SCARLET BY NAME, GREEN BY NATURE
CORNWALL HAS ALWAYS BEEN A DESTINATION THAT CONJURES CARE-FREE IMAGES OF BOHEMIAN OUTDOOR LIFESTYLES IN OUR MINDS HERE AT AGENT2: SOMETHING THAT AS DEVOTED, FAST LIVING, CITY DWELLERS WE OFTEN STEER CLEAR OF WHEN PLANNING A WEEKEND AWAY.
However, The Scarlet Hotel in Mawgan Porth, Cornwall peaked our interest with its promise of being ‘a place to eat, dream and play in peace and be influenced by the natural rhythms of Mother Nature.’ We were also more than a little curious to see if the UK’s first, purpose built, eco-luxe hotel could successfully shake off our preconceptions of sawdust toilets, hemp cloth bedding and self-righteous eco-warriors scowling at our every over-indulgence.
It is apparent that our pace of life begins to slow with every twist and turn of the roads leading to the hotel. The sleepy pace is soon jarred on arrival by the spectacular location carved into the North Cornish cliff above the crashing Atlantic Ocean.
The Scarlet was the brainchild of three sisters who also own the well established; family orientated Bedruthan Steps Hotel, further on up the hill. The entrance to the hotel ensures the mood is set for luxurious self-indulgence, with floor to ceiling glass offering us the unbroken view of an infinity pool, leading the eyes to the sea. Designed to blend into the surroundings with features such as a flat roof covered in sea shale, copper walls, sweeping timber curves and rock plants reflecting the cliffs and beach below; the hotel offers an ideal base to explore the Cornish coast and countryside if you can manage to pull yourself away from the lure of the hotel’s luxurious trappings as the interior seems to effortlessly melt into the beautiful exterior.
With the number of doors in the Scarlet purposely kept to a minimum in an effort to retain an air of tranquility, light envelops each of the spaces found in the hotel. The library is the perfect place for lounging in comfort while outside, two terraces; a natural reed pool and a scarlet, fire-heated hot tub offer views of Mawgan Porth Beach from a stunning, cliff- top location.
If you’d rather see than be seen then anyone of the hotel’s 37 rooms provides the perfect private sanctuaries. Each of the luxurious rooms offers a private balcony and sea view. Large head showers, deep bathtubs, thick and soft robes and towels and natural Cornish soaps make this little slice of heaven complete. The only thing that is going to get AGENT2 to leave the hotel is the fire alarm and even if that were to sound, we’d still need a little coaxing to leave this lap of luxury.
The word ‘sanctuary’ cannot be over used when describing the offerings at the Scarlet and one place we can really lay the use on thickly is when it comes to describing the hotel’s spa. Individual Ayurvedic ‘journeys’ are the relaxation du jour after a therapist’s consultation to identify your body type (they did refrain from hurting our feelings). The treatment rooms are tented with heavy curtains rather than doors, ensuring no sounds break the tangible peace and quiet. Wallowing in the subdued glow produced by a myriad of tea lights while a deep tissue massage is performed is followed by cocooning in one of the cushioned deep relaxation pods, suspended from the ceiling. This is just the ticket for pushing our feeling of deep relaxation into a more coma like state.
This seamless luxury that envelops each aspect of the hotel is not a miss in the hotel’s food offering. Ben Tunnicliffe (formerly of the Michelin-starred Abbey in Penzance) casts his masterful touch over the menu. Breakfast offered choices such as poached rhubarb with thick yoghurt; kippers and a full Cornish breakfast of locally sourced produce. The evening’s menu choices are equally as delicious and as you would expect from a hotel proud of its eco status, the items are locally sourced with an emphasis and great, fresh produce and fish that tastes as though it was just plucked from the sea. An extensive wine list compliments the menu but in the thoughtful fashion seen throughout the Scarlet, only European wines are stocked reducing ‘food miles’ in line with their green policy.
Luxury aside, we cannot brush over the Scarlet’s green credentials. As well as minimizing their visual impact on the landscape the hotel boasts solar panels that heat both the indoor and outdoor pool. A bio-mass boiler burns woodchips from local sources to heat the rest of the hotel. With a £120, 000 price tag, the boiler demonstrates the hotel’s green resolve. Grass roofing, water recycling initiatives and a team of litter picking staff discharged to the beach make sure this resolve never waivers.
A weekend at the Scarlet is more than enough to change our city-loving mindset and take a small timeout from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With high-design meeting the beauty of the natural surrounds of the Cornish coast, wonderful food and a spa that will tame the fastest of lives all topped off with a fantastically world conscious ethos, this is certainly one lavish, luxurious weekend retreat that will definitely leave you relaxed – mind, body and soul.
Scarlet Hotel Ltd
Tredragon Road
Mawgan Porth
Cornwall
TR8 4DQ
T. 01637 861800
Words Eileen Green Images Scarlet Hotel
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GO WEST! HOTEL REVIEW
DESPITE DROPPING INTO THE CAPITAL ON A REGULAR BASIS, STRAYING FAR FROM THE WEST END NEVER SEEMS TO HAPPEN. SHEPHERDS BUSH IS A STONE’S THROW AWAY FROM CENTRAL LONDON BUT HAVING NEVER HAD A REAL REASON TO VISIT, IT HAS REMAINED OFF OUR BEATEN TRACK. NOW WITH THE OPENING OF THE WESTFIELD SHOPPING CENTRE, THE BIGGEST URBAN SHOPPING CENTRE IN EUROPE, AGENT2 FINALLY HAD A REASON TO MAKE IT A DESTINATION AND SAMPLE THE DELIGHTS OF THE STUNNING K WEST HOTEL AT THE END OF DAY OF RETAIL THERAPY.
Making your way through the revolving doors of K West Hotel, you find yourself walking straight into the lobby bar, the K Lounge. Divided into a seating area, dominated by leather and wooden furniture, and a mix of large and small tables, the bar is both minimalist and cosy. The very impressive long bar with green lighting is by far the main highlight of the space.
Near the staircase leading to the hotel’s mezzanine restaurant Kanteen, you will find abstract artwork, stones, and a very cool fire running along the wall that we at AGENT2 coveted for ourselves.
Overall, the ambiance managed to avoid the pretension of other lobby bars in Central London, despite its exciting clientele of both hotel guests and creative types working in the recording studios nearby, who meet up for unofficial parties until 2am. If you’re lucky, you may even rub elbows with some celebrities such as Girls Aloud or Franz Ferdinand. Expect the bar and restaurant to lack atmosphere at more quiet times though.
All eyes are drawn to the bartenders mixing up some cocktails and promising to surprise and tease your taste buds. The drinks menu with its list of cocktails is exhaustive at K Lounge– you will find the usual tipples from a very reasonable £6.50 as well as a few fresh new ideas direct from K West’s very knowledgeable bar tenders. Be sure to try the Funky Bitch, the Angel’s Kiss, or the Climax with a very rich mix of crème de banane, crème de cacao, triple sec, Amaretto, vodka and double cream.
The crowning glory at the K West hotel is its magnificent spa that has recently undergone a bit of pampering of its own. A £2 million refurbishment has completed the Spa with a relaxing Hydrotherapy Pool, a refreshing Snow Paradise, Sanarium, Sauna, Foot Spa, Steam, Sun Meadow as well as seven beautifully designed treatments rooms and Dry flotation Room. The Spa tops the luxurious experience of the K West, making it a spectacular and relaxing space to escape and unwind from the hustle and bustle of the ‘Big Smoke’.
With a spa to help you soothe your cares away and a night scene where it’s definitely cool to be, well, seen K West has everything you need for a stay in the city neatly wrapped up in a well designed packaged.
Go west! Life is tasteful there.
Richmond Way
London W14
020 8008 6600
Words Graham Gartside
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LONDON’S SOUTH BANK SURPRISES
GONE ARE THE DAYS WHEN YOU CAN POP TO THE CAPITAL WITH THE INTENTION TO VISIT IT ALL: LONDON IS SPILLING OVER WITH SO MUCH ACTIVITY, THAT EVEN THE SPEEDIEST WALKER WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO TRAVERSE EVEN THE FAMOUS STOPS IN TWO DAYS. TODAY, A WEEKEND BREAK TO LONDON HAS TO BE ORGANISED, THOUGHT OUT AND STRATEGICALLY PLANNED. MOST IMPORTANTLY, TO GET TO THE HEART OF REAL LONDON, BEYOND HAMLEYS, HARRODS AND HARVEY NICKS, YOU HAVE TO DEVOTE YOUR WEEKEND TO ONE AREA. WHAT BETTER PLACE TO START THEN AT THE LOCATION OF ITS INFAMOUS SKYLINE, DOWN AT THE SAFF BANK.
The sun is shining, cyclists meander through pedestrians walking hand-in-hand and the light is bouncing off the water, like a river of sparkling jewels. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you I was in the heart of the country’s biggest city, but I am.
Here, in this musty-busy-crowded capital, there really can be quiet sections and this is my favourite.
The long stretch between Lambeth Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge is one of the most rewarding places to visit. Serenely calm, this area has pockets bursting with street activity that you’d never expect. Even on an average day you’ll find artists crafting the most beautiful pieces on their concrete canvases, or musicians putting their heart and soul playing the jazz saxophone oblivious to anyone listening, or sculptures making masterpieces out of the sparse Thames sand.
Walking past some of London’s most iconic attractions from the Tate to the London Eye, it’s easy to see that this is the epicentre for cultural and creative activity in the capital, from the established professionals all the way to the street artist. And it’s exquisite to see both.
- Riverbank View
The South Bank might not be the first place people think of when spending a weekend in London but this eclectic area, full of free events and outdoor exhibitions, is fast becoming Covent Garden without the tourists. It’d be a shame to miss out.
If you really want to get to grips with life in this soulful district, watch as the sun sets over the Thames or wake up to the sound of the water commute from outside your window, I’d definitely recommend staying right here, in the heart of the South Bank.
The Park Plaza Riverbank sits boldly opposite the Tate Britain art gallery on the south side of the River. Nestled between London’s most popular tourist attractions from the London Eye, London Aquarium, Tate Modern and Houses of Parliament, it is the perfect spot to unload your bags before setting off on the tourist trail. Within walking distance to Vauxhall underground and mainline station and close to Waterloo International Station, The Park Plaza is one of the nearest hotels if you’re visiting by train or Eurostar.
If that isn’t something then it’s just a stone’s throw from Her Majesty’s residence, Buckingham Palace.
This stylish hotel offers sophisticated rooms, state of the art amenities as well as plasma screen TVs. The service is dutiful and the gym facilities fabulous, if you have time for a spin on the treadmill that is. The high-spec hotel’s best feature though has to be its views. You can stay in luxury hotels all over the world, but only this one can offer views of the sun setting over the River Thames, the Houses of Parliament lit up at night and the rest of London’s infamous skyline from your own suite.
If the skyline really is too tempting to miss out on then the Park Plaza houses its own restaurants, legendary on their own for their innovative, modern cuisine. Its Chino Latino Modern Pan-Asian Cuisine & Cocktail Bar oozes contemporary sophistication, offering flash-pan Asian food within a vibrant Latin atmosphere. Its Eastern menu of sushi, tempura and dim sum fits effortlessly well with its chic Western design.
- Chino Latino
This award-winning restaurant is an excellent way to immerse yourself with London’s high-flying crowd. Its low-lit ambiance, selection of Latino cocktails, minimalist furnishings and quick food are extremely popular with the city’s glamorous professionals.
With a menu price-tag that won’t break the bank, this fusion restaurant is an excellent way to introduce yourself to this bustling city. Serving you delicious authentic food with change to spare, it’d be a waste not to indulge and splash out on a cocktail whilst you’re here and enjoy dining out London-style.
- Top of the Tower
If it’s views that you’re looking for then none compare to the OXO Towers Restaurant, Brassiere and Bar’s. Its position high above the River Thames and wall to wall windows allow visitors to dine with panoramic views of the historic city. One of Britain’s finest restaurants, its exquisite location, harmonious ambiance and delicious meals make OXO Towers one of London’s most romantic dining spots.
Or if you’re travelling solo, its bar offers the tourist the perfect ending to a busy day sightseeing wit ha huge variety of fine wines together with insurmountable views of London’s most famous landmarks.
Weekend brunch at the Brassiere is not to be missed: accompanied by live music, start with a pseudo-American-Eastern take on the most important meal of the day. From sweet-corn fritters, fried free range eggs, gorgonzola pannacotta to pomegranate and almond couscous, OXO’s prestigious chefs show they can make even the simplest dishes taste delightfully scrumptious.
It’s not just the food that you come to London for though. The capital’s electric reputation isn’t just a myth; bursting with culture, colour and character, London is smarter than New York, grittier than Paris and more real than Sydney. And the best thing about this city is that everything can be found on the ground-level; its streets offer the best in free entertainment the globe round.
An example of this has to be the annual Mayor’s Thames Festival (September 12-13). Set along the city’s meandering river, the festival stretches along the bank from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge and beyond. Visitors can try their hand at grape-treading, interactive cooking lessons, listen to music, watch movies and even, swing dancing in Potters Field Park.
- Sites at the Thames Festival
For the food lovers out there, don’t despair. Each year, the Festival has a huge variety of food stalls, villages, festivals and bars. This year’s Feast on the Bridge exhibited over 30 farmers and producers and their quality food. You can even try oyster sampling whilst watching the Classic Rally over the Thames; revealing a fresh country vibe within the city’s tall sky scrapers.
Walkways, bridges, docks and open spaces are consumed with people, exhibitions, artists, carnivals, choirs and circuses.
But then that’s not unusual for the South Bank. The life and soul of London, this stimulating area is not just a must see; it’s the place to see, be and be seen.
This cultural heart of the city not only provides home to London’s biggest and best attractions, but also its discreet, quiet, off-beat private ones. The ones that Londoners enjoy best. And the ones that Londoner’s do best.
If you want to experience a London for Londoners then begin your journey at the South Bank. I challenge you to see it all and still make your last train back.
Words Natasha Al-Atassi Images Park Plaza Hotels
TRAVEL INFORMATION FACT BOX
The Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel is situated on Albert Embankment. Prices start from £99 prpn for a superior guest room, excluding VAT. For more information visit: www.parkplazariverbank.com.
Chino Latino Modern Pan-Asian Cuisine & Cocktail Bar is the Park Plaza’s in-house restaurant. Visit www.chinolatino.co.uk to make reservations or take a sneak peak at the menu. Prices start from £25 per person.
OXO Tower Restaurant, Brassiere & Bar can be found on Barge House Street, South Bank. These legendary eateries offer delicious food in a incomparable atmosphere. For the best views in town, head here. The average cost for a main course at the Restaurant will set you back between £20 and £28.50 pp. For a cheaper alternative, with the same atmosphere, try the Brassiere: prices average at £16 and £24pp. Visit: www.harveynichols.co.uk for more information and to make a reservation.
Mayor’s Thames Festival runs every year during September. It includes live acts, food stalls, circuses and exhibitions from around the city, and the globe. Visit www.thamesfestival.org for more information and next year’s dates.
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NATIONAL SPA WEEK (19 – 27 SEPTEMBER 2009)
September 26, 2009 by Editor
Filed under EDITOR'S DESK
Looking out of the window at the dreary grey skies, it seems that summer has definitely drawn a close on 2009. Dreams of an Indian summer or a last-minute heatwave have long gone; the heating is now on as the evening’s get darker and the days shorter. I am almost about to google ‘SAD Light Lamps’ to help me escape the misery of cold, drizzly Autumns when I discover that today, this week is National Spa Week and there is plenty of pampering I can do to cheer myself up.
Wellness website, Wahanda has joined up with the Spa Business Association as the official online partner for National Spa Week. During this week (from 19th to 27th September), there are hundreds of spa offers to be found wherever you live; from free pilates sessions to 2-4-1 short break deals or cut-price salon treatments.
All these deals can be accessed at www.wahanda.com where you can choose from a huge list of free or inexpensive therapies to truly spoil you. As the sun hides behind England’s droopy clouds, relax in a mediation room, have an invigorating massage or enquire about the latest skin treatments, if not to indulge in, then to prove that the summer sun needn’t mean the end to your golden visage and fit and healthy body.
There are plenty of different options to have your pick at: from free botox consultations or powerplate sessions in London to free skin health analysis therapies in Manchester. Available in cities all over the UK, National Spa Week gives you discounts on the most exclusive and indulgent of salons and spa breaks including the famous Champneys, Dove Spa and The Sanctuary.
Wahanda, the ultimate in spa websites, also offers need-to-know information about treatments, salons, classes and the latest wellbeing trends. Find out what there is available nearby, where you can find your nearest hair salon or how to spend a birthday weekend and indulge in the fun and relaxing wellness treatments and activities.
As the shops hastily stack their shelves with wrapping paper, tinsel and inflatable santas, what better excuse is there to join in this premature festive period then by enjoying some pre-party season beauty and pampering treatments. For those wanting to look your best at those Christmas parties then snap up these exclusive deals this week only, and begin your journey to sparkling festive beauty. Visit: www.wahanda.com/seasonal/national-spa-week
Words Natasha Al-Atassi
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TWIN ATLANTIC REVIEWED
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
Words Dan Grose
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FRAE – COOL AS ICE
‘Froyo’ must be the word of the summer. Everyone’s talking about it; everyone’s trying it; everyone’s having it. If you’re not, then you’re definitely missing out. As the curtains are drawn on this year’s rather miserable summer, the season’s best trend can still be found throughout September’s drizzly days and the coming wintry months. We might not need frozen yoghurt to quench our thirst or cool us in sizzling heat, but for whatever reason, froyo is a craze we certainly do need.
New frozen yoghurt company, Frae has opened a new store in London’s trendy Angel Camden Passageway jumping on the bandwagon of the nation’s obsession with healthy but yummy treats. The yoghurt is every nutritionist’s dream. One-hundred percent fat free, Frae’s froyo is made entirely from natural products fresh from the farm. This probiotic yoghurt not only hosts active cultures but is low in calories too, making this the perfect guilt-free splurge.
Available in two flavours, Original and Green Tea, you can also top up your delicious creamy yoghurt with a selection of 18 toppings. Choose from fresh mango or pomegranate, or granola and goji berries for the extreme health enthusiast. For those who like a bit of a treat, a crunchy topping of Oreo cookies, Kit Kat or gooey chocolate brownies might be up your street.
Frae’s froyos have something for everyone; Keira Knightly and Sadie Frost being among its most popular customers. As its fan base grows, it’s not hard to see why. Not only does it greet passersby with velvety healthy delights, but its New York style laid-back design makes for a perfect summer’s day retreat.
The light and airy décor together with bare brick walls mimics a NYC open-loft. Its breakfast bar and cushioned bench offer a fresh and subtle take on ‘fast-food joints’ without the garish colours and greasy food, whilst its lime green stalls add vivacity to ordinary mundane ‘health food stores’. Ideal for a refreshing alternative to ice-cream on a balmy afternoon, its carefree ambiance and comfortable decor is also inviting to friends after a day’s shopping on the Camden Passage, an instant healthy snack ‘to-go’ or even, the perfect haven to escape this summer’s turbulent storms.
To top it off, Frae’s spoonful desert comes in eco-friendly packaging; spoons are made from potato and smoothie cups from corn, as well as bio-degrable coffee cups. Indeed, not only is Frae healthy it is also environmentally aware which will lighten anyone’s conscience when handing over the cash.
Frae also offers organic smoothies and fat-free coffees including their own ‘fraeppuchino’, offering its unique flavours to everyone whilst seemingly doing the impossible: making healthy snacks as delicious as our biggest sins.
Open from 11am till midnight everyday, Frae knows what the people of London want and it knows what we need. The summer may have let us down, but whatever the season, a froyo will be sure to lift our spirits day-in-day-out…without adding any inches to our waist.
Words Natasha Al-Atassi
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ROOM WITH A REVIEW
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 19th 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 21st 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
Words Natasha Al-Atassi
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NATURAL RETREATS
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
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GAUCHO GETS A GRILLING
“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.
Words Graham Gartside-Bernier
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WINSTER’S BROWN HORSE INN IS A TRUE THOROUGHBRED!
Only ten minutes away from the hustle and bustle of a very busy Bowness, lies the Brown Horse Inn, set in the idyllic natural beauty of the Winster Valley. We found all that you would expect from a traditional country inn and much, much more.
The inn boasts an ultra modern new extension which is seamlessly and sympathetically blended with the original hostelry. The result is a triumph and well worth a visit. The brochure states that “The Brown Horse Inn at Winster combines old world charm with sophistication and quality customer service”. It certain does what it says on the tin.
We were greeted by friendly and helpful staff who showed us to a brand new bedroom which overlooked the valley. The additional four bedrooms allows the Brown Horse Inn to cater for a whole spectrum of guests from those who prefer traditional beamed ceilings the chic modern style of the room we occupied. Considerable care and attention to detail has been lavished on the interiors and exteriors of the bedrooms, each room having a covered sun terrace and patio set. Even although the Inn is bustling and busy we heard absolutely no noise and slept well in the very comfortable double bed.
So far, so good but we were unprepared for the experience of dining at the Brown Horse. Tempted by the alluring aromas we chose to dine early. We were escorted to our table in the charming, well spaced dining room and perused the menu and the ‘specials’ board. The Inn prides itself on its locally sourced produce, how locally will be revealed later.
From the wide ranging and imaginative list of starters I chose Home cured ham hock terrine, piccalilli, garden leaves and flat bread. The ham was extremely tasty and not over-salted and was superbly complemented by the home made piccalilli and flat breads. My vegetarian wife chose the Tomato and Mozzarella salad with chick pea fritters, garlic and balsamic dressing. This dish was triumph and it was refreshing to have such a creative option on a traditional menu.
The Brown Horse was now straying into dangerous territory as our expectations were seriously heightened. The Vegetarian Main choice was Twice Baked Courgette and Black Sticks Blue Cheese Soufflé on sweet potato, broad beans and wild mushrooms. Each component of this dish complimented the whole, providing a gastronomic experience to be remembered. Only the finest and freshest ingredients could produce such a delightful dish. I chose the Sirloin Steak served with onion rings, confit tomato and hand cut chips cooked in dripping (a bonus as the veggie couldn’t pinch any!) with pepper cream sauce. This dish was a canter to food heaven. The vegetables were superb, the sauce amazing but the steak sublime. The steak knife I was offered was superfluous as the meat melt in the mouth and gorgeous. The best I have ever tasted.
The question on both our minds was, would the Brown Horse fall at the final hurdle? The Brown Horse sprouted wings and became Pegasus producing desserts of Olympian standards. I chose the Poached Peach in Amaretto with hazelnut and mint. My wife (the chocoholic) chose the Cherry and Chocolate Pot with chocolate sauce. Both dishes were gold medal winners, artistically presented and brilliantly executed. My wife continues to mutter on about the kirsch soaked cherries that were hidden inside the chocolate pot. A perfect end to a wonderful meal.
The atmosphere in the dinning room was relaxed and warm. The attentive, friendly staff ensured we toddled off happily to bed after a lavish brandy-coffee nightcap.
After an excellent night’s sleep we were treated to a Brown Horse breakfast (no, not bran!). It came as no surprise that breakfast was marvellous. There was a wide selection of buffet items and an excellent full English option.
After an unhurried breakfast, Steve, the owner was kind enough to reveal more of the Brown Horse’s pedigree.
A wonderfully well stocked farm shop is at the rear of Inn. The vast majority of the produce on sale in the shop is produced either by the estate itself or by local suppliers. Some of the vegetables and herbs are grown 50 yards from the shop where we saw broad beans being picked and on sale less than 20 minutes later.
A short trip down the road revealed another gem, 11 acres of what Steve described as “free range farming”, no pesticides and animal welfare of the highest order. We saw new poly tunnels crammed with a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, ensuring fresh seasonable produce for the Inn and the shop. We were comforted to see farming with a heart – the animals we saw were all very relaxed and living in very natural conditions. The large sow with her 4 week old piglets had excellent accommodation and showed no anxiety at our intrusion which reflected her relaxed lifestyle. There were a number of duck ponds with enchanting Aylesbury ducks who enjoyed the freedom of the woodland and natural undergrowth. They shared this habitat with Guinea Fowl, Quails, Geese, Turkeys and Chickens. All these animals glowed with health and showed only curiosity at our presence. This is surely the way to produce high quality food, as enjoyed at the Inn, without cruelty and with a mind to keeping food miles to a minimum.
A two minute walk away from the Inn we saw the pastureland where the estates highland cows and sheep were grazing contentedly. These animals were also in prime condition.
Steve plans to develop a micro-brewery and some holiday cottages in the near future which will provide further employment in this idyllic spot.
All in all a gold medal winning performance from the Brown Horse.
Words: Alan Gurhy Images: K
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