa, creating a seductive relaxing mood, and resulting in an effortless flow from one room to the next.

ESPA prides itself in giving guests a ‘journey’; a voyage to another realm, where unadulterated relaxation is the intent. ESPA spas appear all over the world, in their own unique format, aiming to grant guests total harmony in mind and body. Every moment of this ‘journey’ is so categorically peaceful, entrancing visitors as soon as they slip the cushioned slippers upon their tired feet.

Mar Menor’s spa reflects local architecture and its associated mysticism. It is also has specially designed natural products to ‘evoke sensations of Arabian exoticism and Mediterranean allure.’

Whilst a visit to ESPA in the UK could leave a big hole in your account, all hotel guests are welcome to use the spa’s facilities at no extra cost. It’s well worth making use of its hot thermal suite, vitality pool, saunas, steam and relaxation room, waterfall and lifestyle showers, 15 metre indoor pool and fitness studio, as a brief trip in England could cost a penny or two. To really spoil yourself, you can also choose from a list of treatments from facials to massages (from EUR 90).

On entering the spa, soft harmonies and the subtle aroma of sensual candles and oils fill the air, both enhancing the senses and calming the mind. Put your velvety soft white bath robe on as you walk through the rustic wooden doors and into another world entirely, where time has no feature and nothing in the world seems to matter. Darkness, worries and the stresses of frenetic lifestyles are left at the door. This is another realm entirely – money is no concern, time stops stills, fears whittle away and the stresses of your daily routine dissolve into oblivion. Here you forget everything. And it’s heavenly.

Cocooned within these granite tiled walls and underneath dimmed spot lights, you notice your pace slow down and your heartbeats relax. Ease yourself into the vitality pool where vibrations stimulate your body and a neck fountain massages the knots out of your back. The variety of showers all have different functions, from the sauna and steam room which sweat out your impurities to the ice fountain which closes your pores and cools your body down. All showers are designed to ease aching muscles and release tension and toxins from your body.

The relaxation room offers guests a chance to escape the outside world and recline on mechanised loungers in a beautifully tiled room. Separated by antique wooden screens, centred around an ornate fountain and dazzling skylight, this room portrays a Moroccan courtyard without the dark, seductive colours. Instead the brightly lit room is a rejuvenating refreshment after a soporific treatment or hypnotising waterfall.

Mar Menor’s indoor pool is certainly a feature to remember, lined with thousands of silvery blue tiles, it is almost a mosaic unto itself, luring the guest into the mysticism and majesty matching its lavish surroundings. Giant brass lanterns hang delicately above the still cool water giving the open room a magnetic yet spiritual glow.

ESPA’s aim is to envelop the guest in peace and empower them with strength and vitality. The harmonious ambiance of the Eastern royal design not only unwinds visitors but makes them feel suitably important.

The pampering doesn’t stop there though – hotel guests are free to use facilities at each of the seven resorts and can travel between them on Polaris’ free bus. Use of the other hotel’s swimming pools, golf courses, restaurants and indeed, spas are all available including recently opened, La Torre Golf Resort’s new Thai Spa and Wellness Zone.

It doesn’t have as many deluxe components as ESPA but with a state of the art gym, 25m heated indoor pool, a steam room, Swedish sauna as well as six oriental-themed treatment rooms, it definitely welcomes guests into complete submission. The Thai spa is complimented greatly with Far Eastern, Mediterranean and state of the art contemporary features. The dimly lit incensed rooms invite guests to journey to exotic lands and surrender all their aches and worries.

Polaris World’s spas are definitely a good reason to pop over to this Spanish dream location but like any special resort, there is always more than one excuse to go. Polaris’ golf courses, for instance, have been designed by famous golfer Jack Nicklaus and his team, making these greens some of the best in the world. Indeed, 59 of the world’s top 100 golf courses are Nicklaus Design, putting Murcia on the map for keen golfers.

Spa enthusiasts need not be dismayed. The resorts are not teeming with men in white sweaters and there’s not a whiff of snobbery in the fresh mountainous air. Both amateur and professional golf is played here, with the opportunity of having a short beginner’s lesson. Or if golf is not your thing, then you can simply soak in the crisp green grass against the backdrop of silver mountains whilst reclining by the pool.

The resorts themselves provide everything one could ask for; Polaris World has successfully manufactured little ‘towns’, with villas, town houses, street names, restaurants, schools, doctors, supermarkets, world-class spas and the mandatory Irish pubs, meaning there really is no need to venture elsewhere.

If you do fancy a bit of Spanish culture then the city of Murcia is only a twenty minute drive away. Narrow streets, tree-lined avenues with tables and chairs, cafes selling churros con cocoa, and old gothic buildings of rosa (pink) stone, plazas and central fountains, this city oozes Mediterranean charm felt with every relaxing stroll during siesta and every refreshing helado (ice cream). One beautiful feature is its baroque cathedral, grand yet unassuming. Its impressive statues juxtapose against cool limestone walls creating a suitably peaceful and spiritual ambiance.

The region of Murcia also runs along both the coast of Mar Menor and the Mediterranean offering guests the opportunity to dip their toes into more than one sea. Only fifteen minutes from the resorts, guests can relax upon one of the Med’s less trampled beaches, and explore unspoilt coves.

Murcia seems to have a whole lot of tricks up its sleeves; the best being that it is still unspoilt by British tourism. A visit here, even in the thick of summer, will challenge you to feel crowded. In fact, its true charm comes from being able to escape a British summer to a place of welcoming luxury, sociable hospitality and phenomenal views of exotic lemon groves within a two hour flight.

The reason why Polaris World resorts are so extraordinary is simply because, hidden in this little corner of Spain, you’d have never guessed they were here. Golden limestone hotels and Grecian white villas are scattered upon sandy hills like little oases of pure, humble pleasure allowing guests to simply kickback, relax and enjoy the finest foods and wines within exquisite scenery. And yet locked in gated enclosures, it is a camouflage that hides its luxurious treats and pampering spas well, allowing this ‘salad bowl’ to continue untouched, as it always has done; an unassuming terrain with some of the tastiest secrets in the world.

Travel Information:

Spain is one hour ahead of the UK and the currency is the Euro (€) where £1 = EUR 1.14. Spain’s capital is Madrid, a three and a half hour drive away from Murcia or an hour’s flight from Murcia’s Airport. Monarch Airways flies to Alicante, 45 minutes from Murcia’s Polaris World, from Manchester Airport from £52.99 one-way to £90.50 return. During the summer, Monarch also flies from Birmingham and London Gatwick. Monarch offers in-flight meals from £3.00 and extra-leg room seats can be booked for an additional £15 (www.monarch.co.uk).

Polaris World gives guests the opportunity to stay in Apartments, Townhouses, Villas or in one of its seven exclusive 5* InterContinental resorts. Renting an apartment for four people starts at EUR 650 a week. A stay at Polaris World’s La Torre Resort starts at EUR 99 prpn, sleeping two people until November (www.polarisworld.com).

Murcia is situated in the South-East of Spain, where temperatures reach a scorching 40˚C during the summer months. An area with over 300 days of sunshine and an annual average temperature of 21˚C, Murcia is the perfect location for a last-minute autumn break to experience the summer that in England, we never had. Indeed, Murcia offers a warm recluse at any time of the year and with ESPA’s luxurious spa at hand, there really is no reason not to visit (www.espaonline.com).

Words Natasha Al-Atassi

Full of delightful Scottish charm and a sound to enchant, Twin Atlantic ensured the gathered few at the Stoke Sugarmill will go away remembering exactly who they are.

After impressive support from Hardcore act Failsafe, who provided high energy action with impressive precision, it could almost be said that the main act had a lot to live up to. Yet within a minute of Twin Atlantic’s set it was clear that the band would meet such expectations, and then some. Rattling through hits including “Turning Into John Wayne” and the delightful “Lightspeed”, the foursome showcased their infectious tone and a professional attitude to rival most bands. Despite a poor turn out, frontman Sam McTrusty remained jovial throughout, even ribbing the crowd for their lack of enthusiasm.

“Old Grey Face” and the irresistibly intricate “Human After All” followed to a slightly more rousing reception, but undoubtedly the moment of the night was provided by “Caribbean War Syndrome”. With the addition of an electric cello, the foursome astounded with a rousing and enchanting melody and powerful climax, demonstrating almost every facet of their undeniable talent. With McTrusty’s charming Glaswegian accent dripping off every word and a guitar trio of precision and passion, it is safe to say that, should they return to the Sugarmill, they will have absolutely no trouble in drawing a crowd.

Reviewed at Stoke Sugarmill, 18/9/09

MYSPACE.COM/TWINATLANTIC

Words Dan Grose

There is only one word that springs to mind on entering the Victorian stone building. Glamour. Old school glamour. Set in the Venetian Gothic old Reform Club on one of Manchester’s most affluent shopping strips, I knew this would be a time-travelling treat but what a treat it was. Let’s just say, if the food was going to be as good as our first impressions then we were in for a very special night indeed.

Room is a restaurant like no other. Opened in 2005, it is set in a 19^th Century Liberal Party Reform Club and simply oozes historical and architectural charm through its carved wood ceilings, giant marble fireplaces and unbelievably tall windows. Transcending the rich red spiral staircase is like taking a step back in history, met at the top with a seven foot bronze statue of former Prime Minister William Gladstone. I suddenly wished I had put my glad rags on to match the glamour of this special dining experience. Vaulted ornate ceilings and Timerous Beasties statement print wallpaper against deep rich coloured walls radiated the drama you would expect from this gothic structure.

So theatrical is Room’s period features and Victorian design that it is strangely and effortlessly, en vogue.

Indeed, the clear attempts at making this centurion building contemporary with retro motifs and modern fixtures makes this bistro an archetype for vintage chic. The three gigantic lipstick-red lamp shades that must measure my height in diameter hanging boldly in the dining room, the centrepiece bar with Tom Cruise-esque cocktail staff whisking up exotic drinks for up to 70 guests, and the many club lights delicately draped from the ornate ceiling all made these pieces of history come alive in this paradoxical environment, relishing in fairytale glamour.

Black square dining tables are placed beside the twenty / thirty foot long narrow windows in orderly lines whilst in the bar, leather poofs and bar stools are scattered around giving an ambiance of frivolous pleasure and relaxed, yet sophisticated, jamborees, of which we saw many.

Room is refreshingly unpretentious, despite its refined design and upmarket location, situated on Manchester’s affluent King Street, next to the pricey Agent Provocateur and opposite designer store, Vivienne Westwood. It suits its young professional clientele tastefully, without the slightest hint of snobbery and though its menu may be pricey for a regular night off, for a classy do, it demands just the right amount of cash to splash. Everyone was here to have a good time with their partner or with their friends; albeit an urbane and chic one. And urbane and chic, Room most definitely pulled off.

Still, it’s not the decoration we came to enjoy: it was the food. Hard as it is to believe with its rich, exuberant and plush decor, it is the food which is Room’s pièce de resistance. The philosophy behind Room’s cuisine is simple yet effective: reinventing traditional British dishes into sparkling new Michelin-esque pieces of creative magnificence. It isn’t an easy feat but one that Room accomplishes brilliantly. Taking old (and often, mundane) cuisines such as ‘Lancashire Hot Pot’ and transforming the haggard dishes into plates of artistic and sensory pleasure, something quite unlike the original concept.

We were warmly greeted by the very helpful and attentive staff, performing serving etiquette you only find at The Ritz; pouring wine as only wine should be poured, with style, grace and an inch of anticipation.  The wine list was meticulously crafted – well chosen tipples to match the traditional dishes flawlessly. Prices start from £25 a bottle but there’s always a choice to purchase a ‘cheeky’ wine for as much as £100, or if you’re really pushing the boat out there’s always Louis Roederer Cristal for £230.

Picking from the exciting menu wasn’t easy as dishes were accompanied by completely contrasting descriptions: ‘Paté on Toast’ became ‘Parfait, Mango, Gingerbread’ and Niçoise Salad, ‘Rare Tuna, Japanese Radish, Quail Egg’. It was quite clear from the get-go that this was no pub-grub but rather cuisines of the highest quality and culinary genius.

Their take on old meals compliments the long-standing English history of the building. With a retro touch, both the decor and the food make a marvel out of their kitsch origins, making this restaurant anything but ordinary.

Starting with ‘Carpaccio’ (Seared Lamb, Feta Cheese, Pine Nuts; £6.50) I was pleasantly surprised. Adorned on a giant white plate were three small pieces of rare lamb chunks and a feta cheese salad. Though the pieces were rather miniscule á la Michelin, they were just right as part of a three-course meal. Still, the meat was beautiful succulent, contrasting perfectly against the salty fried feta and sharp parmesan shavings. My boyfriend’s Pea Soup (Sweet shallots, Mint, Ricotta; £4.50) was deliciously sweet and delectably creamy complimented by the caramelised shallots.

My main, ‘Surf & Turf’ (£17.50) was an innovative take on the usual scampi and steak recipe. The ‘hand dived scallops and crisp pork belly’ was an exciting combination of tender, melt-in-the-mouth meat and slippery smooth scallops. This unique interpretation of Surf & Turf worked wonders as the salty sharp scallops and crackling bacon pork made a surprisingly excellent marriage of flavours. My boyfriend’s ‘8oz Sirloin Steak with Fries and Peppercorn Sauce’ was dutifully juicy and tender, the quality of Room’s aged local meat shining through.

Dining at Room is most exciting when ordering dessert and this is not an experience to skip. The puddings that ‘mum used to make’ were completely revamped, bringing them freshly into the 21^st Century. The difference between name and product was so distinct that choosing your dish is like playing Russian roulette; you never know what you’re going to get.

Choosing ‘Peanut Butter and Jam Sandwich’ (£5.50) for example, is nothing like the soggy white bread sandwich we remember eating as children. Instead, delicious moist bread and butter pudding is met with sharp raspberry sorbet that bursts with flavour. Full rich velvety cream panna cotta melts seductively in your mouth. A large peanut brittle is positioned delicately on top of the artistic arrangement of puddings adding crunchy texture to this creamy dessert, perfectly rounding off this ‘sandwich’. It exuded just the right balance between a warm winter pud and fresh summer fruits, the sharp sorbet cutting through the buttery moist dessert.

After being warned that the ‘Mango Lassi’ (Lemon and passion fruit tart; £5.50) wasn’t up to its usual standard due to a faulty oven, we were still blown away with the soft tart emboldened by the robust tangy zest of lemon.

Room’s thrilling and tantalising renovation of cuisines works successfully by confusing the palate so that it soaks in each aroma and flavour as though it had never experienced it before; reinvigorating the essence of these traditional flavours to create a virginal experience of tastes.

Every detail at Room has been carefully crafted to create vintage coolness. Though the food really serves its style delicately on a plate, it is also the overall ambiance that establishes its individuality. The extensive bar offering exclusive champagne cocktails, the mahogany rows of diners and the DJ spinning up-tempo jazz / soul tracks all befit its trendy clientele.

Room manages to combine antiquity with tasteful contemporary design, offering guests an exhilarating rush of dining innovation, amalgamating retro chic with Victorian class, etiquette and, evidently, ambition.

The overall ambiance of excellent service, exquisite food and legendary quarters made for a really special night; a good choice for a cocktail evening with work mates, or perfect for the complete wining and dining extravaganza .

That is, if you enjoy feeling spoiled as part of Manchester’s young, trendy and of course, glamorous, elite.

81 King Street, Manchester

ROOMRESTAURANTS.COM

Words Natasha Al-Atassi

We at AGENT2 Magazine are always on the lookout for new and innovative travel ideas and when something comes along that claims to be friendly to the environment to boot, we had check it out for ourselves.

Situated above the ancient market town of Richmond in North Yorkshire, Natural Retreats lies snuggled into the hillside. The company boast that the luxury, eco-friendly, lodge experience has minimal impact on the landscape but we found that it had maximum impact on the spirit.  By carefully selecting the sites of each of the 20 award winning residences, the company live up to their aim of ensuring “From the first moment you experience Natural Retreats, it’s a feeling you want to keep forever.”

We arrived after a journey through magnificent countryside and picture postcard villages to find a little piece of Heaven. The gravel track leading to the residences harmonised with the landscape, leaving us feeling at one with nature and enjoying luxurious accommodation at the same time.

The exteriors are visually impressive making excellent use of hi-tech solar glass and traditional timber and stone with a large decked area stretching along its’ length. The sedum covered roof is another attractively functional feature. Natural Retreats had already made a positive first impression from the exterior alone but the interior was yet to come.

Exploring the chalet reminded me of being a child unwrapping presents on Christmas morning, one delight following another. The front of the lodge is largely open plan with a spacious and luxuriously appointed living area featuring a stone fire place, with a wood burning stove, a generous and comfortable seating space, a large dining area and a fully featured kitchen.  With 3 double bedrooms at your disposal each lodge is ideally suited for families or groups yet intimate enough for couples seeking a romantic seclusion.

The 3 large bedrooms situated at the rear of the property are well appointed , each with an en-suite shower room, furnished in the minimalist style that is in keeping with the nature of the building. The double beds are provided with Egyptian cotton bed linen and, as you would expect, provide for a wonderful night’s sleep.

The floor to ceiling sliding glass wall allowed the living room to melt into the veranda, giving a wonderful feeling of spaciousness. The flat screen TV and hi-spec sound system ensured that no one was deprived of their creature comforts whilst the well equipped utility room would benefit groups of up to 6 on a longer break. An extra touch that Natural Retreats included was a delightful welcome hamper crammed full of locally sourced, organic provisions that tasted as good as they look!

As you would probably expect considering its situation in the Yorkshire Dales several walks can be enjoyed from gentle strolls to more demanding hikes across the Dales, all of which can be enjoyed directly from your Natural Retreats lodge without the need for a car. We walked into Richmond along signposted footpaths, looking at the array of local shops, the ancient market, and the magnificent castle built to keep the Scots at bay. The surrounding area provides lots of choice for country-lovers of all ages.

All too soon our stay at Natural Retreats Richmond came to an end but the memories of being surrounded by nature while living in the lap of luxury are ones that will live long in the memory. Natural Retreats aim of making their experience “a feeling you want to keep forever” certainly rang true, making this lodge retreat an ideal place to visit again and again.

A luxury self-catering residence sleeping up to six guests for two nights costs from £360 to £605 and includes linen, towels, Temple Spa toiletries and a welcome hamper of organic produce.

To book call 0161 242 2970 or visit www.naturalretreats.com

Words Alan Gurhy

Paradise. Pure unadulterated Paradise. If the Garden of Eden was on a beach, this would be it. Islands of ice white sand, abandoned rainforest, uninhabited lagoons and crystal clear waters that stretch as far as the eye can see. Untouched and exquisite, where man’s steps create no lasting print in the sand and no voices echo through the trees. A deserted island which only you have discovered. Bliss. Pure bliss. When, in the past, people have said they have seen paradise I know now that they were lying. Because they hadn’t been here. They haven’t been to the Perhentians.

There are many islands we associate with Paradise in the world but never have I been to a place like this; where nature has been left so unharmed that a wild beauty roams freely through the tree tops and lies seductively on the beach.

‘This is what Thailand was like before all the tourists invaded,’ people often told me. But, having been to Thailand, I’m not sure if they’re entirely accurate. This is Thailand before… fake longboats, haggard snorkelling trips and the familiar smell of alcohol and weed; this is Thailand before… boats ever made it across the shore; this is Thailand before…anyone ever stepped foot on the islands. This may never have been Thailand at all. But this is a nearby secret. So near it makes you wonder why so many people visit Thailand instead, but then I’m not complaining because it’s a secret I’m happy to keep from young party goers, and rich resort companies. For the Perhentian Islands, locked in a cove in the South China Sea, this…is Malaysia.

Twenty-five kilometres off the east coast of Malaysia’s peninsular, rests two little gems: Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil; two remote deserted islands with only a handful of residents who know better than to share their secret with the rest of the world. Only 523 kilometres away rests the party island of Thailand’s Kho Phagnan with its monthly full moon party and thousands of hedonistic teenagers. These islands are chaste by comparison and are more beautiful for it.

In Malay, Perhentian means ‘Place to stop’. This is exactly what you must do here. Stop. Stay. And unwind.

Everything here is almost magical – a place so fine you couldn’t even imagine it. Until the late 1980s, the Perhentian Islands were a well-kept secret but as the popularity of the Thai islands shot up, word has slowly spread about the Perhentians. They are the first choice destination on Malaysia’s East Coast but remain as deliciously discrete as they have always been.

Perhentian Besar is the bigger of the two islands and most popular among resort-goers. Residents have managed to restrict the number of resorts on the island so hotels are far and few between. Instead, rustic chalets and wooden huts are the usual accommodation on the Perhentians, keeping things tastefully simple and island-friendly.

This is especially the case for Perhentian Kecil. Popular amongst the younger twenty-, and thirty-something’s, accommodation is basic but you’ll find the atmosophere rich with warmth; sociable, and undeniably genuine. Budget wooden cabins border the coastline of Kecil’s two beautiful beaches, Long Beach (Pasir Panjang) and Coral Bay (Teluk Aur), whilst mid-range chalets rest camouflaged further up in the trees.

Everything here is pretty minimal: electricity is limited, the water supply is held in tanks, and only a couple of shops-cum-restaurants-cum-internet cafes-cum-music spots exist but for a short stay, this is all you need. At the same time, the ‘no-thrills’ treatment is a refreshing change from our usual surplus choice and excessiveness making this sparseness not bare and basic, but deliciously liberating.

And simplicity in the Perhentians really is the key. The strict protection over the island’s nature has prevented developers constructing in the centre of the islands, meaning that their interiors are nearly entirely uninhabited jungle. This is what makes them so exceptional. The only buildings are the few wooden A-Frames scattered on the islands’ periphery and one or two hotels. Everything else is pure rainforest, which makes the Perhentians as damn close to Eden as conceivably possible.

There are no roads on the islands, no cars or motorbikes, no traffic and no pollution. Travellers wanting to get from one beach to another can climb between the curtain of jungle through a couple of footpaths or use the most of common form of transport here and arguably the easiest, the water taxi. Instantly accessible from any beach, water taxis are wooden speed boats that for a reasonable price, can take you to any cove, any beach, or any lagoon your heart desires.

Kecil’s two popular beaches, Long Beach and Coral Bay contrast significantly to each other but both offer the visitor uncontaminated beaches, seclusion and heavenly sunshine. Coral Bay is a little smaller and boasts spectacular views of the sunset. Long Beach provides a greater selection of restaurants but most invitingly, a long stretch of glossy fine sand. The island is so small that you can easily visit the other and I recommend attempting the short twenty minute walk through the rainforest for its beautiful foilage, and indeed, as water taxis overcharge heavily for this short trip.

Treks over the leafy hilltop will also bring you closer to Kecil’s unmatched flora and fauna as well as give you the opportunity to get a glimpse of Malaysia’s unique wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might spot mouse deer, fruit bats, flying foxes and of course, monkeys, monkeys, monkeys. You will almost certainly find Malaysia’s famous Monitor Lizard. The reptile measures nearly 1.5 m in length and can be found anywhere, on forest paths, near your chalet or slowly walking along the beach. It can be a rather strange experience walking beside the crocodile-like creature but one that most certainly brings you closer to Malaysia’s exotic nature.

If it’s absorbing yourself in wildlife that interests you then the Perhentians should be on top of your places to visit. Renowned as one of the best scuba diving sites in the world, it boasts an abundance of colourful coral and a huge variety of magnificent exotic fish (www.turtlebaydivers.com). For the less adventurous, the small diving centres also offer snorkelling trips that can last from half an hour to a whole day. To get the most out of Malaysia’s underwater paradise, the longer trips are definitely recommended and can be found for as little as 40RM (£8), including all use of snorkelling equipment. After just five minutes on the boat, you won’t believe your eyes. The sea becomes so incredibly clear that even without sinking yourself into the water you’ll be able to see the countless shoals of fish bustling past each other.

Dunking into the sea you become immersed in an entirely different world altogether. Barracuda, needlefish, clown fish are just a few of the millions of creatures you will spot flipping around. The water sparkles with such clarity making visits from the unknown marginally less shocking than possibly could have been. Lost in a kingdom of coral mountains, starfish, crabs, sea urchins and sea cucumbers, don’t be surprised to get a couple of larger visitors too.

Indeed, splashing around carefree with my Little Mermaid goggles firmly attached I managed to spot not one, but three, Bumphead Parrot fish swimming towards me. It may not sound like much but measuring 1.3m in length they are almost as long as me. Such elusive creatures, it was a truly phenomenal experience to be welcomed into their own private world of turquoise colours and silent fairytales.

But if spotting mysterious creatures of the deep lagoon tickles your fancy then you will almost certainly enjoy catching a glimpse of two of South China Sea’s greatest inhabitants: the giant turtle and, more alarmingly, the black tip reef shark. Jumping into the deeper waters it was only when its sparkling clearness turned eerily dark and shadows of toothed figures began to encircle us that I realised the impact of my hasty decision to go looking for the world’s most deadly fish. In reality, Perhentian’s sharks are not dangerous creatures. Feeding mainly on small reef fish, they show no interest in pasty tourists and swimming among them is a relatively safe activity. Nevertheless, spotting the Great White’s cousin is rather spooky and its entire 2m length an imposing presence.

The giant turtles were again an extraordinary experience. Slipping into bottomless cloudy waters, the emptiness and mystery of these hidden depths are amplified when these friendly creatures slowly float past you in a serene hypnotic fashion.

A protected marine park, the Perhentian Islands most certainly have the best snorkelling opportunities I had ever practised. However, even if diving into the cool blue isn’t your thing, lying on isolated beaches with velvet sands softly slipping between your toes most probably will be.

Taking a private boat taxi to isolated coves and undiscovered lagoons is the perfect way to unwind; an exclusive beach experience and a step closer to that ‘deserted tropical island’ dream. Long beaches with stretches of sheer narrow waters contrast with deeper emerald coves and intense illuminating turquoise lagoons, so striking that only when you come here do you realise that that word ‘turquoise’ has been so wrongly used in all cases before. Only here, does the word truly come to life; where in one view, deep sapphires melt into bright cobalt slipping softly upon the shore as lucent waters.

The silence here is exceptional bliss. On the secluded coves, you can literally have the beach all to yourself; perfect for a romantic trip or a peaceful getaway. Each island remains so unspoiled and so remarkably natural that it can sometimes feel as though, with each footprint delicately washed away, no one had stepped on this shore before. And as your prints sink into the silky sand, the cove will remain as natural and untainted as when you first arrived.

This unspoiled air that softly envelops the Perhentians alludes to some sort of majesty; something so pure and innocently charming that it almost feels like an illusion. After all, how has it possibly escaped the prying pollution of mass tourism and commercialisation for all this time?

The answer lies with its people. The very few inhabitants of the Perhentians protect their tropical paradise just as you would if you lived here. Though they could benefit from the growth of tourism, they choose to preserve their corner of the world and keep it just as it is: a pure taste of heaven.  For this reason they have also enforced a strict alcohol ban on the islands, owing to their Muslim religion.

This means that bars and restaurants are not allowed to serve or sell alcohol in any of their premises. Though this may put off some excitable travellers, they are probably the ones you wouldn’t want in this sweet paradise anyway. That’s not to say that the atmosphere here isn’t electric. Long Beach, Kecil’s main strip, offers a small but plentiful selection of alcohol-free restaurants, and the evening comes alive as the woody smell of barbecue wisps through the salty air and guitars are strummed poetically around log fires. When the soft buzz of music and chatter drifts along the beach, the charm of the island comes alive; its ease and warmness openly embracing strangers like us.

This laidback atmosphere is what makes the islands so unique and its abstinence is a refreshing resolution to the regular flame-throwing, dance music, boozy island hops.

Certainly, it is probably its alcohol-free policy that has prevented it from becoming soiled by drunk and hedonistic backpackers. When people visit the Perhentians they do so for its incomparable magnetism; its incredible wildlife and its graceful charisma. With no alcohol, it remains chilled and relaxed, and sincerely beautiful.

It may even be reminiscent of a Thailand that once was. But for us now, the Perhentians are a gem, a true gift of nature with its tropical beaches under a canopy of thick, untamed forest. A retreat we’d never want to leave.

A discreet glimpse into Paradise that we are privileged to see. A hideaway that we must not abuse and a secret we can only whisper so that not everyone hears.

A place to stop, it says. A place to stop indeed.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Malaysia is eight hours ahead of England (GMT). Currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (£1 = 5.90 MYR) where a meal costs around 10MYR and a coffee from 3-5MYR. Malaysia’s capital is Kuala Lumpur (KL); flights depart daily from London Heathrow to KL from £154 one way (www.airasia.com) and takes 12 hours.

To reach the Perhentians, you can take a short one hour flight from KL to Johar Bharu for 39RM (£6.50) each way through Asia’s budget airline, AirAsia (www.airasia.com). From here you can find a taxi (one way 65RM= £11) to the port of Kuala Besut, where you take a boat to the Perhentians.

Alternatively, overnight coaches leave KL daily direct for Kuala Besut and take 9 hours, reaching the port in time to catch the first boat to the islands. The return bus journey costs 80RM (£13.50).

Speed boats leave Kuala Besut several times a day for the beach of your choice and takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the islands. The boat tickets can be bought at Kuala Besut and costs 70RM return (£12).

Temperatures in the Perhentians remain high throughout the year (21–32˚C) but heavy rains occur during the Monsoon season (November to February) when the islands virtually shut down. Peak season is between July and August; prices rise during this busy time and it is advisable to make your bookings in advance.

Life on the islands remain very simple; it has a strong religious influence so there is no permitted alcohol nor topless bathing but the hospitality of the islanders is always warm and welcoming. There are no cash machines on either of the islands nor in Kuala Besut so it is advised to take your cash out before you depart for the Perhentians and always plan ahead.

The Perhentians may be isolated and simplistic but it is rich in nature and atmosphere. Each panoramic sea view exudes a touch of tropical bliss that you could only ever find on a Paradise island, such as this.

For more information visit: www.perhentian.com/my

Words and images Natasha Al-Atassi

“You must love me, you must love me!”  The words sung by one of Argentina’s most famous exports, Eva Peron could not have rung more true when it comes to another iconic export, the Gaucho restaurants famed for their first-rate steaks.

As we stepped into the cavernous space occupied by Manchester’s Gaucho restaurant (an old Methodist church by all accounts), our carnivorous cravings were put aside for a brief moment as we took in the splendor of our surroundings.  If AGENT2 was to take our style and taste and open a restaurant, this is pretty close to how we would expect it to look. From the inviting reception area, bar and sexy black leather padded walls which open up into a seating area with modern leather white couches and sleek low sofas, the entire restaurant epitomized great, contemporary style.

Gaucho has managed to retain the grandeur that you would expect when entering a former ‘home of god’ and its central area is accented with just enough cow skin to pay homage to its Argentinean roots without leaving you feeling like you are being overcome with an acute case of ‘Mad Cow’s Disease’. The organ creates a sense of theatre within the dining space and reminds you to watch your ‘p’s and q’s’ as you ponder the building’s former uses while the flashes of fiery red throughout the venue are enough of a nod to the hot, South American temperament.

As day wound its way into the evening and we took our seats for an early dinner, a calm hum was audible over the beats of the modern, Latin American music. The mix of diners in every corner of the 180 seated restaurant was as diverse as the different cuts of meat that were winging their way to diners’ tables to select their meaty treat beforehand.  Vegetarians beware!

Last comment aside, there are vegetarian options (and pretty good ones at that) available on the menu at Gaucho but the cornerstone of their menu are the fantastic, organic, Argentinean steaks. Gaucho Restaurants serve only Argentine Aberdeen Angus beef. These cattle are reputed to be top-class thanks to the mild climate, rich soil and vast terrain on which they graze. More recently, the addition of  ‘cerviches’, somewhat reminiscent of sushi but with a spin specific to the region has added a more diverse flavor to the menu for those who crave more than meat.

Cuts of meat come in a variety of weights from 225g to 400g – larger sizes can be ordered on request should you have a Tyrannosaurus Rex in your dining party. All steaks are cooked to your taste and the highly trained and helpful staff can recommend the optimum cooking choice for each cut of meat.

At Gaucho restaurants the steaks are all cooked in the traditional Argentine way. By only turning the steak once, there is a greater caremelisation of the crust sealing the meat and enhancing the flavour, as the juices cannot escape.   We would highly recommend he Churrasco cut, a spiral cut piece of meat marinated for 24 hours in a mixture of garlic, herbs and corn oil. Served with arguably the tastiest chips we’ve eaten and a side order of sweet peas and bacon we were left with only one option, loosen one belt notch before we tackled our dessert of pancakes and cheesecake with a topping of heavenly dulce de leche.

Gaucho’s vast wine list includes the Terruno, their own label which represents the Latin grape varieties. Many other Argentinian wines are also available, in particular the Vida Chenin, a delicate and clean cut wine. Its subtle tinges of honey make it an ideal accompianment to the tender meat. There’s also an impressive array of fine and rare wines but prices are steep with a bottle of 2000 Malbec setting you back over £110. The cocktail focus shifts to the Americas which provides Latin spirit if you’re in the mood for a party.

Gaucho successfully provides a clear indication of Argentina’s mixed heritage, with its Spanish chorizo dishes, its Italian risotto, French oysters and Latin American passion. This unique mix of culture is both exemplified and complimented in Gaucho’s design, menu and atmosphere. The variety of food and wine is unbeatable whilst still creating top class local dishes with rich exported ingredients making your culinary trip from Patagonia through to Buenos Aires a rather inexpensive affair. Its contemporary clean cut finish does not detract from its authenticity and it succeeds in remaining genuine to Argentina with its excellent food and quality ingredients.

Gaucho is a reputable showcase of fine Argentinian produce but more importantly, with its Latin American spirit it is most definitely a memorable night out.

gauchorestaurants.co.uk

Words Graham Gartside-Bernier