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Infotel Magazine | Edition 7 | 2016

Caribbean celebrity hang-outs in beautiful Barbados get us dreaming of fine sand and sunshine in this month's edition. Head Chef Alan Ford tempts with his classic lobster and scallops dish and we take a closer look at Edinburgh in August with the Fringe Festival and marching military bands plus the latest from our new member hotels including special offers.

Caribbean celebrity hang-outs in beautiful Barbados get us dreaming of fine sand and sunshine in this month's edition. Head Chef Alan Ford tempts with his classic lobster and scallops dish and we take a closer look at Edinburgh in August with the Fringe Festival and marching military bands plus the latest from our new member hotels including special offers.

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Dates for the Diary<br />

What to do, where to stay<br />

<strong>2016</strong> <strong>Edition</strong> 7<br />

The Guest Book<br />

This month’s top picks<br />

<strong>Infotel</strong> Specials<br />

The latest discounts<br />

Barbados Breaks<br />

A taste of the very good life<br />

Let the food do the talking<br />

Head Chef Alan Ford gets fishy!<br />

Edinburgh in August<br />

Exciting, engaging and totally entertaining


DISCOUNTED RATES & AMAZING OFFERS ON BUDGET TO<br />

LUXURIOUS HOTELS, SERVICED APARTMENTS & OVER<br />

855,000<br />

PROPERTIES WORLDWIDE<br />

FOR YOUR NEXT WORK OR LEISURE NIGHT AWAY<br />

01775 843413<br />

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday<br />

Don’t leave home without us<br />

Take the <strong>Infotel</strong> mobile app wherever you go<br />

FREE DOWNLOAD


CONTENTS<br />

4<br />

The Guest Book<br />

10 to 17<br />

Barbados Breaks<br />

24 & 25<br />

A Postcard from Edinburgh<br />

5<br />

Dates for the Diary<br />

18 & 19<br />

Let the Food do the Talking<br />

26 & 27<br />

Featured Hotels<br />

6 & 7<br />

Featured Hotels<br />

8 & 9<br />

<strong>Infotel</strong>: Working for you<br />

20 & 21<br />

Featured Hotels<br />

22 & 23<br />

<strong>Infotel</strong> Specials<br />

28 & 29<br />

Featured Group: Milsoms<br />

30 & 31<br />

Chefs Corner: Free Recipe<br />

Front Cover: One Sandy Lane Inside Cover: Atholl Palace Hotel<br />

3


This month’s collection of <strong>Infotel</strong> properties to tempt you away<br />

Surrey Hills Hotel<br />

Surrey<br />

Atlantic Hotel<br />

Cornwall<br />

Angus Hotel & Almonds<br />

Bistro Cumbria<br />

Gallt Y Glyn<br />

Gwynedd<br />

Lakeview Holiday<br />

Cottages Somerset<br />

The Kerryman<br />

West Midlands<br />

Wheatsheaf Pub<br />

West Sussex<br />

Whitburn House Hotel<br />

Lancashire<br />

Alma Lodge Hotel<br />

Cheshire<br />

Urr Valley Country<br />

House Hotel Dumfries<br />

4


DATES FOR THE DIARY AUGUST <strong>2016</strong><br />

What’s On?<br />

The Robin Hood<br />

Festival at<br />

Sherwood Forest<br />

1 - 7 August<br />

Nottingham<br />

Sandringham Food<br />

& Drink Festival<br />

6 August<br />

Sandringham<br />

What?<br />

Brighton Pride<br />

5 - 7 August<br />

Brighton<br />

Where?<br />

Bristol International<br />

Balloon Fiesta <strong>2016</strong><br />

11 - 14 August<br />

Bristol<br />

When?<br />

Portsmouth<br />

International<br />

Kite Festival<br />

13 & 14 August<br />

Portsmouth<br />

Reading Festival<br />

26 - 28 August<br />

Reading<br />

Bakewell<br />

Baking Festival<br />

13 & 14 August<br />

Bakewell<br />

V Festival<br />

19 - 21 August<br />

Chelmsford<br />

Staffordshire<br />

Notting Hill Carnival<br />

28 & 29 August<br />

Notting Hill<br />

5


FEATURE<br />

View details<br />

Hintlesham Hall<br />

Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 3NS<br />

From<br />

£110<br />

01775 843413<br />

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday<br />

Dating back to the 1400s and steeped in history,<br />

Hintlesham Hall impresses with its traditional<br />

decor, stately bedrooms, beautiful surroundings,<br />

superb on-site spa, outdoor heated pool and<br />

award-winning cuisine.<br />

A total of 32 individual rooms are available,<br />

unique in style and full of character with four poster<br />

or canopy beds, panelled walls and timbered<br />

ceilings, works of art and a mix of modern and<br />

antique furnishings.<br />

The Spa offers a full choice of programmes and<br />

treatments and for the more energetic, the gymnasium<br />

has a wide range of equipment under the supervision<br />

of fully qualified instructors. Guests are welcome to<br />

Hintlesham Golf Club which<br />

shares the estate.<br />

Perfectly placed for exploring Suffolk and<br />

‘Constable Country’, with the popular village of<br />

Lavenham and the coastal town of Aldeburgh just<br />

a short distance away.<br />

“Thank you for putting a smile<br />

on our faces, I cannot recommend<br />

this place highly enough”<br />

Trip Advisor Reviewer<br />

Turn to page 18 for our interview with<br />

Hintlesham Hall’s Head Chef Alan Ford<br />

6<br />

70 Onsite Free WiFi Restaurant/<br />

Catering<br />

Bar<br />

24hr<br />

Reception<br />

Room<br />

Service<br />

Sports &<br />

Leisure<br />

Spa<br />

Check In<br />

2.00pm<br />

Check Out<br />

12.00pm


FEATURE<br />

The Casa Hotel<br />

& Restaurant<br />

Camberley, Hampshire GU46 6BT<br />

From<br />

£149<br />

£85<br />

01775 843413<br />

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday<br />

Parts of the building date back to the 17th<br />

Century, with the charming bar showcasing<br />

many of the original features, including oak<br />

beams and an open fire place. With views<br />

over the beautiful grounds, the 63 spacious<br />

bedrooms and suites have been designed<br />

and decorated to a deluxe standard with<br />

free Wifi, tea and coffee making facilities<br />

plus plasma TVs with pay per view movies.<br />

The superb restaurant, Marco Pierre White<br />

Wheeler’s of St. James, is open every day<br />

for lunch and dinner, serving a delicious,<br />

authentic British menu.<br />

The hotel is just a few minutes drive from<br />

Basingstoke, Bracknell, Reading and<br />

Farnborough.<br />

“Friendly and attentive.<br />

Would stay again”<br />

Booking.com Reviewer<br />

80 Onsite Free WiFi Restaurant/<br />

Catering<br />

Bar<br />

CCTV/ 24hr<br />

Reception<br />

Air<br />

Conditioning<br />

Christmas<br />

Parties<br />

Weddings<br />

Check In<br />

2.50pm<br />

Check Out<br />

11.00am<br />

7


It’s our business<br />

to look after you!<br />

We provide the perfect partnership for finding<br />

your work and leisure accommodation<br />

Bespoke Service<br />

We search, secure and book<br />

your accommodation so you’re<br />

free to do your job.<br />

Accommodation<br />

We have access to over 832,000<br />

properties, including major hotel<br />

chains, serviced apartments<br />

and independent B&Bs.<br />

Clear Pricing<br />

We offer a completely FREE<br />

service so there’s no hidden<br />

charges to worry about at the<br />

end of the month.<br />

Travel<br />

We use the latest technology to<br />

secure the lowest rates on rail,<br />

air and ferry fares.<br />

Savings<br />

We save our clients on average<br />

20% off all bookings.<br />

Flexible<br />

We offer FREE cancellation on<br />

thousands of properties and we<br />

will make all the changes for you.<br />

01775 843413 hotels@infotel.co.uk<br />

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday Or visit www.infotel.co.uk<br />

You’ll always get out of bed on the right side with <strong>Infotel</strong><br />

A few of the team taking<br />

care of you this month<br />

Allana Babs Jackie Sue<br />

Spotlight on Rosie<br />

“My main role is to take enquiries and<br />

bookings, negotiating with hotels to ensure<br />

clients recieve the best price on their room.<br />

Each day is different and I enjoy<br />

arranging the right room requirements<br />

for all our regular and new clients. I’ll be<br />

your point of contact this month so I look<br />

forward to hearing from you.”


Over 855,000 hotels, B&Bs<br />

and serviced apartments<br />

at special rates...<br />

When you use <strong>Infotel</strong> for your business bookings,<br />

you’re free to enjoy your leisure time.


FEATURE<br />

Whao! We’re going to<br />

Barbados<br />

If you’re dreaming of sunshine from sunrise<br />

to sunset, a gentle breeze blowing through<br />

swaying palm trees, sand between your toes<br />

and swish and stylish accommodation, then<br />

our Barbados Collection does not disappoint!<br />

10


BARBADOS BREAKS<br />

Our Barbados collection<br />

offers a taste of the good life,<br />

seriously delivering a five star plus<br />

experience with picture perfect beaches,<br />

fabulous facilities and a first class service<br />

at a rich and famous price tag!<br />

11


BARBADOS BREAKS<br />

One Sandy Lane<br />

One Sandy Lane, St James, Barbados<br />

It’s the perfect balance of fine living<br />

with a laid-back lifestyle in a naturally<br />

beautiful setting at One Sandy Lane.<br />

Palatial, elegant villas where every<br />

creature comfort has already been<br />

imagined and catered for, a secluded<br />

beach and majestic gardens, infinity<br />

pool, fitness centre, dockage for yachts<br />

and off-shore moorings for the bigger<br />

boats - welcome to the very good life!<br />

Where biometric fingerprinting gets<br />

you in and keeps any enemies at bay!<br />

Prices for a villa based on four sharing<br />

begin at £15,000 per night but that<br />

does include breakfast and you may<br />

bump into Simon Cowell, if he’s home!<br />

12


BARBADOS BREAKS<br />

Sandy Lane Hotel<br />

One Sandy Lane, St James, Barbados<br />

Considered the premier address in the<br />

Caribbean, the luxury Sandy Lane Hotel is<br />

world famous for its peaceful setting and<br />

first class service, making it one of those<br />

special places that if you’re lucky enough<br />

to go to, you will never want to leave.<br />

The resort features 112 guestrooms<br />

and suites plus a five bedroom villa,<br />

four restaurants, seven bars, three golf<br />

courses and a spa (a special world of its<br />

own with its impressive marble reception<br />

and sweeping staircase leading to the<br />

treatment suites and water therapies).<br />

Exceptional cuisine celebrating the<br />

flavours of the world can be enjoyed in<br />

exquisite surroundings or kick back and<br />

relax in the beachside bar overlooking<br />

the glorious platinum coast of St. James.<br />

A haven to the rich and famous, look<br />

out for Oprah, Bill Gates, Elton John, the<br />

Beckhams, the Rooneys or Rihanna!<br />

Prices in September start from £725<br />

(one night, room only, two people).<br />

13


BARBADOS BREAKS<br />

Beach View Hotel<br />

Paynes Bay, St James, Barbados<br />

Set amid 1.2 hectares of landscaped<br />

gardens, this upscale, all-suite hotel<br />

lies across the road from Paynes Bay<br />

Beach and is just five minutes from the<br />

vibrant restaurants, nightlife and shops<br />

of Holetown.<br />

Spacious and fully equipped one, two and<br />

three bedroom suites, all air-conditioned<br />

and with high quality tropical furnishings<br />

feature in the open plan dining and living<br />

areas, creating a perfect island home<br />

for quiet escapes, family and friend<br />

getaways, weddings and honeymoons.<br />

A large centrally located pool area with<br />

separate children’s and adult swimming<br />

pools, a bistro style cafe, a rooftop bar<br />

for sundowners, in room grocery stocking,<br />

airport transfers and a range of other<br />

convenient services provide all the<br />

ingredients for a totally hassle<br />

free holiday.<br />

A one bed suite for two, on a room only<br />

basis in September is currently reduced<br />

to £150 per night from £236.50.<br />

14


BARBADOS BREAKS<br />

Fairmont Royal Pavillion<br />

Barbados Resort<br />

Holetown, St James, Barbados<br />

Poolside relaxation or bare foot beach<br />

time? The hardest decision you’ll have<br />

is whether to enjoy unobstructed views<br />

of the Caribbean Sea from one of the<br />

Beachfront Junior Suites or an Oceanfront<br />

Deluxe room. Alternatively stay in the<br />

three bed villa, surrounded by lush<br />

tropical gardens and with two terraces<br />

providing uninterrupted sea views.<br />

One night for two people in September<br />

starts from £344 on a room only basis.<br />

15


BARBADOS BREAKS<br />

Port Ferdinand Luxury<br />

Resort & Residences<br />

Speightstown, St Peter, Barbados<br />

Located on the historic northwest coast<br />

of the Barbados Riviera, Port Ferdinand<br />

is a genuine boater’s paradise with its rich<br />

nautical history and tradition and all year<br />

round tropical climate. A superior two bed<br />

apartment offers sweeping views across<br />

the marina and easy access to an array of<br />

on-site amenities, including the Pool Island<br />

which offers a variety of leisure activities<br />

and daytime fun.<br />

Apartments are artfully decorated and<br />

furnished in a contemporary design with<br />

marble and limestone finishes, coral<br />

render detailing and timeless styling.<br />

Beautifully created to maximise guests<br />

comfort and enjoyment, Port Ferdinand<br />

offers an unparalleled range of services<br />

and activities for the young and young<br />

at heart.<br />

A one night stay in September is currently<br />

reduced from £1150 per night to £650 with<br />

four people in a two bed apartment.<br />

16


BARBADOS BREAKS


INTERVIEW<br />

Let the food do<br />

the talking...<br />

Inspired by his<br />

mother, Head<br />

Chef Alan Ford<br />

has been creating<br />

award-winning<br />

food at<br />

Hintlesham Hall<br />

for a staggering<br />

28 years!<br />

What made you want to be<br />

a chef and how long have<br />

you been doing it?<br />

I can’t remember ever wanting<br />

to do anything other than be<br />

a chef. Making cakes and<br />

biscuits as a child with my<br />

Mother, who was a brilliant<br />

cook, is what inspired me.<br />

What do you look for when<br />

you create a new dish or<br />

menu? What’s your main<br />

considerations?<br />

Seasonality is a big thing,<br />

also hoping that I know<br />

what our customers like as<br />

it is them that we want to<br />

please and satisfy. I suppose<br />

my cooking style has a label<br />

of Modern British, but I was<br />

trained in classical kitchens,<br />

mainly in London, so that is<br />

still the starting point of<br />

most of my dishes.<br />

18


INTERVIEW<br />

The #shelfie - a chef’s five must have<br />

herbs and spices always available on<br />

the shelf! What are yours and why?<br />

We have a garden full of herbs, my particular<br />

favourites are tarragon and basil as they<br />

lend themselves to so many different dishes<br />

and background flavours. I would also have<br />

ginger, lime leaves and chillies.<br />

Do any celebrity chefs inspire you?<br />

And if you had to compare yourself<br />

to one, who would you say you most<br />

resemble in terms of cooking style<br />

and/or temperament?<br />

I have always admired and try to have<br />

the same type of temperament as Anton<br />

Mosimann, however I don’t think anyone<br />

could be as calm and collected as he has<br />

been over such a long period of time!<br />

When you go home, who does the<br />

cooking? Are you territorial in the<br />

kitchen!?<br />

Well, it was always me, but nowadays when<br />

our daughter comes home she is very keen<br />

to get into the kitchen and experiment, with<br />

great success I hasten to add!<br />

Nowadays I am happy for her to take on<br />

the role of Head Chef!<br />

What’s your<br />

favourite cuisine<br />

and why?<br />

I like oriental food<br />

and try to slip that<br />

into my menus<br />

sometimes, but I<br />

love Mediterranean<br />

style food too as it<br />

is usually quite<br />

light and with<br />

bags of flavour.<br />

Which famous person, dead or alive, would<br />

you love to cook for and what would<br />

you serve them?<br />

I would like to cook<br />

for and then dine<br />

with Billy Joel, as<br />

I think he would<br />

have some very<br />

interesting stories.<br />

He likes his pasta<br />

so it would be a<br />

seafood pasta dish<br />

with a hint of chilli<br />

and plenty of herbs<br />

from our garden here<br />

at Hintlesham Hall.<br />

If you were stranded on a desert island<br />

and allowed one item or ingredient from<br />

your kitchen, what would it be and why?<br />

I suppose the obvious thing would be a knife!<br />

Probably a carving/bread knife as I am sure<br />

there would be plenty of fibrous foods that<br />

would need breaking down before cooking!<br />

What’s proving to be the most popular<br />

dish on your menu this month and why<br />

do you think that is?<br />

Scallops in any form are always very popular<br />

and we are finding that fish in general is<br />

requested more and more.<br />

You’re sharing a recipe with our readers<br />

today, why did you choose this one?<br />

I love cooking (and eating!) scallops,<br />

married with lobster and sea herbs<br />

for a great combination. Enjoy!<br />

Turn to page 30<br />

for Alan’s recipe >><br />

19


FEATURE<br />

Quality Hotel & Conference<br />

Centre Wembley<br />

Wembley, Middlesex HA9 0NH<br />

From<br />

£60<br />

01775 843413<br />

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday<br />

All 165 bedrooms are triple glazed,<br />

air conditioned and have en-suite<br />

shower and bath facilities, a working<br />

desk area, free Wifi, flat screen TV<br />

and complimentary tea and coffee<br />

making facilities.<br />

“Great value and location”<br />

Trip Adviser Reviewer<br />

Bedrooms are available as double<br />

for sole use, double room, twin/family<br />

rooms, triple rooms and luxury suites<br />

with whirlpool baths and extra space<br />

to relax or work in.<br />

The Empire Restaurant offers a<br />

fabulous selection of freshly made<br />

International cuisine and the Mirage<br />

Sports Bar has live sports action.<br />

A superb location for Wembley<br />

Arena, Wembley Stadium and<br />

Wembley Park Underground Station,<br />

The X Factor Fountain Studios,<br />

Brent Civic Centre and the London<br />

Designer Outlet are all just a five<br />

minute walk away.<br />

20<br />

70 Onsite Free WiFi Restaurant Bar CCTV Air<br />

Conditioning<br />

Check In<br />

2.00pm<br />

Check Out<br />

11.00am


FEATURE<br />

Manor Hotel<br />

& Restaurant<br />

Rainham, Essex RM13 9EL<br />

From<br />

£125<br />

01775 843413<br />

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday<br />

The Manor Hotel & Restaurant is situated<br />

in the Essex countryside with the towns of<br />

Romford, Hornchurch, Upminster, Dagenham<br />

and Rainham within easy reach, and only<br />

a few minutes drive from the M25, Dartford<br />

Crossing and London City Airport.<br />

“Easy to park, friendly staff<br />

always happy to help, and in<br />

a great location.”<br />

Trip Advisor Reviewer<br />

Luxury double and twin bedrooms, plus an<br />

elegantly proportioned executive suite and<br />

a sumptuous penthouse suite are available,<br />

all with free Wifi and complimentary tea and<br />

coffee making facilities.<br />

The popular restaurant serves both English<br />

and International cuisine as well as a seasonal<br />

special offers menu.<br />

120 Onsite Free WiFi Restaurant/<br />

Catering<br />

Bar<br />

Weddings/<br />

Civil<br />

En-suite<br />

Bathrooms<br />

Check In<br />

2.00pm<br />

Check Out<br />

12.00pm<br />

21


Village The Hotel<br />

Club Wirral<br />

Merseyside<br />

Summer Escapes<br />

Crown & Punchbowl<br />

Cambridgeshire<br />

Weekend Break: two nights with<br />

complimentary dinner on one night<br />

From £64.50 £80 From £275<br />

Redesdale Arms Hotel<br />

Gloucestershire<br />

Complimentary bubbly on arrival<br />

for two people<br />

£89 From £120<br />

Jurys Inn Exeter<br />

Devon<br />

Summer Special Offer:<br />

20% off best available rate<br />

From £71.20 £85<br />

22<br />

Enquire now<br />

01775 843413<br />

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday


Queensberry Hotel &<br />

Olive Tree Restaurant<br />

Somerset<br />

Huge savings at least £60 off<br />

Cairn Hotel<br />

West Lothian<br />

Save up to £20 a night<br />

£130 From £190<br />

£59 From £79<br />

Hadlow Manor Hotel<br />

Kent<br />

Weekend Breakfast Saver:<br />

stay two nights & save 20%<br />

£79<br />

From<br />

Stoke Mandeville Stadium<br />

& Olympic Lodge<br />

Buckinghamshire<br />

20% off all twin rooms<br />

From £58.40 £73<br />

17<br />

Enquire now<br />

01775 843413<br />

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday<br />

23


A POSTCARD FROM...<br />

Edinburgh<br />

Scotland’s capital has a medieval Old Town and an elegant Georgian New<br />

Town, with gardens and neoclassical buildings. It’s home to Arthur’s Seat,<br />

an extinct volcano in Holyrood Park, with sweeping views from its peak.<br />

Looming over the city is the hilltop Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland’s<br />

crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny.<br />

Be entertained at the world’s largest open<br />

access art festival! Edinburgh Festival Fringe<br />

runs from 5 to 29 August with a programme<br />

including theatre, dance, circus, physical<br />

theatre, comedy, music, musicals, cabaret<br />

and variety, children’s shows, exhibitions and<br />

events catering for all ages and appetites.<br />

This August will see 50,266 performances<br />

of 3,269 shows from 48 countries in 294<br />

venues across Edinburgh.<br />

24<br />

From 5 to 27 August you can salute the troops<br />

at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo<br />

which showcases music, dance and display<br />

by the British Armed Forces, Commonwealth<br />

and International military bands performing on<br />

the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. This year’s<br />

showpiece event will pay tribute to HM<br />

The Queen’s 90th birthday.<br />

With the unforgettable sight and sound of<br />

the Massed Pipes and Drums performing<br />

against the brooding backdrop of the castle,<br />

this spectacular production will also feature<br />

the Marching Drill Team, Motorcycle Display<br />

Team and The King’s Guard from Norway.


A POSTCARD FROM...<br />

Immortalised by the books<br />

of Ian Rankin, The Oxford<br />

Bar is a traditional pub<br />

located between George<br />

Street and Queen Street.<br />

Enjoy a proper pint and if<br />

Inspector Rebus arrives<br />

say slange var!<br />

It would be positively<br />

rude to ignore The Scotch<br />

Whisky Experience so<br />

head to the top of the Royal<br />

Mile and take a virtual tour<br />

through the distillery, visit<br />

the shop and restaurant or<br />

join a tasting event.<br />

Visit Tian Tian and Yang<br />

Guang, the giant pandas at<br />

Edinburgh Zoo.<br />

Avoid p-p-picking up a<br />

penguin but do take in the<br />

sights of Penguin Rock,<br />

Europe’s largest outdoor<br />

penguin pool and don’t miss<br />

the famous penguin parade!<br />

If you have green fingers, a visit to the<br />

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a must.<br />

World renowned for horticultural excellence,<br />

the 70 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds<br />

provide a tranquil haven just one mile from<br />

the City Centre.<br />

Reflecting the international research and<br />

conservation work of RBGE, the garden is<br />

home to the largest collection of wild origin<br />

Chinese plants outside of China. The Scottish<br />

Heath Garden recreates the plantings and<br />

landscape of the Scottish highlands and the<br />

world-famous Rock Garden is home to over<br />

5,000 alpine plants.<br />

Come face to face with Scotland’s past and<br />

present at the Scottish National Portrait<br />

Gallery. An impressive collection of over<br />

30,000 images depicting the men and women<br />

whose lives and achievements have shaped<br />

Scotland and the wider world.<br />

Stay >><br />

Edinburgh<br />

25


FEATURE<br />

Macy’s Hotel<br />

Chingford, London E4 7BJ<br />

From<br />

£70<br />

01775 843413<br />

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday<br />

This modern boutique hotel offers ten en-suite<br />

guestrooms available on a room only basis with<br />

complimentary bottled water, fresh fruit and a<br />

pastry provided in the rooms every day. Tea and<br />

coffee making facilities are also available in the<br />

room. Air-conditioning, Freeview TV and a work<br />

desk are included in the twin and double rooms<br />

and the one family room.<br />

A good selection of local restaurants are close<br />

by, with the Voujon Indian Restuarant located<br />

underneath the hotel.<br />

Save<br />

“Value for money”<br />

Trip Advisor Reviewer<br />

£5<br />

on selected<br />

rooms<br />

View details<br />

80 Onsite Free WiFi Restaurant/<br />

Catering<br />

Bar<br />

Air<br />

Conditioning<br />

Check In<br />

2.00pm<br />

Check Out<br />

11.00am<br />

26


FEATURE<br />

Islington Inn<br />

Islington, Greater London N1 3PD<br />

From<br />

£75<br />

01775 843413<br />

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday<br />

Providing an ideal base for both business and<br />

leisure stays with the Emirates Stadium only ten<br />

minutes away and many of London’s attractions<br />

easily reached via either Highbury or Victoria<br />

Tube Stations, which are a 15 minute walk.<br />

The Islington Inn has 41 en-suite rooms, all with<br />

Freeview flat screen TVs, tea and coffee making<br />

facilities and free Wifi. Single, double and family<br />

rooms are available, recently refurbished and<br />

reasonably priced.<br />

The restaurant serves continental or a cooked<br />

breakfast and the popular and vibrant Upper<br />

Street in Islington has a large choice of<br />

restaurants, bars and shopping.<br />

100 Offsite<br />

NCP<br />

“Low budget, friendly<br />

and a good location”<br />

Trip Advisor Reviewer<br />

Free WiFi Restaurant Bar 24hr CCTV/ Check In Check Out<br />

Reception 2.00pm 11.00am<br />

27


GROUP<br />

The history of the Milsom Hotels & Restaurants group<br />

can be traced back to the early 1950s and the purchase<br />

of a tea room which would go on to become an iconic<br />

property within the group. Le Talbooth Restaurant,<br />

discovered by the late Gerald Milsom in 1952, was just a<br />

simple tearoom with a superb location by the River Stour.<br />

Several years later, Gerald bought Maison Talbooth and<br />

established it as a luxury hotel.<br />

In 1978, The Pier in Harwich has bought and in 2001,<br />

Paul and Geraldine Milsom opened Milsoms in Dedham.<br />

Maison Talbooth<br />

Colchester, Essex CO7 6HN<br />

A luxury boutique hotel and restaurant<br />

in Essex, overlooking the famous<br />

Constable Dedham Vale. A total of 12<br />

superb suites with super king sized<br />

beds and complimentary mini-bars<br />

offer complete relaxation and escape.<br />

From<br />

£215<br />

From<br />

£135<br />

Milsoms<br />

Colchester, Essex CO7 6HW<br />

A stylish boutique hotel with a<br />

vibrant bar and brasserie restaurant<br />

in Dedham. A benchmark for<br />

accommodation and informal dining<br />

with inventive food and an excellent<br />

children’s menu.<br />

28 View the collection here >>


GROUP<br />

From<br />

£130<br />

Milsoms<br />

Kesgrave Hall<br />

Ipswich, Suffolk IP5 2PU<br />

With 23 en-suite bedrooms ranging from<br />

standard through to top rate with plenty<br />

of wow factor, this hotel offers great<br />

value for an informal and relaxed stay.<br />

Pier at Harwich<br />

Harwich, Essex CO12 3HH<br />

Following on from a £1.5 million reinvestment<br />

over the last five months, The Pier at Harwich<br />

is once again open and on course to become<br />

one of East Anglia’s number one coastal<br />

destinations for food and drink.<br />

The completely modernised 1860 listed building<br />

has 14 bedrooms, individually styled to match the<br />

seascape and take full advantage of the brilliant<br />

light that you only ever get when staying on<br />

the coast. Enjoy glorious sunsets with molten<br />

coloured horizons, especially the setting sun on<br />

the Stour estuary, a special feature of staying<br />

at The Pier.<br />

The stripped back and raw textured interior,<br />

designed by Geraldine Milsom, makes reference<br />

to the industrious and hardworking Harwich port,<br />

and achieves a balance between function, luxury<br />

and glamour. The harbour wall is only 20 metres<br />

from the door and The Pier’s newly extended first<br />

floor balcony, perfect for drinks and outdoor<br />

dining, overlooks the water, ships and working<br />

docks. With estuary views from every table, it’s<br />

a very special destination for lovers of great food<br />

and drink.<br />

Experience all-day dining (all-year-round) and outdoor dining -<br />

whenever the sun shines - with a menu celebrating modern<br />

classics, an exciting grill menu and wonderful fresh fish and<br />

shellfish, landed daily on The Pier’s doorstep. Guests can select<br />

from a predominantly European wine list or enjoy Prosecco-based<br />

cocktails, craft beers and cask ales.<br />

From<br />

£125<br />

29


CHEF’S CORNER<br />

POACHED LOBSTER<br />

& SCALLOPS, SMOKED<br />

PAPRIKA & CELERIAC,<br />

HONEY & CHILLI<br />

COURGETTES, SEA<br />

HERBS & SAMPHIRE<br />

by Alan Ford<br />

(SERVES SIX)<br />

30


To Serve<br />

Method<br />

1. Cook the lobsters in salted boiling water<br />

for approximately 11 minutes. Remove<br />

from the water and allow to cool naturally.<br />

Remove from the shell, cut the tail into<br />

even sized nuggets and the claws in half.<br />

2. Peel and roughly chop the celeriac,<br />

boil in salted water until very well cooked,<br />

drain and place back in the saucepan with<br />

smoked paprika. I use a stick liquidiser for<br />

this stage (or use a blender) to puree until<br />

it’s very smooth. You may need to add a<br />

little of the cooking water to loosen.<br />

Add the mayonnaise, season and blend.<br />

3. Using a potato peeler, peel through the<br />

courgettes to give fine ribbons, plunge into<br />

salted boiling water, literally for 5 seconds<br />

to soften, then straight away run under<br />

cold water to refresh. Using the same<br />

water, plunge the samphire in, again,<br />

just for a few seconds, then refresh<br />

under cold water.<br />

4. Cut the chilli in half, remove the<br />

seeds, cut into fine dice.<br />

EVERYTHING UP TO THIS<br />

STAGE CAN BE PREPARED<br />

EARLIER IN THE DAY<br />

It is nice to serve the lobster at<br />

room temperature, so if it has been<br />

refrigerated, allow to sit at room<br />

temperature for at least 30 minutes.<br />

1. Place 1 tablespoon of celeriac puree to<br />

one side of the plate, pull spoon across<br />

the plate to form an oval of puree.<br />

2. Warm the honey, add the chopped<br />

chilli and tarragon leaves, then toss<br />

the courgette ribbons in it and season.<br />

Place across the middle of the plate<br />

going diagonal to the puree.<br />

3. Place a 6th of the lobster on<br />

the courgettes.<br />

4. Heat a non stick frying pan to a high<br />

heat, very lightly brush the scallops with<br />

olive oil, season and cook for approximately<br />

45 seconds each side, the hotter the pan<br />

the better as this will allow the scallops<br />

to caramelise.<br />

5. Place three pieces of scallop on each<br />

plate, intermingled with the lobster.<br />

6. Scatter samphire and sea herbs over<br />

the scallops and lobster.<br />

7. Mix the rapeseed oil, juice of two limes<br />

and chopped tarragon together and pour<br />

over and around the dish. Serve with some<br />

nice buttered new potatoes and a crisp<br />

green salad.<br />

• 2 x 1 ¼ lb lobster<br />

• 9 x scallops cleaned, cut in ½<br />

• 2 x courgettes<br />

• 1 x small celeriac<br />

• 1 tbsp Mayonnaise<br />

• ½ tsp smoked paprika<br />

• ½ red chilli (medium heat)<br />

Ingredients<br />

• Picked tarragon leaves to taste<br />

• 1 tbsp clear honey<br />

• Juice of 2 limes<br />

• 6 tbsp Rapeseed oil<br />

• 1 tub sea herbs<br />

(I used sea purslane which can<br />

be bought in specialist food shops<br />

or online)<br />

• ½ tbsp chopped tarragon<br />

• 4 oz Samphire<br />

• Olive oil<br />

• Seasoning<br />

31


FOR YOUR NEXT WORK OR LEISURE NIGHT AWAY<br />

DISCOUNTED RATES & AMAZING<br />

OFFERS ON BUDGET TO LUXURIOUS<br />

HOTELS, SERVICED APARTMENTS & OVER<br />

855,000<br />

PROPERTIES WORLDWIDE<br />

01775 843413<br />

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm,<br />

Monday to Friday<br />

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National Read a Book Day, A Postcard from Blackpool & more...

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