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Times
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Wine, dine, wow — the finest restaurants in Mayfair
There has been food and drink for sale in Mayfair for at least half a millennium, although the quality has certainly changed, and so have the consumers — in both cases, for the better. Five hundred years ago, this was the site of the May Fair, a raucous party around May Day, when food stalls will have served dubious fare to everyone from tightrope walkers to toffs. The party ended when the toffs noticed that Mayfair, edged with royalpParks, was one of the nicest parts of London and soon, thanks to their graceful Georgian buildings, luxury boutiques and grand hotels, it became nicer still. It became, and has remained, one of London's smartest neighbourhoods, with restaurants that are as far from those long-ago dodgy food stalls as it is possible to go without leaving the city altogether. Here are a few of the best. A hungry diner wandering into the Ritz in search of the dining room recently voted best in the country at the National Restaurant Awards might be in for a shock. Not due to the food, which is exquisite. Nor even the pricing — because who expects a two Michelin-starred restaurant in one of the world's great hotels to be cheap? But this is one of the last places left in London where denim is banned and a jacket and tie are required. César Ritz, the Swiss hotelier who worked his way up from nothing to enter English as an adjective describing high living, would surely approve. And really, it's hard not to. The room is a 1906 Edwardian fantasy, with chandeliers, swagged curtains, gilt, marble and the thickest carpets. The wine list is extraordinary. The executive chef John Williams grew up near Newcastle, and gives menu space to British produce — Norfolk crab, Dorset lamb, Scottish langoustine — wherever possible. However, the foie gras is from Landes, there are tomatoes from Sicily and, sometimes, Australian winter truffles. The modern taste for simplicity has as little place here as a pair of designer trainers: with up to 70 chefs in his kitchen, Williams is able to produce dishes of exceptional intricacy (such as the ballotine of duck liver, in a reduction of Armagnac, Sauternes and port). And yet, nothing is ever • Read more luxury reviews, advice and insights from our experts There's an excellent sense of humour on display in Mount Street Restaurant, on the menu and on the walls — and sometimes, at the tables, with at least one famous comedian enjoying his dinner on my last visit. This is an outpost of the prestigious international gallery Hauser & Wirth, so even the magnificent mosaic floor is a work of art, and dinner is all the more delicious for the visual feast that accompanies it — sometimes with a sly reminder that artists are diners too. So, among the paintings by Alexander Calder, Catherine Goodman and Andy Warhol is a plate of prawns by Lucian Freud and a glowing array of herrings by Henri Matisse. The menu also has fun, toying cleverly with received ideas about British food from across the centuries: mock turtle croquettes (actually made from veal), Orkney scallop scampi. But there's nothing old-fashioned about the wine list, which is gloriously varied. So, Champagne, Bordeaux and Burgundy are well represented but there's also the chance to try a furmint from Hungary or a superb assyrtiko from Vassaltis, on the Greek island of Santorini, and these unusual grape varieties feel more in keeping with the adventurous spirit of the place. This review mustn't start with the puddings — not with one of the best wine lists in London, an elegant high-ceilinged room where privacy is as subtle as a banquette backed by a wooden screen, and brasserie-style savoury dishes that would make a Frenchman pout with envy. Except that I am a fool for a good list and care little about sweets (I'd say that I prefer my sugar fermented), so it seems useful to mention that, five years on from my first visit to Maison François, that dessert trolley still trundles enticingly through my mind. The apple tart, the crème caramel … still, I will wrench myself away to point out that the famous oeuf en gelée deserves its fame, the gougères, those alluring Burgundian cheese puffs, are light as smoke, the vegetables fresh and the bread homemade. And that delectable wine list is designed by Daniel Illsley, the founder of Theatre of Wine and one of the best palates in Shepherd Market, tucked out of the main drag between Piccadilly and Park Lane, is the perfect spot to lose a lazy afternoon or evening … which may be why Dan Keeling and Mark Andrew, the proprietors of Noble Rot, chose to open their third outpost here. They have not messed with their winning combination of dark wood and brightly smiling staff, well equipped to guide the wine-fancier towards the glass best suited to asparagus with salt cod brandade and egg yolk or roast pork belly strewn with rosemary. The cuisine is Mediterranean, if leaning heavily towards France. The ingredients are local where suitable, but not at the expense of creativity. That wine list is very long, but there are many options by the glass, so the solution is often to order several of those: a round-the-world adventure, without the bother of leaving your seat. No wonder diners often forget to go Pushing open the heavy, blank door of Hide is quite an effort — but that's the only exertion a meal at this beautiful Michelin-starred restaurant requires. First comes the showstopping staircase, a sinuous structure that winds languidly around the three elegant wood-lined floors. Then, out come the menus. And of course, they are showstopping too: à la carte on the ground floor and tasting menus upstairs (the basement is a bar). While the founding chef Ollie Dabbous has stepped away, his replacement, Josh Angus, knows just what he is doing. There are lots of vegetarian options, but even the carnivores' menu is filled with seasonal vegetation, creatively transformed. There's pasta stuffed with peas and marigolds, drizzled with garlic buttermilk; tarragon chimichurri on barbecued wild sea bass. The bread is made on the premises, the charcuterie home-cured. As for the wines, the restaurant is owned by the elite store Hedonism Wines, round the corner in Davies Street, so the list is one of Europe's largest. Mayfair diners are sophisticated souls, hard to surprise, but even they respond to the primeval thrill of an open fire, and Miller Prada knows just what to do with his. Which is very dramatic indeed: four metres long, artfully lit, fed by carefully sourced woods from birch to cherry, and put to use in all sorts of ways, from flame-grilling to smoking to cooking meat and fish in the embers. This is an omakase, or Japanese 'chef's choice' restaurant, and that unlikely combination works brilliantly. After all, Japanese fine dining is all about watching admiringly while an expert creates the next gorgeous morsel. Prada combines the technique of his mentor, the sushi maestro Endo Kazutoshi, with inspiration from his native Colombia and produce sourced as close to right here as possible. So the lobster, charred on a branch of rosemary, is from Cornwall, while the eight-day aged monkfish served with grilled asparagus and puffed wild rice comes from Devon. And the service is as sleek as the decor. There are classics and there are classics: Mayfair has plenty of places that have been around since the horse and carriage, but Angela Hartnett opened Murano in 2008, with Gordon Ramsay, under whose somewhat rough style of mentorship she had not just survived but thrived. She has long since bought him out, but in any case, the restaurant was always hers in essence: the northern Italian cuisine is a homage to her maternal grandparents, who came from Emilia-Romagna, and the produce is largely British, so Murano is as much a blend of the two places as she is. It's not easy to stand out with Italian food in London, but Hartnett's winning combination of sophistication and rusticity — prawn and pink peppercorn bisque on the roasted monkfish, Ortiz anchovy on the Hereford beef fillet — has won her a Michelin star and a loyal clientele of Londoners and visitors. They find the combination of pale stone and dark wood, spruced up with new chandeliers a couple of years ago to coincide with the restaurant's 15th anniversary, as comforting as the menu.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why you should visit Corsham if you love Rivals and want a 'tranquil' escape
Corsham is the quintessential English market town that has turned into a Rivals TV set in recent weeks – so what is it about the area that people love? The historic market town is on the southern edge of the Cotswolds and boasts honey-coloured buildings, stunning countryside views and a rich military heritage. The quaint high street has a range of independent shops, quaint tearooms and boutique galleries. Discover Corsham states: 'Popular with visitors seeking a tranquil Cotswold experience without the crowds, Corsham combines elegance, authenticity, and culture in equal measure. 'Whether you're here for Georgian architecture, woodland walks, or a quiet cream tea in a pretty courtyard, Corsham promises a delightful and memorable escape.' Historically, Corsham was a centre for agriculture and later, the wool industry, and remains a focus for quarrying Bath Stone. The town is referred to in the Domesday Book as Cosseham. Rivals returned to Corsham town centre on June 16, after filming for the popular show's second season kicked off this summer. David Tennant, who plays Lord Tony Baddingham in the adaptation of Dame Jilly Cooper's best-selling novel, was among the stars seen on the High Street. During the filming, the town was transformed into the 1980s version of Dame Jilly Cooper's fictional county Rutshire, with classic cars lining the streets and shop signs replaced. Corsham's small town centre includes the historic High Street and the Martingate Centre. Corsham Court, a stately home, became a major administrative and manufacturing centre for the Ministry of Defence during the Second World War. It is described as the 'jewel of the town'. It is now open to the public, and the formal gardens have plenty of 'aristocratic grandeur'. 'Don't miss the peacocks, which wander freely around the grounds and often through the town centre,' Visit Wiltshire writes. There's also the Pound Arts Centre, which is housed in a converted Victorian school and offers a packed programme of theatre, film, live music, exhibitions, and workshops. Corsham is just off the A4, about 20 minutes from Bath and Chippenham by car. The nearest train station is Chippenham, from which regular buses and taxis run to Corsham (around 10–15 minutes). 'From traditional pubs to cosy cafes, there are lots of places to eat and drink in the quintessentially English market town of Corsham,' Visit Wiltshire says. One of Corsham's most celebrated pubs is The Methuen Arms, and this Georgian coaching inn offers food and drink in a stylish, historic setting, attracting plenty of tourists. Although a highlight for many has been the recent Rivals filming, it's not the first time that Corsham has had a starring role. Recommended reading: Disney's Rivals shot in Wiltshire back filming for season 2 Disney's Rivals: Wiltshire filming locations featured When 'poshest village' Biddestone played host to Hollywood The town has a history of being on screen, with Rivals star Aidan Turner previously filming there for BBC drama Poldark. Corsham has also provided the backdrop in numerous films and TV dramas, including The Suspicions of Mr Whicher, Tess of the D'Urbervilles, Larkrise to Candleford and The Remains of the Day. Corsham also featured in the first season of Rivals during the summer of 2023.
The Independent
02-07-2025
- The Independent
Best luxury hotels in Dublin 2025, from celebrity favourites to Michelin-starred dining
If there's one thing that Dublin does well, it's luxury hotels. There are swish properties set within historic Georgian townhouses, slick modern buildings overlooking the docklands and charming boutique hotels, all within a short walk of one another. That means that whatever your style, you'll find something that's sure to fit the bill. And with that luxury comes a definitively Irish sense of charm – here, a five-star rating doesn't mean fawning service or insincere formality. You'll find a warmth to the welcome wherever you are, albeit accompanied with dashes of lavishness like caviar menus or champagne bottles opened with a sabre. Though the food scene in Dublin is top notch, plenty of the hotels below have restaurants that stand out within the city, independent of the properties; in two, you can enjoy Michelin-starred dining without even stepping outside. If you want to sample the most luxurious hotels in Dublin, here are some of the best to add to your bucket list. Best luxury hotels in Dublin 2025 At a glance 1. The Merrion Hotel When it comes to sheer, unbridled luxury, you can't beat The Merrion. This is the place to go when you want to evoke that Lord of the Manor vibe, without ever leaving the city. The rooms are the ultimate in comfortable luxury – think plush, kitten-soft beds, corniced ceilings and marble bathrooms, some of which overlook the grand government buildings opposite. Two Michelin-starred restaurant Patrick Guilbaud is just downstairs, and the pastries served in the Drawing Rooms for afternoon tea are artistic masterpieces. There's a swish spa down in the basement, with a Grecian-tiled pool and steam room, and treatments from Biologique Recherche and ESPA. 2. The Shelbourne The 'Grand Dame of Dublin' opened in 1824, and it still retains a feeling of old-world luxury – the doormen are decked out in top hats, the ceilings drip with golden chandeliers and the rooms are kitted out with lust-worthy antiques. On that note, it's worth visiting the chic No. 27 Bar on a Friday at 18:24, when a bottle of champagne is sabred open to mark the year the hotel opened. The suites are particularly special, with sliding sash windows overlooking Stephen's Green, and these rooms have seen many celebrity stays over the past 200 years. This is real special occasion territory, and it also plays a special role in Ireland's history – the Irish Constitution was drafted within these walls in 1922. 3. The Westbury It's rare that a hotel restaurant attracts local diners but you'll always find Dubliners looking for a bite to eat at The Westbury. There's an opulent Art Deco vibe in Wilde, the light-filled restaurant dripping with greenery, and a sleeker, neighbourhood vibe in Balfes, but both offer exceptional food (and killer cocktails). Afternoon tea in the Gallery is practically an institution, and is excellent for people-watching. The best suites are those with chic outdoor terraces, perfect for a coffee in the morning or a tipple later on, but the slick Sidecar bar is the place to be for an expertly shaken cocktail. 4. The Fitzwilliam Hotel Fresh out of a refurbishment, the Fitzwilliam has a great vantage point over Stephen's Green, particularly if you book one of the rooms with a balcony. The redesigned rooms have a subtly luxe feel, with lots of dark walnut wood and brushed gold, and the bathrooms are particularly swish, with deep bathtubs and toiletries from the Dublin perfumery Roads. The Michelin-starred Glovers Alley is within the hotel, and breakfast in the mezzanine restaurant is exceptional, with unusual pastries and fresh juices. The cocktails are top notch in the Lounge bar, and there's a specialised Bloody Mary menu, too – try the Irish special with a Dublin Bay prawn and Irish pickles. 5. Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel Over in the Docklands, this property became an Anantara hotel in 2023 and is all the better for it. There's a contemporary infinity pool and chic spa, and an excellent restaurant, Forbes Street by Gareth Mullins, with an array of caviar and artisanal Irish steaks. The rooftop bar has just had a big refresh and is possibly the best in the city, with unbeatable views out to the mountains and the sea, great cocktails and live DJs on occasion. The bedrooms have a contemporary style, with loads of light from the floor-to-ceiling windows and glossy marble bathrooms, with a bath in every room. Address: Grand Canal Quay, Docklands, Dublin 6. Conrad Dublin Down on the quieter corner of Stephen's Green, the Conrad gets the best of both worlds – it's close enough to feel like part of the action, but in a peaceful little spot, with two of Dublin's best parks right on its doorstep. There's a calmness to the room décor, with gentle sage greens, herringbone blankets and contemporary art, and Byredo toiletries in the bathrooms. Downstairs, there's great casual food to be found in The Terrace, which is also a suntrap on pleasant days, and the cocktails in Lemuel's are excellent. But breakfast is the real star, with an ample buffet, fluffy pancakes cooked to order and a Bloody Mary and mimosa station, too. 7. The Dylan Once a Victorian home for nurses, this charming redbrick building is just outside the city centre, nudging towards Ballsbridge. That means it has a slight hideaway feel, even though Stephen's Green is just a 15 minute walk away. The restaurant is excellent, both at breakfast and throughout the day, and there's a lovely courtyard that's buzzing on summer days, when they often collaborate with champagne houses like Pommery. The tiny cocktail bar the Ruby Room feels like a sultry speakeasy, and there's some wonderful art throughout the entire hotel. 8. InterContinental Dublin There aren't many city hotels set on two acres of gardens, but the InterContinental Dublin has just that, and a beautiful courtyard dining space to boot. In the summer, this is a great spot for a seafood platter and a glass of rosé, on tables dressed with crisp white cloths set among the plants. Upstairs, the rooms are spacious and calm, and the recently updated spa is very chilled out, with thermal suites, a pool and a hot tub, and excellent massage therapists. They offer good spa packages midweek, too. 9. The Wilder Townhouse With its gorgeous red brick exterior, plush rooms and stylishly cosy bar, The Wilder is the perfect hideaway in the city. All of the spaces are residents-only, so there's a pleasing aura of calm to the hotel, despite the fact it's only a short walk from the city centre. Each night, turndown service comes with a bedtime story of sorts, in the form of a book of Irish fairy tales or The Complete Short Stories by Oscar Wilde left on your pillow. There's also a generous arrangement of complimentary snacks in the room, with full bars of Irish chocolate, vegetable crisps and granola bars. 10. The Mayson While the entry level rooms are on the smaller side, the larger bedrooms and suites in this Docklands hotel are really special, particularly the warehouse suites with huge living rooms and standalone brass bathtubs overlooking the city below (heck, even the toilet has a view). There's a boutique gym with a small lap pool, sauna and eucalyptus steam room, and top of the range equipment. Up on the rooftop, Ryleigh's serves a mean steak and cocktail, and they have great views of the River Liffey and the modern buildings on the other side of the water. Why trust us The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent's expert travel writers, each with a deep knowledge of the destinations they cover. Our contributors either live in these locations or visit frequently, ensuring a personal and informed perspective. When picking which hotels to include, they consider their own experience staying in the hotels and evaluate location, facilities, service and all the other details that make for an exceptional stay for all types of traveller. FAQs When is the best time to visit Dublin? Like the rest of Ireland, the best time to visit Dublin for warmer weather, less rainfall, and sunnier days is in the summer months, between June and August. For a trip to the city without the crowds, visit in the shoulder seasons in spring and autumn, when hotel prices are also likely cheaper. Dublin comes alive on one of Ireland's biggest national holidays, St Patrick's Day in March, when parades with colourful floats are held in the streets and arts and cultural events are put on in the city to celebrate the annual saint day. How many days do I need? Dublin is a very walkable city, so we recommend doing a long weekend to explore the different districts, such as Temple Bar, the Liberties, Stoneybatter and Portobello. What are the nicest areas to stay? Merrion Square, lined with Georgian architecture, the trendy Liberties and the bustling Temple Bar are popular areas to stay in Dublin. Where do celebrities stay? Celebs such as Mariah Carey have stayed in the InterContinental Dublin, whereas The Shelbourne and The Westbury have hosted stars like Beyoncé while they have been in town.
Irish Times
20-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Eamon Waters firm appeals refusal for Baggot St hotel
Eamon Waters's Sretaw Hotel Group is challenging Dublin City Council's refusal of a 113 bedroom hotel planned for Baggot Street Lower . The council last month refused planning permission for the scheme at 15-16 Baggot Street Lower after concluding that the scheme would cause serious injury to the special architectural character of the Georgian area. The council also concluded that the proposed six story over basement scheme is inappropriate in terms of its extensive demolition of historic facades along Baggotrath Place and Fitzwilliam Lane. Now, Peachbeach UC, a subsdiary of Srewtaw has lodged an appeal against the decision with An Coimisiun Pleanala, formerly An Bord Pleanala. READ MORE In the appeal drawn up on behalf of Peachbeach UC by director at Tom Phillips + Co, John Gannon, he states that 'we fundamentally disagree with the planning authority's reason for refusal and are of the opinion that the proposal has been sensitively designed and will not give rise to unacceptable impacts on the surrounding context'. Mr Gannon contends that the proposed scheme seeks 'to deliver a high quality, mixed use development on a site in the heart of Dublin city centre'. Mr Gannon stated that the planned hotel site 'is an ideal location for the proposed hotel given its proximity to the proximate numerous tourist attractions, activities and events located within 1km of the site'. Mr Gannon also states that Peachbeach UC has addressed concerns around overlooking into the neighbouring site 'and we wholly disagree that the proposal would set an undesirable precedent in the area'. Mr Gannon contends the council has not supported its contention in its refusal that the development would devalue property in the vicinity. He further argues that the proposal 'will have a minimal impact on the surrounding buildings and will make significant improvements to the streetscape, enhancing the attractiveness of the area as a whole. Mr Gannon said that it is noted that on review of council inter-departmental reports that no one department made a recommendation to refuse. Mr Gannon said that there were recommendations to seek further information and the applicant would have been happy to respond to these issues, had there been an opportunity to do so through a further information request. Last month's refusal follows the council issuing a planning refusal to Peachbeach UC last year for the same site when the firm proposed a 66 bedroom hotel and 23 apartments as part of a six storey scheme. A decision is due on the current appeal in October.
Irish Times
18-06-2025
- General
- Irish Times
Look inside: Equestrian haven on 15 acres in north Kildare for €1.95m
Address : Mount Windsor House, Mountarmstrong, Donadea, Co Kildare Price : €1,950,000 Agent : Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes View this property on Mountarmstrong, the hill on which the Georgian, mid-18th-century Mount Windsor House stands, has quite the storied past. Long before it was acquired by Charles Armstrong, the sheriff of Kildare , in 1720 as a site to build a family home, it was one of the waypoints on an ancient road, the slí dála that led from Naas , home of Kings, to Tara. Many of the old Georgian features can still be seen in this elegant home outside Clane in north Co Kildare. The exterior of the house has been kept as it was centuries ago, but within, this property has seen a stunning transformation as its developer-owner spared no expense gutting the 285sq m (3067sq ft) four-bed house and completely refitting it to create the calm, stylish country retreat it is today. Not just a beautiful home, Mount Windsor also possesses a small-scale equestrian set-up: the yard behind the house has seven stables, a barn, a tack-room and an apartment, and there are acres of paddocks beyond the expansive gardens. Spread over 15 acres, it would be an enviable location for a small training set-up. Entrance hall Inner Hall Sittingroom Back kitchen Kitchen with Aga and island Kitchen with bespoke cabinetry Utility The renovations on the house, undertaken in 2020, included re-roofing, rewiring and replumbing and the fitting of a new kitchen, as well as remodelling of some interior spaces. READ MORE A gravelled drive leads to the house, and there are curved granite steps to the front door. An old quoin surround on an interior hall door was found during renovations and the front hall was expanded. On the left is a diningroom with a handsome marble fireplace and long views over the gardens. The sittingroom, with a green marble fireplace, is on the other side of the hall, and is papered in a luxurious linen wallpaper. Both of these rooms are south facing and filled with warm sunlight. The floors are engineered solid oak, with underfloor heating. The property has an air-to-water heating system and the Ber is B2. Back in the hall on the left-hand side is a small study, papered in a vivid hunting print, and stairs leading to the first floor, which has the first of two bedroom wings. The bedrooms are beautiful, with the same gorgeous views as the reception rooms below. A stylish bathroom lies between them with a free-standing, claw-foot bath, more lovely wallpaper and French doors that open on to a small, railed balcony with more lovely views. On the other side of the house is a large kitchen, which is connected to the hall via a butler's pantry or galley kitchen. The attention to detail that went into the handcrafted kitchen is phenomenal. The owner wanted a country look that suited the house, and achieved it with tall, free-standing units, shiplap panelling and a large island with a Belfast sink beside an Aga stove. An old oak beam in the ceiling neatly bisects the kitchen and dining areas, and beyond the kitchen is a guest WC, utility and bootroom, with a door leading outside to a series of curved outdoor sheds. Study Main bedroom Bathroom with French doors to balcony Bedroom in second wing Bathroom in second wing Gardens Gardens Yard with stables and apartment A barn-style oak door in the kitchen slides back to reveal a stairway leading to the second bedroom wing; this could be perfect for guests or young adults or teenagers. There are two bedrooms with more of the beautiful cabinetry seen everywhere in this house, and a bathroom between the bedrooms. There's also a small comms room. The gardens are stunning, with a series of granite steps descending from the terraces surrounding the front of the house into lush lawns, studded with an impressive amount of mature trees: oak, beech and willow. At the end of the sweeping lawn is a mini-forest, from which a steady stream of birdsong issues. A tennis court and a small secret garden are accessed through a beech hedge. Mount Windsor is right beside 600 acres of woodland at Donadea Forest, and Clongowes Wood College is five minutes away by car. Clane is less than 10-minutes away and Maynooth and Naas are within a 20-minute drive, so although it feels deep in the country, connectivity is excellent. Mount Windsor is brought to market by Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes, seeking €1.95m.
