Travels for Taste

Tales of travel and food with a touch of spice

Steigenberger Airport Hotel, Schipol, Amsterdam – a reviw

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Choosing which area to book a Hotel Room in

Amsterdam, a destination that features in almost everyone’s bucket list. So when we finally made our way to the Netherlands, it was over the Easter holidays.

Our booking was done not completely last minute but enough to make me panic (!!!) I did want to book around Schipol though simply because the connectivity to the city centre is brilliant and most airport hotels provide complimentary hotel transportation to Schipol Airport (also the rail station) and back.

If visiting the beautiful Tulips Gardens at Keukenhof is what you have in mind then you might want to consider booking in Haarlem. Advantage of booking here would be cheaper hotel rooms with proximity to Keukenhof but with good connectivity to the city centre via trains.

Steigenberger Hotel

This massive hotel has 440 rooms and suites. Our twin room was spacious and had a beautiful desk and came equipped with all the creature comforts that one would normally expect from a good business hotel.

Each room comes equipped with:

  • Free wifi
  • A/c
  • Safe to store your passport and any valueables
  • work-desk
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Minibar

A slim- concealed wall cupboard to store essentials like the kettle, mugs and trays

Plenty of space to stow away luggage, coats and shoes

Spacious interiors and space to stow away things

I loved the two huge chairs in the room, a massive mirror by the desk and a lovely desk and T.V

The bathroom came equipped with all the basic toiletries and was very clean.

Amenities at Steigenberger

  • Shuttle service
  • Free wifi
  • Fitness area
  • Spa
  • Swimming pool
  • 24-hour room service
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Meeting Rooms

Just some basic pointers here, especially if you are planning to visit Amsterdam over Easter, half-term or any other holiday period:

  • Book well in advance
  • Always check rates on the hotel website and other booking sites
  • Many times airlines offer great deals on hotel and flight bookings done together, always worth checking
  • If you are traveling as a group, it is worth emailing the hotel directly to check out any special offers on bulk bookings
Windmills at Zaanse Schans

Top Tips to make the most of your time while in Amsterdam

Here are some recommendations to plan well and make the most of your visit to this beautiful and vibrant city:

Tulips

* I planned this entire trip on my own and have paid in full everywhere I have stayed at and eaten at, also for all activities. As always all opinions expressed are as always my own. 

Steigenberger Hotel Room, Schipol

Chocolate Afternoon Tea at The Landmark Hotel

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Afternoon Tea – it is all about the experience and not just about perfectly made sandwiches or warm scones. It is all about the setting, the atmosphere – don’t you think?

I love sampling the afternoon tea at various places around London and I couldn’t turn down an invite from Fiona to accompany her to The Landmark.

Winter Garden at The Landmark, Marylebone

Through a grand stone arch up a flight of stairs, when one enters into the soaring Winter Garden, it is quite a breathtaking experience.

The massive central courtyard is a beautiful space flooded with natural light. The glass roof that covers the atrium sits at a massive height, creating a huge dome surrounded by the rooms on all sides. Tall palm trees add to the grandeur of the Winter Garden.

Rich Victorian Heritage of The Landmark Hotel, London

The Landmark Hotel at Marylebone is built around a huge central courtyard. When it was first opened in 1899 it was called the Great Central Hotel. Sir Edward Watkin has envisioned the creation of the Great Central Railway, Marylebone Station and a Grand Hotel for its elite passengers.

When his health failed him, the project was taken over by Edward Montagu, the Earl of Wharncliffe. At this time the site was bought by the famous furniture store chain of the times Maples. To match the grandeur of luxury hotels of the time, the hotel was designed around a vast courtyard that delivered guests directly into the courtyard by horse and carriage offering them privacy. The glass roof and airy interior made for a very dramatic entrance and ensured all rooms got adequate light and air.

The hotel changed hands once again in 1988 when the new roof to the atrium was raised and the winter garden was designed. Windsor Hotel was the name proposed at this time, but it reopened as the Regent in 1993 under new management. Two years later it was renamed The Landmark Hotel.

Award-winning Afternoon Tea

Our welcome glass of bubbly was the Champagne de Castelnau Brut Reserve. Then we picked our teas and picked a theme for our pastries. I choose to have the chocolate afternoon tea while my companion picked the classic afternoon tea.

Picking a tea to pair with my chocolate tea was quite easy as the Smooth Caramel sounded like it was made to pair with the chocolatey delights on my afternoon tea menu.

Our afternoon tea came laid out on elegant trays on shiny silver trays. The steaming hot teas came in beautiful silver teapots.

We thoroughly enjoyed our sandwich selection which consisted of deliciously fresh cucumber sandwiches (which I loved and couldn’t get enough of), coronation chicken on walnut bread, Lapsang Souchong tea-smoked Scottish salmon sandwiches which were a hit with my companion, and organic egg mayonnaise with mustard and cress. The sandwiches were so fresh and delicious that we asked for more.

My chocolate-themed pastries included a decadent blood orange and white chocolate mousse which was also my absolute favourite. The other chocolatey delights were a milk chocolate dacquoise sponge with hazelnut Chantilly cream, a beautiful banana, pecan nut, and milk chocolate cake and a perfectly formed large coconut and chocolate macaroon topped with a tiny dollop of delicate edible gold foil.

My companion picked the Earl Grey tea which was a bit too strong for her liking. She loved her pastry selection from the classic afternoon tea though. It included a rhubarb and lemon meringue tartlet which looked very tempting, a pretty looking simnel cake with dried fruits spices and marzipan, a delicious dark and white chocolate sphere which was my companion’s favourite pick from the lot and last but not the least a salted caramel macaroon. 

The scones we were served also offered a selection depending on our choice of afternoon tea. So while I enjoyed a selection of plain and chocolate scones, Fiona was served plain and fruit scones. I loved that we could pick two jams from a really good selection of jams. This was for me was a big plus point in favour of this whole afternoon tea experience. The other positives, of course, include the fabulously fresh sandwiches, the lovely selection of premium teas and the exquisite selection of chocolate pastries.

I picked a gooseberry and elderflower jam to go with my scones and clotted cream which I thought went really well with the warm scones, especially the chocolate scones. An unexpected but very pleasant combination of flavours. My companion picked apricot jam which she thought paired really well with the fruity scones, as expected. We had plenty of clotted cream to smother our scones with and am sure we would have managed to eat a few more scones if we hadn’t done round two of the sandwiches.

I would rate this experience amongst my Top 5 afternoon teas in London and I have tried quite a few. I love the location for this hotel too and that definitely adds to the score. With Marylebone station right around the corner, this grand venue has loads of offer. So you not only enjoy a delicious afternoon tea served in pretty silver wear by very attentive and polite staff but you always experience being inside a larger than life Winter Garden, sitting in a quiet seating area surrounded by tall Palm trees looking up at glass roof atrium and enjoy the soft music thanks to a harpist playing in the background.

To book this luxurious afternoon tea experience at The Landmark Hotel check out their menu and other details on their website here: The Landmark Hotel, Marylebone, London.

Curious to explore more options for Afternoon Tea in London? Why not browse through my blog and read about my experiences in various places:

Looking for more options for places to eat at while in Marylebone, why not read Fiona’s review about Twist Kitchen, an independent local restaurant in the area.

* With thanks to Fiona who blogs at London Unattached and The Landmark Hotel for the invite. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No monetary compensation was offered.

Best local wine bar in Venice

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A love affair with Venice

Rialto Bridge by night

Venice, one of those places I’ve been to, that I dream of going back to, over and over again. If dreams came true then, I would probably rent a nice airy flat by the canal for a few months and spend my days walking along the canals, buy fresh seafood from the fabulous bustling Rialto market and enjoy cooking in a tiny Venetian kitchen, weekend evenings would be spent bar crawling or as they are referred to in Venice – Bacaros. And of course, I would savour authentic Italian coffee every single day, freshly brewed, maybe sit by the canal, read a book while sipping on some fruity red wine… ah – the perfect life…

Bridge of Sighs
Exquisite handmade Venetian masks for sale in a shop window
Street performers serenading tourists who walk past a busy street to make a few euros

Experience Venice like a local

Though I haven’t yet managed to fulfill this dream, I did manage to spend a few magical days in Venice exploring the food, wine and culture.

A quaint Venetian Bacaro

Bacacros or traditional Venetian wine bars are a must-visit when in Venice. This is where the locals go to drink wine, enjoy the atmosphere and savour some delicious snacks. Rather than spending too much money at the many tourist traps its best to do your research first and plan your visit to at least one these quaint old bars.

Cantine del Vino già Schiavi

Located in the Dorsoduro district, this atmospheric bacaro is bursting with character. The crumbling structure adds to the rustic appeal and its proximity to one of the city’s last surviving gondola workshops is a bonus. Situated right in front of a canal, this bacaro is a firm favourite with the locals. It is also a wine shop and is always buzzing with activity. Seating is not availale as is the tradition in most of the traditional bacaro’s.

Cicchetti

Cicchetti in Venice what Tapas is to Spain. These delectable small plates of Venetian finger food are a perfect accompaniment to a glass of Vino. Cantine del Vino già Schiavi serves a great selection, prepared fresh every day at the venue.

The glass counter at the front of Cantine del Vino già Schiavi has shelves heaving with plate after plate full of different cicchetti. The most popular ones seemed to be the ones topped with cheese – ofcourse! Like the pumpkin puree, ricotta and parmesan, the gorgonzola cheese topped with pear and balsamic vinegar, also the gorgonzola cheese and walnut cicchetti was quite delicious.

There were several combinations of cod, tuna and anchovies with olives and cheese and other mouth-watering combinations too.

While it is customary to sample a few wines while enjoying a plate of cichetti, it is also highly recommended to round off the session with a taste of Grappa. This potent local alcoholic beverage is quite a heady drink and for those not used to it can end up experiencing quite a system shock – like I did 😉 Thankfully, I shared my grappa with DH who absolutely loved it.

Eat and Drink like a local

There is no better way to truly immerse oneself in the local culture than to experience a new city as a local would. Sampling the local food and wine is just one of the ways to get a real taste of the authentic vibe of the place.

Planning a trip to Venice? Why not browse through my review of Hotel Al Ponte Moncenigo here?

I simply can’t seem to get enough of Venice! So if you are planning a trip to Venice then stay tuned for more posts – about Cafe Florian, a day trip to Murano and Burano and loads more inspiration!

* I planned this entire trip on my own and have paid in full everywhere I have stayed at and eaten at. As always all opinions expressed are as always my own.

Fantastic Finland – Top 10 to-do list in Akaslompolo, Lapland

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Breathtaking Natural beauty

Finnish Lapland is truly a natural winter wonderland. We stayed in the small village of Akaslompolo in Lapland and managed to do many adventurous things – most for the first time ever in our lives – which was thrilling and beyond magical. There is something for every type of traveller from the straight-up thrill-seekers to the quite book worms. There is so much to see and do that picking a list of Top 10 is quite tough. But here are my top recommendations.

Experience Magic – see the Aurora Borealis

To be perfectly honest I planned this entire trip for two solid reasons, I wanted to chase the Northern Lights and second – I wanted to escape to a place which was remote, beautiful and experience thick snow and winter in Lapland. Though unfortunately, we didn’t catch the elusive Aurora Borealis we managed to have many wonderful experiences which really fuelled our sense of adventure.

Go Snowshoeing through Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park

Even if you are not the adventurous sort, snowshoeing through the national park is not to be missed. We had the most sublime experience as we walked in pitch darkness in a small group, two local Finnish guides and just the light from their headlamps through the pristine white snow. Highlights of this trek being an introduction to Sami culture, an unforgettable meal of reindeer meat cooked on-site in a wilderness hut and our first ever snowshoeing trek.

Relax in a Hot Sauna

Finland is famous for its hot saunas and no trip to Finland is complete with a trip to one. Our eco-friendly hostel has a beautiful sauna which we were lucky enough to have all to ourselves. We literally were the only people in the sauna at the time and it was the most relaxing evening ever. After our snowshoeing adventure through the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park it was a well-earned treat

Stay in Log Cabin

The charm of waking up to see snow all-around your log cabin is something that needs to be experienced. We stayed in a beautiful private log cabin fully equipped with its own kitchenette and en-suite. I can never forget how amazing it was to sit by the window and sip a hot cup of tea while watching the snowfall softly outside – like being inside a snow globe – pure bliss! Curling by a roaring fireplace after sunset and sipping on hot chocolate with a good book for company, soft music playing in the background, its what the holidays are for 🙂

Read my detailed review post about my stay at 7 fells hostel by clicking here

Hop onto a Husky Safari

This is one thing I really wish we had done. But with so many options available this will probably have to wait for our next trip to Lapland. Imagine admiring the breathtaking beauty of Finnish Lapland as you ride a sledge through snow pulled by huskies. You can pick and choose from the many tour companies in Ylläs who offer husky safaris and even combine it with a snowmobile adventure ride.

Hop onto a Reindeer sleigh

Love Christmas? Then the Reindeer Safari is for you! Pretend you riding with Santa while Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer takes you through a magical winter wonderland on a sleigh

Dare to book a ride on a Snowmobile

We saw several groups of tourists who signed up for this activity and watched with envy as they practiced right outside the 7 fells Eco-friendly backpackers hostel. We stayed in a private log cabin at the hostel and spent some time in the lounge chatting with many of the enthusiastic folks who loved their adventure.

Get Adventurous with Winter Biking

Imagine biking through Finnish wilderness under the night sky and stopping to gaze at the Northern Lights if you are lucky. Feel at one with the universe as you listen to the Arctic silence – a very humbling experience. You can book a tour with a local guide who will take you into the winter forest or have the most unforgettable bike ride through the magical Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.

Hit the slopes at Ylläs, or Yllästunturi 

Ylläs, or Yllästunturi  is the highest fell in Lapland with skiing lifts. They have stunning slopes and are extremely popular with tourists. Cross-country skiing is also a very popular option. There are many ski resorts located in close proximity and the local bus from the closest airport at Kitila airport has a regular route passing by within walking distance from the resorts. Closest rail station is at Kolari.

Experience Sami culture

During our snowshoeing hike through Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, our local Finnish guide gave us an introduction to Sami culture. Though it was a very basic peek into this beautiful culture, we really hope someday to meet the Sami and explore their traditions. Maybe visit a reindeer farm, pick berries and enjoy a Sami dinner. Fingers crossed to a visit to Inari village.

* I planned my Finnish Lapland adventure entirely on my own and have paid in full everywhere I have stayed at and eaten at, also for all activities. As always all opinions expressed are as always my own.

Helsinki Plus Apartment Kallio in Finland – overnight stay review

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A winter escape to Finland

I have always wanted to experience heavy snow and live in a cabin in the woods. Last Year for our annual escape during February I picked Lapland for our adventurous escape. I dreamt that we would see the Northen lights and walk on frozen lakes, breathe in the cold mountain air atop a ski slope, chill out in one of the famous Finnish hot saunas and snuggle up inside a wood cabin while watching the snowfall thick and fast outside…

How many of these things did we manage to tick off our wish list? Read on, for my series of blog posts about our magical escape to Finnish Lapland!

But before we could embark on our little adventure, we decided to stay a night in the capital city Helsinki to help acclimatize. It turned out to be a really wise call as the night before we landed in Kitilla the mercury had dipped to -34 deg Celcius brrrrr

By the time the cab from the airport dropped us off near our apartment in Helsinki it was really dark and it was snowing heavily. Finding our way around using google maps while lugging our bags through snow and barely anyone around to ask for directions, was not fun. Finally, I caved in and called our host, he very kindly agreed to come to the apartment and helped us find our way.

After a very warm welcome and showing us around his stunning flat he bid us goodbye.

There is a secure entry system and thankfully also an elevator. The apartment itself has two very secure double doors and at the entrance ample storage for luggage, heavy winter boots, and wet jackets and coats.

The apartment was exactly as described in the listing and the photos were perfect too. It was like walking into a photograph, every single thing in exactly the same place as it was.

The living room is very pleasant, well-lit and had lots of books and records, T.V and a music system, radio and even a guitar. A cosy sofa with soft pillows and warm throws added to the homely touch.

The kitchen was well equipped and spotlessly clean. After settling in we walked down around the corner to a mini-mart and picked up some fruit, packet soup and sandwiches for a quick dinner.

The dining table is perfect for a group. The kitchen counter had a basket with local maps, flyers for local attractions and contact details for booking cabs and tours. Apart from the usual toaster, kettle and coffee machine, there was everything one would need to prepare a meal and serve a meal.

The flat is perfect for a large group and can easily sleep up to 6 -8 people. There is a huge bed in the bedroom in the master bedroom and a pull out sofa bed in the second bedroom and the spacious living room. Plenty of extra pillows, duvets, and bedding are also stashed away inside the cupboards.

The bathroom is tiny but again was very clean and just sufficient for a short stay. Clean towels, basic toiletries and access to a washing machine are available.

We had booked an early morning shared cab to the airport for our flight to Lapland the next day. We slept so well in the huge and comfortable that it was tough getting out and rushing to get ready in time! A quick breakfast later we rushed down and just managed to hop into the cab. An otherwise sleepy and long ride to the airport went by quite quickly as we chatted with a young scientist who was sharing the cab with us. A local student he was doing some amazing research and was off to the U.K to collaborate with some university students for his research. Reminded me of my days as a young Biochemistry research fellow at Mumbai University – it seems like a lifetime away!

My husband and I would both highly recommend booking this apartment to anyone looking for a comfortable stay, close to amenities and transport links and easy access to the airport.

Tempted to fly to Helsinki? Dreaming of an escape from your routine to exciting Finnish Lapland? Check out my review post about our amazing stay at the Eco-friendly backpacker’s hostel in Lapland called 7 Fells. We stayed in an individual log cabin which was like a huge private studio apartment:

Stay in a private log cabin in Finnish Lapland at an Eco-friendly backpacker’s hostel called the 7 Fells

* I planned this entire trip on my own and have paid in full everywhere I have stayed at and eaten at, also for all activities. As always all opinions expressed are as always my own. 

Greek Cookery Class with Jet2

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Celebrating Greek cuisine

Greek cuisine has always fascinated me and though I haven’t yet been to Greece (I know!) I do, very often dream of visiting this stunningly beautiful destination. The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Greek cuisine is moussaka and tzatziki. This popular cuisine has some much to offer with dishes made using fresh fish, delicious meat, cheese and of course plenty of vegetables.

Jet2.com invited me to a Greek cookery class a few weeks ago to celebrate the launch of two new destinations in Greece for 2020. The azure waters of the coast at Lefkas and the quieter beach town of Parga can go onto your travel itinerary for 2020 with Jet2

#JetMe2theGreek event with Jet2

To celebrate the two new destinations for 2020, Jet2 came up with the wonderful idea of celebrating Greek cuisine with a cookery class.

Jenius social kitchen organised a very enjoyable group cooking class for us. A very talented chef and her team patiently taught a large group of us how to quickly rustle up a five-course Greek feast.

We cooked a very simple but beautiful summery greek salad, stuffed peppers and stuffed juicy tomatoes, delicate filo pastry parcels stuffed with two different fillings, skewers, and my absolute favourite tzatziki.

All of us were divided into groups and each group made generous portions of each dish. There was great attention given to all guests, ensuring that everyone’s dietary requirements were met.

I personally loved making the filo pastry parcels because they were so delicate to handle and it was great to pick up some pro tips on how to create the perfect triangular shape and not overdo the stuffing.

It was an incredibly warm and humid summer evening and the salad proved to be a crowd favourite. The recipe created by the chef at Jenius social Kitchen, we followed is very easy to re-create at home and can complement any main dish very nicely. Why not create this dish at home and enjoy it while you plan your Greek adventure for 2020?

Greek Salad
Ingredients:
• 3 large tomatoes
• 1 cucumber
• 1 red onion
• Handful of Kalamata olives
• 80g feta cheese
• Glug of Greek extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 8 fresh mint leaves
• Salt
• Pepper

Method:

  1. Cut the tomatoes into 2cm wedges.
  2. Quarter the cucumber and cut into chunks.
  3. Peel and thinly slice the red onion.
  4. Halve the Kalamata olives.
  5. Roll the mint leaves up and thinly slice into ribbons, place these into a small bowl with the
    oregano, salt and pepper, and mix.
  6. Place all of the ingredients into a large bowl, along with the seasoning and some extra virgin olive
    oil and mix.
  7. Chop or crumble the feta on top of the salad to serve.

After all that hard work, we enjoyed a proper Greek feast at the huge and neatly set table. The menu was perfect for a summer evening and the stuffed filo parcels and skewers dipped into the cooling dip went down a treat. The wine kept flowing thanks to the fab team at Jenius social kitchen.

Ready to fly to Greece for a relaxing holiday soon? Well why not consider Lefkas and Parga where you can fly straight into with Jet2.com.

Lefkas and Parga

Lefkas – home to spectacular scenery and stunning sandy beaches. The turquoise waters, wild olive groves, and breathtaking hills are the stuff dream holidays are made of.

Lefkas, Greece

Parga – Sitting on the slope, this picture-postcard perfect town has the best of both worlds. Cobalt sea and rugged hillside dotted with traditional terracotta-topped houses. This beach town is home to unspoilt white sand beaches and a promenade that will coax even the most camera-shy out of their shell to proudly pose for pictures.

Parga,Greece

*With thanks to Jet2 Holidays for an invite.

Blackhorse, Kingston upon Thames, London – Review

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Blackhorse – Cosy pub with a garden in Kingston Upon Thames

Newly refurbished Blackhorse Pub is the new contemporary hub for locals in the Norbiton and Kingston area. Conveniently located only minutes from Norbiton station and a very short walk from major bus routes from Kingston Station going via the hub towards Wimbledon, Raynes Park, Richmond, etc, not to mention its proximity to Richmond Park.

Stunning new interiors

The very attentive Pub manager suggested some we try some of the crowd favourites and even shared his most loved dishes from the menu. We tried some amazing crispy squid and the very knowledgeable bartender helped me pair it with some really good wine.

For mains, I picked the cod fillet served with crushed new potatoes, artichokes. Sitting on a bed of buttery goodness, garnished with capers and topped with delicate micro-herbs, the cod was cooked to perfection – succulent flaky white flesh and deliciously crispy skin – it would have been an absolute crime to not eat the crispy skin, best enjoyed with a scoop of buttery carby crushed new potatoes.

The mister chose a man-sized main ( of course! ) – a hearty cheeseburger with the most gorgeous pickles, juicy meat middle sandwiched between soft buns. Every bite oozing with melted cheese and bursting with flavour. The side of chips was very moreish too.

The new Chef Giovanni Lezzi has done wonders for the menu by including some fabulous new dishes. The focus is on sustainability and the use of locally sourced ingredients. The menu also evolves with the seasons, ensuring there is always something new to sample, while also serving the good old pub classics.

We were so stuffed with our generous starters and mains that we decided to share one dish for dessert – a very indulgent chocolate cheese with perfectly poached pears and vanilla ice cream.

The interiors are very warm and welcoming. I would have loved to lounge by the fireplace but it is very popular especially with the regulars – Can’t blame them really! The Blackhorse is also incredibly dog-friendly, they have the cutest mini barrel which stores water and there are plenty of doggie bowls to ensure your four-legged friend doesn’t go thirsty while you enjoy a chilled beer. There is also a big jar of tasty treats for your furry friend – Paw-tastic I say!

The Blackhorse Inn has ample outdoor seating and is perfect for lounging around in the summer while enjoying their BBQ menu. Also, perfect for hosting functions.

This erstwhile country pub has been updated and is now a very stylish pub with a well thought of menu. Spacious and cosy with plenty of comfortable seating, it is frequented by many locals who are regulars. A well-stocked bar with an extensive wine list, menus to cater to brunch, Sunday roast and even a special BBQ, they also host wine tastings.

*With thanks to Blackhorse, Kingston upon Thames for an invite. All opinions expressed and photographs used are, as always, my own. No monetary compensation was provided for a positive review.

Restaurant Review: Copper Leaf, Hampton Wick, London

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An exciting new restaurant and gin bar has opened shop at Hampton Wick. The location is brilliant, it is nestled next to a local pub, just off the circle going towards Kingston Bridge. Boasting a 60 gin strong menu sourced from around the world, there is probably a gin cocktail to suit every mood.

I was invited to review Copper Leaf along with Nayna and Heidi. It was a bright summer evening and a gin and tonic seemed like a great idea. I decided to go with the Gin of the week called Gabriel Boudier Saffron. The cocktail was mixed with Fever tree tonic, refreshing orange zest and chocolate bitters, was garnished with a generous pinch of delicate strands of saffron and a block of massive hand-carved ice.

The bartender and expert mixologist Hannah showed us her impressive collection of botanicals many of which she forages herself and a lovely collection of dark and mysterious potions – bitters which she concocts herself. This creative mixologist even uses ice cubes that she hand carves, they are massive and help you enjoy your drink longer without diluting it quickly. The second I saw the giant ice-cube, I exclaimed saying that it was the Rock of Gibraltar which then Heidi christened as the Ice cube of Gibraltar.

Heidi too chose the Saffron gin cocktail while Nayna enjoyed a blush pink Lychee rose cocktail infused with rose water, lychee and rose syrups and gulkand.

We opted for the Tapas menu and the chef sent us over a mixed selection of some amazing small plates.

My favourite tapas were from the seafood collection. Juicy Atlantic prawns floating in garlic and chilli oil were perfectly done. Lyme bay salted cod fritters which sat on a bed of saffron aioli were so good they reminded me of my trip to Lisbon where I enjoyed more cod fritters than I can possibly remember.

And the cured salmon served with tiny bite sizes cubes of beetroot and cucumber and transparent salt and vinegar gel tasted better than it looked.

From the meat collection, we tried the sauteed Spanish chorizo in red wine jus, spiced Hampshire lamb served with a curry emulsion and mint yoghurt, Albondigas – juicy beef meatballs smothered in a delicious tomato and basil sauce. I loved the Serrano ham croquettes the most, they are served with moreish smoked paprika aioli.

I also really liked all the tapas which we sampled from the vegetarian and vegan selection. We had patas bravas in a spicy tomato sauce, Tempura asparagus with lime aioli, pan-fried green beans sprinkled with crunchy pinenuts, garlic and sundried tomatoes, fabulous manchego cheese croquettes with pickled walnuts and caramelised onions. The chana masala was okay, the basmati rice it was paired with was perfect for scooping the juicy tomato sauce from the other tapas. It was hard to pick a favourite but the manchego cheese croquettes and tempura asparagus were our top two.

Nayna washed down the veg tapas with this summery mocktail called the Tropical Crush. A fruity explosion with a mix of passion fruit, mango,pineapple and coconut syrup.

I decided to explore the Negroni gin menu and chose the Teagroni. It is infused with Chinese blue flower tea and is really a taste sensation. Presented beautifully cocktail was a great accompaniment to my tapas.

Luckily, it is possible to try all the versions of negroni by opting for the Negroni collection from the Gin tasting menu. Apart from the Negroni collection, they have the two World Gin collections, Dry, exotic floral and even herb and spice gin collections. Each is served with matching garnishes and is perfect for sharing with friends.

For dessert, we sampled the Peanut Butter Cheese Cake garnished with candied peanuts and served with Miso Caramel Ice Cream, Grilled pineapple with rum-infused cherries served with a side of coconut sorbet, also the lavender and white chocolate Panacotta, which had the perfect wobble and was topped with macerated Strawberries and ginger crumble.

With its delicious modern European cuisine and beautifully presented Tapas made by their talented chef, excellent service, fabulous gin cocktails made by their very talented mixologist – Copper Leaf ticks all the boxes. Importantly, the experience they provide and the high quality of the food and drinks, excellent presentation – put them on par with some of the leading restaurants in the city – all this without burning a massive hole in the pocket. Definitely, a place to consider when looking for a restaurant in Kingston, Hampton Wick, Teddington and surrounding areas.

Heidi enjoyed a masterclass at Busaba Eathai, which is just across the Kingston bridge, along the riverside.

*With thanks to Copper Leaf for an invite. All opinions expressed and photographs used are, as always, my own. No monetary compensation was provided for a positive review.

The Five Bells Hotel, Aylesbury – Review

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Sometimes the best remedy to break the monotony of a hectic work schedule is a quick, short but relaxing break.

When I was invited by the folks up at the Happy Eggs Farm in Tring, it gave me an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of London if only for a short while.

For my overnight stay, I was put up in a classic B&B style hotel called The Five Bells in Weston Turville, Aylesbury.

Travel from London was supposed to be simple a journey on the Thameslink train via Blackfriars but of course, on that particular day the train was delayed and I had to make my way to St.Pancras and board the train to Luton from there. From Luton station, a cab journey and finally I made it to the hotel.

Nestled in picturesque surroundings the rustic Five Bells oozes rustic charm. The check-in area is at the bar which has a very warm and welcoming vibe. The pub boasts of a well-stocked bar, lots of seating and a huge beautiful fireplace too. They also have loads of beautiful outdoor seating and plenty of parking is available.

My room for the night was cosy and clean, the bathroom though small was spotlessly clean and the room came equipped with a T.V, writing desk, wi-fi and tea /coffee making facilities. For a one night stay, this was just apt.

Later that evening, I settled into a comfy chair by the fireplace and enjoyed a relaxed drink and a chat with the lovely Jane, friend and fellow food blogger. The staff was really friendly and the pub was full,  with a good mix of locals and visitors. Dinner was really delicious and I enjoyed a really comforting and homely meal. The fresh seabass was served on a bed of buttery mash. And I certainly don’t regret having a very generous portion of the warm apple pie with custard!

After that hearty meal, I am glad I turned in early as I had an early start the next day to get to the Happy Eggs farm on time.

I had a brilliant day at the farm, you can read all about my adventure here

Travelling to Aylesbury? The Five Bells has now undergone what looks like a fab refurbishment. I wouldn’t mind going back to see it in person.

Disclaimer:  With thanks to the Five Bells Inn, Weston Turville,  Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire for having me as a guest. As always, all opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review and was not compensated monetarily for this post. 

Cheese and Wine Tasting in Amsterdam with Reypenaer

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Planning a last minute escape to Amsterdam or a leisurely vacation? I have just the thing that would make your holiday even more special – an afternoon exploring brilliant local cheese and understanding wine pairings at the popular Reypenaer Cheese Tasting room.

There are so many things to do and lots to see while exploring Amsterdam. From the famous tulip garden at Keukenhof to many wonderful museums, the Anne Frank house and not to mention the brilliant food scene this capital city has to offer.

Hollands cheesemaking industry is said to date as far back as the 800 B.C. The most widely produced cheese in the Netherlands is Gouda, famous for its distinctive flavour. No surprise then that Gouda cheese is one of Holland’s biggest exports.

The Reypenaer Cheese Tasting room is conveniently located very close to Dam square in the heart of the city centre. It is minutes away from the Anne Frank House and very close to the famous Rijksmuseum.

Reypenaer Cheese is ripened used age-old traditions and benefits from decades of experience and excellent craftsmanship of the master cheese-makers and the unique ripening conditions. Their famous Dutch cheese is matured on planks inside a 100-year old warehouse on the Oude Rijn river in Woerden.

The Reypenaer cheeses are matured in an entirely natural way meaning allowing the natural humidity and fluctuations in ambient temperature to do their magic as compared to factory produced bulk cheese.

Naturally, the resulting rich and complex taste of the Reypenaer cheese is also attributed to non-tangible factors such as the micro-flora of bacteria and mould that thrive in the rich environment of the wood on which the cheese rests.

Over the period of one hour, a Reypenaer cheese expert took us on a journey exploring the history of artisan cheese making. Understanding the aging process and the difference in the taste of young Gouda and aged gouda by tasting six of their finest cheeses.

Wine pairings – red, white and port – teased our tastebuds and gave us an insight into appreciating the different textures of the fine Reypenaer cheeses.

By the time we were done with the tasting, slightly tipsy with all the wine, the light outside was just perfect for a long stroll along the canals….

Tempted? Why not hop over to the Reypenyer website and book a spot on one of their tasting sessions? Each session lasts for about an hour and caters to not more than 20 people.

Salivating at the thought of all that fabulous cheese?

Who moved your cheese? Did I? Guilty as charged! While you are here, have a gander and read about my other adventures involving cheese – why not? And if you do try any of my recipes please do let me know below in comments! I love to hear from my readers and nothing makes me happier knowing someone tried my recipes and loved them 🙂

Based in London and looking to book yourself into a wine tasting, have a look at my post where I have shared my experience of booking myself for a Wine Tasting evening at West London Wine School:

And for those of you planning your itinerary for your holiday in Holland, do have a read through some of the experiences I loved while in Amsterdam:

*With thanks to Reanyer Cheese, Amsterdam for inviting us. All opinions expressed are as always my own. No monetary compensation was offered for a positive review.

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