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Scottish Sun
15 hours ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay protégé to shut his first ever restaurant after 11 ‘incredible' years of trading
The acclaimed chef has teased a new project KITCHEN CLOSED Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay protégé to shut his first ever restaurant after 11 'incredible' years of trading A MICHELIN-STARRED chef has announced the closure of his debut restaurant. The founder trained under Gordon Ramsay, and at the three-Michelin-starred John-Georges in New York. Advertisement 3 Stuart Ralston opened Aizle in 2014 Credit: Tripadvisor 3 The restaurant later relocated to the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel Credit: Tripadvisor 3 Stuart was awarded a Michelin-star for his restaurant Lyla Credit: Justin Rodrigues The Edinburgh-based Aizle is set to close later this year on September 21. Stuart Ralston first opened the restaurant on St Leonard's Street in 2014. A description in the Michelin Guide read: "The constantly evolving menu takes on a surprise tasting format and is presented to diners as 'The Harvest', a list of produce to be featured in the meal rather than exact dish names." It follows Stuart's emphasis on incorporating local and seasonal goods in his menus - with some dishes available for several weeks and "others just a few" according to Aizle's website. Advertisement Their most recent 'harvest' included items like guinea fowl, black garlic, quince and salted milk which came together in a blind tasting menu. Ralston announced Aizle's closure on social media. He wrote: "When I first opened the doors on St Leonard's Street in 2014 as a young chef, Aizle was born out of a desire to build something different, challenge me as a young chef and provide a place people would choose to work. "I wanted to work with producers who really care about what they grow and make people happy with our food. Advertisement "Over the past 11 years, we have moved homes, met brilliant people along the way and grown into something to be proud of." Ralston added that the closure would give him more time to focus on his other restaurants, in addition to a new project. Popular food reviewer gives his thoughts on Scotland's 'most expensive restaurant' He went on to thank the "incredible, dedicated team, past and present", and said that he hopes to continue working with them. The restaurant relocated to the Garden Room at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel. Advertisement In 2018 it moved to a four-day week to reduce stress and staff burnout. He has since opened several other restaurants in the city, including Noto and Tipo, both of which hold Michelin Bib Gourmands and which will be unaffected by the closure. Earlier this year, his restaurant Lyla, was awarded a Michelin star. Vouchers which had been purchased for Aizle can still be redeemed at Ralston's other restaurants. Advertisement Commenters on social media expressed sadness at the restaurant's closure, as well as excitement for Stuart's future projects. One wrote: "So sad I never got to eat at Aizle! And excited for all that's to come." Another said: "Such an iconic restaurant in the Edinburgh food scene." While another added: "To this day the best dining experience I've had." Advertisement
Powys County Times
a day ago
- Business
- Powys County Times
Montgomery bar recognised among UK's best at national awards
A "mind blowing" bar in Powys, with top-quality food, has been recognised among the UK's best at a national awards ceremony. The 2025 National Pub & Bar Awards took place on Tuesday (June 24), showcasing the finest establishments from across the UK. Awards presented at the event included: National Pub & Bar of the Year Industry's Choice Award Pub Group of the Year Bar Group of the Year The Tyrrells Tyrrellbly Good Taste Award The best pubs and bars for each region were also revealed as part of the national awards. 'Pubs have really been struggling, so it's amazing for this event to shine a spotlight on pubs and show that they really are pillars of the community, the backbone of Britain.' Here are all the winners from last night's National Pub & Bar Awards. — Pub & Bar Magazine (@PubandBarMag) June 25, 2025 The 2025 National Pub & Bar Awards winners The Bull, located in Charlbury, received the top honour, claiming the National Pub & Bar of the Year Award. Other awards handed out at the event included: Industry's Choice Award: The Devonshire Pub Group of the Year: Camerons Bar Group of the Year: Mr Fogg's The Tyrrells Tyrrellbly Good Taste Award: The Tollemache Arms While the best pubs and bars in each area of the UK were also revealed: Best pubs and bars in Wales Meanwhile, several pubs and bars in Wales were named the best in their respective counties: Why The Checkers is among the UK's best The Checkers, located in Montgomery, was named the county winner for Powys at the National Pub & Bar Awards. It is a "handsome" Georgian former coaching inn run by Andrew and Rachel Birch. The Checkers is already a highly decorated establishment, with a Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence and a Notable Wine List award from the AA just two of the accolades attained in the past 12 months alone. It also features the 2025 Michelin Guide. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Checkers (@checkerswales) It comes highly recommended by visitors too, with The Checkers boasting a near-perfect 4.8 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor from 591 reviews. Not only is it a great place for a drink, but it also has the "best food ever", according to customers. The UK's favourite takeaways One person, commenting on Tripadvisor, said: "The food and wine pairing was mind blowing. "We have eaten in many amazing places but this experience blew our mind and the carrots were just amazing. "The resturant has a lovely fire place with such a nice homely feel and the service was beyond 5*. "Its the small details that i also noticed, everything from start to finish was perfect. "We stayed in the dafoldill room but to be honest I could have slept in the chair by the fire is was so lovely.
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- The Herald Scotland
Dorset's highest-rated café has the 'best coffee ever'
Fika Bournemouth, which is located on Westover Road, has been highly praised by visitors. After analysing cafés in the area for their Tripadvisor scores (needing a minimum of 50 reviews for inclusion), it ended up being top of the pile. Fika Bournemouth has earned a perfect 5/5 score on the review site from 173 ratings, with 170 of those being 'Excellent'. Why is Fika Bournemouth Dorset's highest-rated café? On its Facebook page, Fila Bournemouth describes itself as a small coffee shop with a "big heart". It aims to foster a welcoming atmosphere and is also an establishment that is dog-friendly. They serve their own signature blend of coffee and work with several local bakers to provide their sweet treats. Fika Bournemouth's profile on Tripadvisor reads: "A moment to slow down and enjoy the little things in life, such as coffee with friends and something sweet. "We are a small independent coffee shop with a big heart. Serving our own signature blend of coffee and work with some of the best bakers in town, get here early to get your hands on the cinnamon buns! Very dog friendly." The establishment has also opened its doors to customers on Christmas Day for the past four years to provide a community space for anyone who might be lonely during the season. What do visitors think of Fika Bournemouth? As indicated by its Tripadvisor rating, most visitors absolutely adore Fika Bournemouth, praising it for its coffee, service and more. One person wrote: "Best coffee ever!!!! Not only the coffee is perfect, owner and his best pal, Waffle, are super friendly and made my day complete. "Pistachio creme cookies are too good. I would recommend to everyone who loves good coffee in a lovely environment." Recommended reading: Another shared: "The shop is small and intimate compared to most coffee shops these days. It has a lovely ambiance and just feels very homely. "Rob and the staff are very friendly and you instantly fell at home, but with superb coffee." A third commented: "Amazing warm cinnamon bun and carrot cake. Very friendly staff - made to feel very welcome . Great coffee too - highly recommended."
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
The closest Caribbean island to the UK that has Maldives-like overwater villas
FOR beautiful views over the Caribbean sea with private plunge pools and glass-bottom floors, check out these bungalows. Royalton Antigua is a five star Caribbean all-inclusive that became home to Antigua's very first overwater bungalows back in 2019. 5 5 The six bungalows are split into different categories; Chairman, Presidential, and Junior Suite. Each has king-size bedrooms, lounges, dining areas, and gorgeous outdoor terraces overlooking the Caribbean. And every bungalow has direct access to the clear waters of Deep Bay near the capital of St John's. There are also infinity plunge pools, an overwater hammock, a large soaking tub, a private deck and a glass floor. A stay in one of the bungalows includes a personal butler, private fitness and yoga classes, a sunset mixology service, laundry service, and a golf cart shuttle. One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: "What a great trip for an anniversary, we stayed in the water bungalow - great experience. There was a huge sea turtle that visit the bungalow, and jelly fish." Another added: "Stayed at the overwater bungalows, beautifully scenic and secluded for alone time with the beach nearby perfect for parties. Plenty of day and night activity options to fit any crowd." Across the resort there are fitness classes, mixology courses, a spa, an on-site casino and dance lessons. Children are welcome too, and there's a Clubhouse Kids Club and at the Seaside Summer Camp. One night a week the resort holds a signature Royalton White Party on the beach where there's dancing and live music. Luxury at adults-only resort in Antigua 5 5 For food there are multiple restaurants which serve Caribbean-style classic dishes as well as holiday staples. There's also a gelato and coffee cafe and the chance to be hosted by a personal chef. Antigua is known for having 365 reef-lined beaches, with clear waters and golden sands. Popular spots such as Dickenson Bay, feature calm waters making them perfect for swimming, kayaking and other water sports. Antigua, along with its paired island, Bermuda, are also home to rainforests and a wide range of wildlife. The airport is only 30 minutes away from Royalton Antigua. And from the UK, the flight time to the island is eight hours and 30 minutes - making it the closest to us. It is also much closer than the Maldives, which can be 11 hours by plane, followed by a seaplane in Male. Here's more about Caribbean island with the world's best beaches that's even easier to travel to this summer. And the Caribbean's safest island that's 'back on map' as 2025 holiday spot.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'Best campsite in England' has heated pool, spa and sandy beach nearby
VisitEngland has named the Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year, and with its thanks to its luxury facilities, it's not hard to see why There's arguably no finer way to embrace the British summer and enjoy the great outdoors than embarking on a camping trip. Many of us may remember childhood camping trips involving pitching our own tents, enduring cold showers, and relying on thin sleeping bags for warmth. However, with the right location, camping can feel like a truly relaxing holiday. Indeed, there are some truly remarkable campsites in England that could easily rival a holiday resort rather than just offering a patch of grass for your tent. One such site has recently been crowned the best in the country. Set near St Ives in Cornwall, Polmanter Touring Park has officially been named the Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year by VisitEngland. This accolade is part of the tourism agency's annual Awards for Excellence, which honour businesses providing top experiences for tourists nationwide. As a Gold Award Winner, Polmanter Touring Park has demonstrated the highest standards of guest experiences and excellence across its operations. The park is situated in a picturesque corner of Cornwall known as Penwith, reports the Express. However, it wasn't just the breathtaking location that clinched this year's award for the campsite, but also its state-of-the-art facilities that make it feel more like a retreat than a traditional campsite. With a heated 20-metre swimming pool and a spa offering a range of luxurious treatments from full body scrubs to scalp massages, it's a world away from the shaky tents and chilly showers you might associate with some campsites. Kids won't be bored here, with both indoor and outdoor play areas, a kitted-out games room, and two tennis courts where rackets can be hired on the spot. Forget about roughing it in the great outdoors – there's no need to forage for wood or start a campfire when you can grab freshly-baked pizzas from the on-site restaurant. For those keen to venture out, the site offers two footpaths leading directly to St Ives, or if you're not up for the walk, a handy shuttle service is ready to whisk you off to town. One satisfied Tripadvisor user described their visit as: "Our experience exceeded all expectations and truly felt like a five-star stay. As first-time campers, we approached the adventure with a mix of curiosity and hesitation, but we were pleasantly surprised by how wonderful the site was." Praise also came from another guest who shared: "Polmanter is incredible. It's super clean, the food is great, the park is immaculate. The kids play areas are well maintained, as are the toilet blocks. They have thought of everything!" With a selection of pitches to suit every type of camper, whether you roll up in a campervan or pitch a traditional tent, many come complete with electricity, water, and even a TV socket, though they can also accommodate those seeking a tech-free zone. Whether you opt for a luxury flat or cottage, rest assured, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Cornish coastline wherever you choose to stay.
