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Ten reasons why you should consider Bournemouth for your next staycation

Spend a day relaxing upon miles of golden award-winning beaches, strolling through manicured tropical gardens, closely followed by a visit to some incredible vintage shops, luxury boutiques and galleries, finishing your perfect day out with a cheeky cocktail or two and a delicious dinner in a top restaurant? Where are you? The Caribbean, Hawaii or somewhere equally exotic? Try somewhere a bit closer to home.

Welcome to Bournemouth.

Historically the playground of rich Victorians, Bournemouth has come a long way over the last 150 years and has shrugged off its previous stag do image and coach tour reputation and is now one of the most popular places to visit in the UK. Once deemed as a place when you go to retire, Bournemouth is now a cosmopolitan destination that is fast becoming the must-visit place for seasoned travellers to visit.

Whilst #TeamCoco love and live to travel, sometimes the heart wants to be on your home turf and for me – Bournemouth is home and more and more people are not only choosing to live here but to visit too and here’s why.

Its award-winning beaches

It was voted as the UK’s Best Seaside Town in the British Travel Awards in 2017 and has recently been crowned as the best beach in the UK in Trip Advisor’s annual Traveller’s Choice Awards. The beaches in Bournemouth were even voted the 5th best in Europe beating the likes of Sicily, Crete and more. What’s more, if you opt to travel a little further afield, you can enjoy the stunning landscape of the impressive Jurassic Coast that stretches from Dorset through to neighbouring Devon which is a World Heritage Site.

The beautiful surroundings

Bournemouth enjoys a special micro climate and whilst I am no meteorologist, statistically speaking Bournemouth’s temperatures are generally deemed several degrees above the rest of the country which is evident by the presence of palm trees in the tropical gardens of nearby Alum Chine. These pretty gardens, which have their origins in the 1920s, provide an ideal area for contemplation whilst gazing upon the striking landscape design and stunning views.

It’s home to the UK’s best eco-friendly hotel

So, where to stay? There are hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, from boutique hotels to quirky cottages to rent. Our top picks include the UK’s ‘Best Green Hotel in the UK 2017’which is an eco-friendly luxury hotel situated close to Bournemouth’s award-winning beaches which is ideal for a simple yet luxurious staycation.

The hotel’s restaurant ‘Arbor’ has an oak sculpture reconstructed as a tree and the furniture is made from sustainable materials, even the paint and wallpaper are eco-friendly. The hotel also uses a solar panel to heat water. Think glam but green! Don’t forget to check out their quirky but tasty afternoon teas.

If you are looking for a sea view, you can’t get much closer than the Bournemouth Beach Lodges which are charming little beach huts located on the seafront. If you love glamping, then these cute little lodges which come with a galley kitchen for you to cook on are ideal and offer an enchanting overnight stay where you can wake up to some of the UK’s most beautiful beaches.

For a traditional luxury hotel, look no further than the Hilton Bournemouth. Situated in the heart of Bournemouth betwixt the beach and the bustling town, the Hilton is a glamourous boutique hotel renowned for its bespoke interiors and furnishings. It is achingly stylish inside and you can find retro tourism posters and other quirky accessories throughout the rooms and hotel.

Its amazing restaurants and eateries

If like me, your immediate thought is where can I eat and what can I eat, then rest assured that Bournemouth has a superb range of restaurants, eateries and cafes. There are hundreds of places across the county of Dorset to try. From fresh seafood and local produce to traditional Dorset cream teas, you won’t be disappointed.

Banque & Bohem offers seasonal fresh produce, delicious cocktails alongside Prosecco-laden high teas and Saturday brunches. This stylish cocktail bar and restaurant is on the site of a former bank and actually has the old vaults in place at the back of the restaurant.

From a design perspective, this is simply superb and includes ornate chandeliers, a feature door (formally the old bank vault door) and a Monet-inspired design feature. There are private rooms available to hire for birthday parties, baby showers and similar decorated in extravagant peacock embellished wallpaper and decadent leather sofas. They have an impressive range of cocktails, my recommendation? ‘The English Garden’ which is a delightful mix of Hendricks Gin, Elderflower Liqueur, Lime and Mint which makes a gorgeous and refreshing drink which is ideal for accompanying any meal.

Schpoons & Forx which is situated at the uber-glam Hilton is home to renowned chef and TV personality Matt Tebbutt’s modern British restaurant. This elegant eatery features a lively open kitchen with a contemporary décor designed to entertain, amuse and inspire conversation. This vibrant place with a tandoor and stone oven offers an intimate dining experience where the menu is strongly influenced by seasonal and locally-sourced produce. Why not try the whole South Coast Sole, tandoor roasted served with potted shrimp butter?

From Greek and Nepalese to Spanish and Japanese, you enjoy a multitude of worldwide cuisines from within a short distance of Bournemouth beach. One of the best places to eat curry in not just Bournemouth, but throughout the entire county of Dorset and beyond is Indi’s. Not only do they have the most delicious food, they offer exceptional service in a relaxed but chic setting in a modern restaurant that features pale wood, white furniture and modern art which lends this Indian restaurant a contemporary edge. It is situated in Westbourne, one of the coolest districts within Bournemouth which is home to vast selection of boutique, individual combined with plenty of places to eat, drink and relax.

Whilst you are in Westbourne, you simply must check out Renoufs, where diners are served a stunning array of the very best and finest local and international wines and cheeses alongside stunning charcuterie boards with complimenting chutneys and sides – #Youhadmeatcheese! One of the highlights is a flight of either white, rose or red wines – a fantastic way to try new and exciting wines.

It is in Sandbanks where you will find some amazing fine dining restaurants including Rick Stein restaurant that serves deliciously fresh seafood and meat dishes whilst gazing at the stunning views across the water.

It has its very own gin scene!

Hands up if you love gin? Us too! Gin continues to be one of the most popular drinks of 2018 and a visit to Gin Jam’s is the ideal destination to explore an incredible range of gins including locally-distilled gins such as Conker, Fordington and Lilliput.

Its incredible nightlife

Bournemouth has a bustling nightlife which includes some amazing bars and nightclubs. Try Sixty Million Postcards which is a funky and eclectic bar which features pieces of art designed and created by local artists. Here you can choose from a superb range of artisan beers and gins, listen to live music or simply hang out and play board games with friends.

If you are looking for cocktails and let’s be frank – who isn’t?! Then a visit to the Be At One Cocktail Bar is a must. This stylish cocktail bar is situated a short walk from the beach and features a wide range of amazing cocktails made by expert bartenders.

Enjoy a relaxing drink coupled with stunning panoramic views of the dramatic vista of the coastline along the English Channel to the centre of Bournemouth at the Hilton’s Level8ight Sky Bar, where the décor is highly influenced by the sea; opulently styled in hues of teal, gold and charcoal, taking inspiration the changing light over the water.

For a late-night drink, you have to try Smokin’ Aces cocktail bar and whiskey lounge which fuses sophisticated style with a rock ‘n’ roll twist. Drink perfectly mixed cocktails whilst chilling out listening to live bands and DJs.

You can shop until you drop

If you love to shop, then you won’t be disappointed, as well as the usual high street stores, you can find unique shops and boutiques throughout the town. If you love all things vintage, then head to Pokesdown – the vintage mecca of Bournemouth. This quaint Victorian suburb to the east of the town is fast becoming Bournemouth’s creative quarter. It is home to some of the South Coast’s most loved vintage shops such as Vintage Clobber where you can buy anything from a 1950’s style swing dress to a 1970s band tee-shirt. It is truly an Aladdin’s cave of vintage goodies.

Situated just a ten- minute walk away from Clobber (and other vintage and antique shops) lies the Bournemouth Vintage Emporium which is chock full of vintage accessories for the home, vintage clothing, antique furniture and old vinyl. It also has a kitsch little tearoom where you can relax and make believe that you are on the set of an old school film.

You can do as little or as much as you want – including surfing!

Feeling active? Why not don a bicycle from the promenade of Bournemouth to the stunning Hengistbury Head (which is situated between Bournemouth and Mudeford) where you can take in the views over the coastline and sample some local Purbeck ice cream before heading back to town.

For the super adventurous, there’s a zipline that whisks you from the end of the pier onto the beach. It’s not for everyone but is an exhilarating experience that you will remember always.

Surf culture has been ever-growing in Bournemouth over the last couple of decades and if you have never surfed before, Bournemouth is definitely a wonderful place to try it for the first time. As well as surfing, you can try kayaking and paddle boarding at Boscombe beach (just outside of Bournemouth town centre) and can try windsurfing and more at the world-renowned Sandbanks, a mere fifteen-minutes’ drive away from Bournemouth town centre.

It’s home to some of the UK’s coolest festivals and gigs

So, you have eaten, drunk (hopefully danced… a bit) and you are probably looking for some culture? You are in luck. Not only is Bournemouth host to several cool live music venues where you can see world famous bands, up and coming artists and more, but you can also enjoy great festivals in the wider Dorset area such as Bestival, Camp Bestival, End of the Road, Teddy Rocks and the Larmer Tree Festival amongst others.

It has its very own treasure trove of art and eclectic curios

Bournemouth has always had a unique historical and cultural offering and no trip to Bournemouth should be without a visit to the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum. This is truly a treasure trove of Victorian eccentricities nestled amongst world-renowned artworks (Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite, sculptures and curios from all over the world. It is perched upon the clifftop overlooking the sea in an extravagant villa which blends an intriguing mix of architectural styles inspired by Italy, Japan, France, Scotland and more.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit Bournemouth before, come on down. It has palm trees, hip boutiques, glorious vistas, some of the best restaurants in the south and let’s not forget seven miles of award-winning beaches. It is only two and half hours from London and is an ideal place for a relaxing and revitalising break. Bournemouth is a thriving cosmopolitan place to visit and has plenty to offer the discerning traveller.

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Food & Drink

Vegan Christmas in Leeds

It’s December which means if you haven’t already been to 3 Christmas parties, you’re about to get slammed with all of the festivities of the season in a very short space of time. But, if you haven’t already picked where you’re going, or need to find somewhere that your vegan friends won’t feel limited by, there’s another Leeds location to throw into the ring. Knaves Kitchen in Oporto. Somehow, it is tastefully and subtly advertised despite being located on one of Leeds most prolific bar streets. Our girl Parker headed down for a night of Christmas crackers, festive music, and more Christmas puns than you can shake a carrot stick at…

“It’s always slightly odd when venues on Call Lane try to serve food, but hey, keeping an open mind is one of the most important requirements fo writing content for others to read. With that in mind here’s what a professional vegan Christmas can look like. One disclaimer, this is a review written by an omnivore, and I will, at some point, pine for pigs in blankets.

The setting in Knave’s is warm and cosy, the dividing curtain between the bar and the restaurant somehow works like a charm. The furniture is rustic, and there’s only just enough light to take in the company around the table. It’s cute, and the reviews from my friends who have been here before had left me with mixed emotions about what I had just entered into. Being greeted with mulled wine with cloves still floating in the glass helped in the way that only mulled wine can. With the venue to ourselves for the evening and the chef’s undivided attention, we got down to the business of sampling their brand new, all vegan Christmas menu.

We began with a “Winter is Comin’” beetroot borscht, its vivid colouring promising an explosion of flavour with a dollop of vegan sour cream only serving to highlight the hue even further. I can’t say I’ve had vegan sour cream before, but it was a strange experience. It didn’t add that silky smooth texture that it promised, or blend with the dish in the way that it should — but it didn’t detract from the pleasure that was the borscht. The serve was simple and the beetroot was cooked through without having turned to mush, the sauce was light and hot, well seasoned and never overpowering. The fresh sourdough that was served alongside it was able to be tasted through the noise of the dish, and when you strip it all back it was good, and just the start… so what would we experience next?

Next, as it turned out was a shared serving of kholrabi dunkers with a parsnip sriracha, lovingly titled “Baby it’s Kohlrabi outside”. I must confess that it wasn’t until writing this that I looked up what all of the dishes were actually called… I don’t know what to think about artistically titled food, as a writer by trade I appreciate the crafting of words, and I’m not above a good (or bad) pun now and then. However, I tend to feel that good food doesn’t need a playful title, because the flavours should be playful and bold enough on their own. All of this makes it sound like I didn’t enjoy the kholrabi dunkers — but actually I did! They were my favourite part of the entire night, which is why the title frustrates me so.

Kholrabi, ostensibly, is a form of turnip, which when deep-fried in tempura batter is actually delicious! It’s was bright, had an almost citrus note, and when dunked in parsnip sriracha (which was a delight in its own right) is absolutely delectable. It had a salty note that makes you reach for your cocktail, but that isn’t a bad thing. It’s a taste that you might never grow tired of, like the best chips with your life with just an extra step up. After trying, and revelling in, this dish it was hard for anything to live up to it. Honestly, the “Jack Frost” jackfish ceviche that came next had a lot to live up to.

I would love to tell you that it did, but sadly not. I can’t say I’m a jackfish connoisseur, but this dish was inspired by a classic fish dish that is bright and flavourful. Its texture didn’t resemble any fish I have ever consumed, it wasn’t the vibrant, fresh palate cleanser that was needed to transition between courses. The corn croquettes that were served alongside the jackfish is what saved the dish. They were like molten lava, the kinds of things that could retain their heat forever and never lose that crispy exterior that I’m salivating over a week later.

When we finally moved to our mains, every person around the table was already budgeting their stomach space. The servings never seemed huge, but there was no moment where it felt like we would leave hungry. So with budgeting done as soon as well as possible, we prepared ourselves for the long promised “Mush-room at the inn”. A vegan alternative to the beloved Beef Wellington served with traditionally prepared vegetables, this monolith was hyped up until it finally arrived. We were told about how meaty the texture was, and how this was a wonderful alternative that people with all diets could enjoy.

I would love to tell you that I fell head over heels with this dish, and that it was everything it promised to be — but I won’t lie to you. Flavour-wise, this dish was difficult to describe at the time, and distance hasn’t especially helped with finding a way to articulate it. The mushroom that encased the seitan core was rich and delicious, never overcooked or slimy, and neither were they undercooked or too firm. The pastry was soft, but could maybe have withstood being in the oven for a minute or two longer. The accompanying vegetables were tender and wonderful, but all of this is me attempting to avoid the question I must answer. Was the seitan a wonderful substitute for a Beef Wellington? The answer is, not for me.

The texture of the seitan wasn’t meaty, it was thick and soft, dense and decidedly not beef-like. Those thinking now “but it’s not beef, it’s never going to be the same”, and I appreciate that. But this dish is actively trying to recreate a meat-filled counterpart. Do you remember when I said that I was going to pine for pigs in blankets? This is that moment. Many vegan and vegetarians grew up eating meat, and I want for them to have something that can recreate and even surpass their childhood memories. I want for them to have yet another reason that I should move to veganism (you know, apart from the many scientific and emotional reasons) That’s what they deserve at Christmas, but this wasn’t it. It was a good dish, but it wasn’t that perfect realisation of a Wellington that has never been near an animal.

At last, we came to dessert, a simple thing that was executed brilliantly. Christmas Pudding Truffles with an Orange Brandy Custard… drooling just remembering these. These truffles were actually small bites of homemade Christmas pudding, popped on a stick and dunked in glorious chocolate. Simple and brilliant. They were moist and didn’t need drowning in the accompanying custard (though that was a fabulous addition) and converted me to the idea of actually ordering Christmas pudding at my next festive event.

The final treat of the evening was sampling vegan Bailey’s, something that Knaves Kitchen are working to recreate themselves in the very near future. Personally, I’m very excited to see what their creation is like, and that I would return for. The ultimate selling point of this menu is that it’s all vegan, and that is amazing, but if you’re seeking to invite your meat-loving friend along to your vegan soirée, just don’t promise them that they won’t pine for a pig in a blanket.”

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Winter at Tattu

Nightlife up north gets overlooked more often than it should, but at House of Coco we don’t buy into the notion that “culture ends at the Watford gap”. Culture lives up in the north too, and it comes in a wide variety of hues, so we sent our girl Parker for a night at Tattu, the hue was opulent jewel tones and flecks of magnolia pink in every corner.

Tucked away in the Leeds Financial District, amongst some of Leeds’ favourite restaurants and hotels lies the sleek venue exterior which doesn’t feel the desire to shout about its presence. The most wonderful thing of all is that it doesn’t need to shout, they’ll astound you once you step through the doors.

After a warm welcome we sat in the bar to take in our surroundings, the dedicated bar area is compact, but fine details are worked throughout. It’s the little things that make Tattu memorable, and also the giant sakura tree which weaves its way through two floors… there’s no denying that part. The selection of wines will keep almost everyone happy, with some wonderful options by the glass as well as the bottle. A mid range reisling by the glass which isn’t unreasonably priced was a pleasant suprise. With two of their own specially crafted house beers there really is something for everyone — which is still sadly an all too rare thing. When we moved to the table things were never rushed, it was curious to see that no table was hurried along with their mains even during peak service. If the waiting staff — who did an amazing job by the way, thanks for looking after us Sam and Shanelle — ever felt any stress, they never let it slip.

We deliberated over the menu for a long time, the number of new options on the winter menu left us drooling and our souls almost left our bodies out of sheer joy. When we finally recomposed ourselves we started with the Wild Mushroom Spring Rolls, Chilli and Sesame Roasted Scallops, Beef and Fois Gras Gyoza and Wagyu Dumplings. For the non-meat eaters reading this with a degree of shock, there are other heady vegetarian options to sample, but that night, we were carnivores through and through. As for drinks through the night we sipped on Prosecco Ca’ del Console, but other pairings were suggested throughout the night which was music to our inquisitive ears.

Back to the starters we go. There was much time spent debating the many positives of each dish, the rich darkness of the Wagyu, the complexity that three types of mushroom have when dipped in luscious truffled sour cream. We couldn’t help but raise the question if the Fois Gras tasted as good as it looked, or whether the idea of it was better than the result. Though I went in expecting to be raving about the scallops, and oh my they were phenomenal, I must concede that after much deliberation the Mushroom Spring Rolls was the highlight of the starters (in my opinion at least). Trying to find a way to capture the flavours we experienced in a few words is always challenging. Indulgent, rich, satisfying and opulent are good words to start with.

The word ‘opulent’ is dominating my thoughts as I type this, because that was and is always the biggest experience with Tattu. When we finally stopped marvelling over the starters and moved onto mains we were again lost for words. Tattu does a variety of things very well, but the seafood shone through with its promise of delicate flavours with sharp contrasting accompaniments. So of course, we went for the Saffron Black Cod and the Giant King Prawn with steaming bowls of rice on the sides. The presentation is never up for debate at Tattu, it’s always impeccable, but would the flavours line up?

For the Giant Prawns, the answer is… almost. They were delectable, and more-ish, but there was just that little something missing. Just a touch too tough and the yuzu a little too understated. The Saffron Cod also came close to perfection but I won’t be rushing back to have it again on my next trip. The cod was delicate and light with razor clams adding a touch of saline to the mix and Chinese sausage adding a level of spice. My issue is that the cod was so light, so, so light, a blank canvas which couldn’t hold its own between bites when compared to the other elements of the dish. So, I won’t be rushing back to snap up these mains again on my next visit, but there will be another visit and instead, I’ll be sampling some of the other amazing new offerings.

We of course couldn’t leave without trying a dessert and a cocktail, both from the new winter menu and both surprising in their own way. A sweet White Chocolate Igloo and an Emperor’s Spice cocktail were excellent choices to round out the evening, though I wouldn’t suggest having both in one night! The Emperor’s Spice sits somewhere between being a wintery Old Fashioned and a new twist on a Boulevardier. Its maple sweetness threatens to cloy at you, but a bright flash of cinnamon brings things back into perspective. As for the Igloos they too were sweetness personified, with just the right amount of blood orange sorbet to make the experience enjoyable. They were decadent and wiped out those last traces of cravings, and were opulent at every moment. I still can’t get away from that word, even with a thesaurus in hand nothing else seems right.

Walking away at the end of the night was tough, both because of the amount of food we had sampled and because of the atmosphere we were immersed in. Tattu is an experience, and no trip is ever just remembered for the food. The attentive service, the passion that could be found in every person’s eyes, those are rarities too. It’s why Tattu doesn’t need to shout, it offers a wonderful dining experience and attracts the best levels of service. What more can you really ask for?

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Bangladesh

Come Up, Slow Down : Chilled Luxe in Gstaad

After my late-twenties epiphany that struggling up the corporate ladder wasn’t working for me, I took a step back from logical employment choices (and having any savings) and started working part-time at a vintage-style travel poster gallery. Being in Pimlico, London the destinations on these posters were, let’s say, a little out of reach for free-spirited me but one of the places depicted took me away in daydreams of faux fur coats, 70s fondues and martinis, shaken not stirred: the famous mountain town of Gstaad. When the opportunity came up to travel to this place of dreams, how could I have said no?

Arriving into Gstaad is like being transported to a theme park. Not least as you will have likely arrived via one of the most scenic train routes you’ll ever take – the town is incredibly easy to access by train from both Geneva and Zurich. Just a few hours winding round mountains or Lake Geneva will transport you to the crisp air of the town, surrounded by impossibly beautiful people. After all, since the iconic Gstaad Palace hotel was built in 1913, the town has welcomed A list celebrity visitors such as Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Roger Moore and made the excellent Dame Julie Andrews an honorary citizen in 2014.

There’s no doubting that this is a place to treat yourself, the area’s slogan is ‘Come Up, Slow Down’ so what more else do you need? But there’s much more here than the perfect, shiny veneer would have you believe. The hotels are one of the main draws and the newest hotel in town, The Alpina Gstaad (thealpinagstaad.ch), is the one to aim for. Being picked up in a Tesla from the station fulfilled many of my Tony Stark dreams and pulling into the covered entrance to the hotel past a revamped icecream van piqued my interest that there was more going on here than first meets the eyes. And this is the foodie issue isn’t it, so what’s that ice-cream van all about…

The Alpina Gstaad was the first hotel to be built in Gstaad for a century and overcoming local opposition for the hotel took 13 years alone so you’d expect the final result to be spectacular and you wouldn’t be wrong. While the bedrooms have uniquely Swiss touches, with wood panelling, decorative cowbells and scherenschnitte (paper cutting art) the hotel is a mesmerising mix of luxury charm and the eclectic private art collection. The collection here ranges from Margate’s finest Tracey Emin to work by The Bruce High Quality Foundation presiding over the common spaces. Unlike the often cold shared spaces in other luxury properties, The Alpina Gstaad begs you to explore and get cosy.

Much of the art and the icecream van mentioned earlier is the influence of one of the owner’s sons Nachson Mimran, one of the founders of To: (to.org) a platform that collaborates with artists and non-for-profits on projects like creating replicas of the icecream van, named ‘Shadowman’, as community centres in refugee camps in Bangladesh and Uganda. Sure, so it’s not a functioning ice-cream van, hungry readers, but so much more.

If you did nothing but eat in Gstaad, I wouldn’t judge you one bit. The Alpina Gstaad with their incredible in-house restaurants is the perfect place to let go and indulge. On our first evening we dug into their World Championship Fondue blend (yes friends, there is a Fondue World Championship) with boiled potatoes and hunks of bread in the hotel’s traditional Swiss Stubli. Surrounded by the carved wood panels, red and white table cloths and traditional swiss music you can experience the true mountain experience without having to put your skiwear back on to waddle back to your chalet. The hotel is also home to an outpost of cult New York Japanese restaurant MEGU where fresh platters of sashimi and sparkling sake help you to repent for your cheese-based sins – and signature fine dining at Sommet, under the care of Michelin-starred chef Martin Göschel.

It’s no wonder with these treats available that The Alpina Gstaad balances out this luxe gluttony with their breathtaking The Six Senses Spa which offers not only wellness treatments but technological advanced fitness programmes which can be personalised to your needs – if you must go on a five day ‘Cleanse and Detox’ programme, this would be the place to do it.

Peeling yourself away from the hotel, depending on the season, you’ll find 200km of excellent ski slopes or green and inviting hiking and camping sites. Whatever the weather, a mountain lodge restaurant like Berghaus Wasserngrat (wasserngrat.ch) will provide all the instagrammable sights you’ll need, including a huge wheel of locally made meringues and cream. Once fuelled there’s more to explore in this seemingly cosy town: a walk with a local guide will uncover tales of the secret army training base part of P-26, when the cows come down from the mountains decorated with flowers and how there are six different types of bell toll, all with different meanings.

For thrill seekers in the warmer months, head up to Glacier 3000 (glacier3000.ch) for world’s highest bobsleigh track, the ‘Alpine Coaster’ which takes you on a 1 km descent through a loop, ten curves, six waves, three jumps and two bridges and the only suspension bridge in the world that goes between two peaks, the ‘Peak Walk by Tissot’. Around the town of Gstaad are a number of wierd and wonderful sights to help you work off all that indulgence. If you hire a car a scenic 1 hour drive will take you to Chaplin’s World (chaplinsworld.com) in Corsier-sur-Vevey, a museum in Charlie’s manoir complete with set recreations from some of his most famous films.

Alternatively, if you like your entertainment a bit more macabre, head for the gothic Chateau St Germain in cheesy Gruyères which houses the HR Giger Museum (hrgigermuseum.com) filled with art from Giger’s various creative projects including the film Alien . Don’t miss a drink in the astonishing bar under the vertebra of an alien civilisation following the arches of the castle ceiling. Yes, that’s a thing.

What you need to know:

Thanks to Switzerland’s excellent train system, it’s easy to get to Gstaad from any of the country’s international airports. I chose to cross the country by flying into Zurich and out of Geneva.

Be sure to stay for a night or two in Zurich at the cosy, city centre Hotel Continental Zurich – MGallery by Sofitel (continental-zurich.hotels-zurich.org) which is the perfect location to dash to from the train station and dump your bag and go and explore. Rooms here start from £200 a night and include a sumptuous breakfast buffet. Check out our guide to Zurich over at houseofcoco.net

Rooms at The Alpina Gstaad (thealpinagstaad.ch) start at £674 per room in double use occupancy including breakfast, daily credit of £80 per person and day for food and beverage consumption in our 3 restaurants (Sommet, Megu & Siwss Stübli), free access to pools, saunas, steam-baths and relaxation areas at the Six Senses Spa, parking as well as service charge, all taxes and VAT.

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Argentina

After-Work drinks: Girl Bosses of the booze industry

“Powerful. Badass. Natural” are the three words that Annie Pautsch uses about being a pioneering woman in the often perceived male-dominated beer industry. The words send a shiver down your spine, not unlike the warming sensation of the first sip of that hard earned pint, promising an exciting, freeing evening ahead.

She explains that the brewing community around her business Brew Cruz largely exists because of strong women – “it just so happens that men like brewing as well.” From the wheel of ‘Betty Jane’, her lovingly restored eighties school bus, she showcases the beauty of her hometown Santa Cruz, spinning tales of small business glories through four local breweries.

From the sunny shores of California, through the rum connoisseurs of Jamaica to the newly appointed Kelsey McKechnie, a 25 year old apprentice malt master at The Balvenie. – the answer to that eternal question – who run the world? – is definitely girls.

As one of the most interesting industries out there, the drinks business is ever evolving; shaking up stereotypes as well as some mighty fine drinks. If you’ve ever thought about moving into this industry, starting up your own tipple side hustle or just want to know where and what to drink, grab a glass and read on.

Click through each of our Girl Bosses to read their full interviews…

Sasha Filimonov, Brand Ambassador hendricksgin.com (full interview here)

Sasha serves as Hendrick’s events executor : she cultivates the unusual wherever she goes. The original plan was to become a journalist but the US economy had other plans….

HOC: Hey Sasha, when you started out in your career, where did you want it to go?

I was very adamant from a very young age that I was going to be a journalist and there was no other path for me. Growing up in a household as a first-generation American, my parents saw my dedication and motivation and supported me wholly in my single-minded focus.

I began to learn how to be more flexible with my career goals – and because of that, I managed to grow, learn and develop in ways that I hadn’t anticipated and am now so immensely grateful for.

At age 15, I thought that at age 30 I would be running my own print magazine in New York City. Instead I’m running around the UK (and sometimes the world), creating, tasting, teaching, learning, sharing, and just generally experiencing the unusual every single day. And I couldn’t be any happier if I tried.

HOC: What’s it like, being a woman in what we imagine is a male dominated industry?

I have found it is so crucial to seek out other intelligent, determined and powerful women in this industry to learn from them, glean incredibly insightful advice, and to always act as each other’s cheerleaders.

We are truly powerful when our voices and efforts are combined – so I cannot stress enough just how vital so many women from this industry have been to my personal journey and I am forever grateful to them. Further, I always hope I can pass on some of those same lessons and be a voice of encouragement to other women looking to pursue their career in this industry.

HOC: You are a woman after our own hearts and love to travel. Where’s the best spot for a few sundowners and snacks?

Here’s one of my most recent favourites and it’s a showstopper… Franco’s in Pyrgos, Santorini: this is not the classic Oia Caldera sunset spot… but has something so special, it feels unmissable. It’s located in a little mountain town that is slightly off the beaten track, and to enter the bar you need to wind your way up through the narrow alleys, through (what feels like) a nonna’s kitchen and head up to the stairs for a view that is nothing short of breathtaking. I had read this is the place for an “operatic sunset” and that is spot on: the emotionally manipulative opera music plays beautifully as you watch the sun go down whilst sipping on a simply and perfectly made Negroni.

Annie Pautsch, Brew Cruz scbrewcruz.com / visitsantacruz.org (full interview here)

Annie relishes wearing many hats in her Santa Cruz small business: if she’s done her best and can pop a cold one at the end of a long day over a sunset – this boss lady has nailed it.

HOC: What is it about craft breweries that you can’t get enough of?

The brewers and their unconventional curiosity and creativity. The smell, sound, attention to detail and taste. The environment, ambiance, and vibe. 7 days a week doors are open to everyone without exclusivity, offering a warm, comfortable place to imbibe, converse, relax, connect, and draw inspiration. The history of breweries- their individual stories and legacies.

HOC: What’s next for your business?

My goals for the business have always been in stages, so that I allow myself flexibility when things inevitably go off-course and you have to readjust. Initially I was thrilled just to have passengers on the bus! Now one of the aspects I’m most proud of in my career are the relationships I’ve carefully built and maintained, and the integrity and sincerity with which I’ve run my business. I never set out to expand too quickly, and have definitely made trajectory moves that feel natural and right for maintaining what Brew Cruz ultimately is- a local business.

HOC: Where is your favourite spot in the world for a few beers?

I have so many favourite breweries, so it ultimately comes down to sharing some of my favourite beers with the most cherished people in my life – family and close friends. Those are the golden moments, and most of them have taken place around a worn kitchen table, in a garage, or on a patio until the late hours of the night.

EmmaLi Stenhouse, Brand Ambassador sailorjerry.com (full interview here)

EmmaLi claims she has the coolest job in the world and loves what she does. She’s right when she says not many people can say that…

HOC: Hey EmmaLi, what the heck is a Brand Ambassador?

When I had the opportunity to combine my love of rum and my love of Sailor Jerry tattoos [as a Brand Ambassador], obviously I went for it. I didn’t really have much of a clue as to what a Brand Ambassador was, or what I was getting myself into at the time. So, I guess I had no real expectations of where it might go, which is maybe why I’m so grateful for where I’ve managed to get to so far.

I get to travel all around the UK, and sometimes beyond, talking to interesting people about Norman Sailor Jerry Collins, tattoos and rum. I mainly focus on education, trade, events and brand partnership. Every day is different.

HOC: Your job must take you on the road a lot ; where’s your favourite place for a rum cocktail in the UK?

That’s a tough one! I love a good dive bar, where you can get an ice cold beer and a Sailor Jerry daiquiri, with decent tunes on the juke box. Bunny Jackson’s Juke Joint in Manchester is one of the best, so is Slim Jim’s Liquor Store in Islington, London. But if you want something Tiki you cant go wrong in Smugglers Cove in Liverpool, tasty as hell!

HOC: Can you tell us about a recent ‘Girl Boss Moment’?

This is trivial but for years I always wished I could open a beer without a bottle opener. Like when someone uses a lighter or a jigger or a spoon or really any flat solid object. I was super jealous when other people could do it.

Someone finally showed me how to do it, and now every single time I open a beer I feel like a boss. Especially when it surprises a guy. Especially if that guy had just offered to open my beer for me!

Cheers to the girls #TeamCoco ’s drinks cabinet…

  • Ramborn Cider ramborn.com : Ramborn is the first Luxembourgish cider producer and over half of their team is made up of badass female including Chantal Hellers-Biseniusm, Head of Orchards.
  • Forest Gin forestgin.com : Lindsay Bond distills every drop of this locally sourced, Cheshire gin. No more than 85 bottles are distilled at any one time, so you should probably get your hands on one.
  • Fem:Ale fem.ale-festival.co.uk : Not a drink, but a festival, Fem:Ale breaks down stereotypes around beer, who makes it and who drinks it, by celebrating women in the brewing industry.
  • Leonista Agave Spirit leonista.co.nz : Founder Sarah’s vision for her South African brand is to be Patagonia of Liquor brands; a conscious company that tries to have more of a positive effect on the world and environment than a negative.
  • Wild Card Beer wildcardbrewery.co.uk : Badass female Jaega Wise leads the brewing team at this award winning London brewery, they also throw mean Vegan and Vintage markets.
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Bahrain

8 Hours In Paradise – A Day Trip To Ritz-Carlton Bahrain

As a reader of House of Coco, I’m going to wager that you like travel – and maybe get to do it for work. Lucky you, right? Well, no, not really. Let’s say you’re planning a day trip to Ritz-Carlton Bahrain.

Travelling for work is like the last unicorn…we all want it, but when we’re stroking its glittery mane we’re sleep deprived, air conned to the max and have eaten way too many processed foods – any conference venue will have the most addictive, crappy quality biscuits and you will eat c. 12 a day. More if you suffered through drinks with clients the night before. You realise why it was the last unicorn standing, no one wanted to keep him. Some of our top tips on how to make the most of your trip can be found here.

Then we get home and people are jealous we’ve been away, curious to see what tourist stuff we did and how many hours of sunbathing we crammed in.

Answers: 1) are you actually mad?

2) does the mall count?

3) how much sunshine exists outside of the hours 8 am to 6 pm when I am WORKING, pray do tell me.

On a recent event management trip to Bahrain, our girl Anna vowed to get out and see some authentic sites and also indulge in a day of luxury at the Ritz Carlton – hah, that’ll give them something to be jealous of.

Indulge in Luxury at The Ritz Carlton: A Day Trip Haven

The Ritz Carlton is set within 20 acres of lush gardens and golden sandy beaches, has a private island, 11 restaurants, a seriously well-equipped spa, 245 rooms and 23 seafront villas with private infinity pools. It’s a town in itself and I happily spent a good 8 hours there on my day trip….

If you aren’t able to stay at the hotel, don’t despair as you can purchase a one-day Royal Beach Club Pass for weekdays (BHD 25 per person) which gives you access to all the facilities so, you can slam your laptop closed and then head for the beach cabana for a long G&T.

The Ultimate Spa Experience at The Ritz Carlton

While at the resort, book in for an hour-long massage and be sure to ask for Betty. You know when you have one of those treatments where you come to, from a dozy state and realise that you are about to drool on the therapist’s floor? It was one of those. From travelling and hunchbacking over my laptop for a week my back was, how shall we put this – buggered – and Betty got stuck in. I’m always reminded of the Clueless quote “Even Fabian, my masseuse, said I had a lot of tension in my back” when having a treatment and remember how teenage me had no clue why you would need a massage, how little I know… In addition to Betty’s badass massage skills, the spa has deliciously heated adjustable beds so sorry loves, you are going to drool.

Before/after treatment the spa area was blissfully quiet so I could live my best life, alone, in the salted thalassotherapy pool and sip the spa’s signature delicious ginger tea. Putri the Spa Manager confided in me that the guests sometimes bring their thermos’ along to take the tea home. Note for next time.

Showered and looking presentable and peaceful, I drifted to the hotel’s Gourmet Lounge for a spot of afternoon tea. The lounge is decorated like a chic Parisien bistro and plays chansons. The teapots are kept warm over tealights and, in a real triumph in a country full of delightful-looking desserts that just don’t taste like all that much, the treats are incredibly high quality and presented beautifully.

I dwelled over afternoon tea, catching up, fittingly on our recent FOODIE volume before wandering outside to snag a cabana and watching the moon come up over the hotel’s bay and marina.

Sunset Strolls, Exotic Cocktails, and Authentic Cuisine

As sunset greeted the resort, I walked along the seafront to visit the hotel’s resident flamingos, on the way to treat myself to a Zombie tiki cocktail at the resort’s outpost of the famous chain, Trader Vic’s. Sadly the cocktail didn’t come in a classic tiki mug on this occasion but it was beautifully presented and mixed.

I then moved outside for tacos from the adjacent Cantina Kahlo, led by chef Hector Miguel Mendoza Becerra, a delicious authentic Mexican restaurant. When you go, order a Silver Margarita and the tequila taco selection for the best dinner you can buy in Bahrain (which is notoriously expensive) for only BHD 18, including tip. Try and catch their Mariachi band who play outside on the terrace most evenings and cosy down with a blanket for an entertaining early evening with the stars and lanterns winking at you.

A Day Trip To Ritz-Carlton Bahrain

I essentially packed a long weekend resort trip into only 8 hours meaning I have NOW something exciting to tell those at home about.

Explore the vibrant culture and scenic beauty of the “Island of Smiles” in our latest feature. Discover more about this enchanting destination.

Now, back to cabin fever in that conference centre…

Ritz Carlton Bahrain, Bldg. 112, King Mohammed VI Ave. Block 428, Al Seef District, Manama

Phone: (+973) 1758 0000

ritzcarlton.com/bahrain

@ritzcarltonbahrain

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Australia

#COCOCOUNTRYSIDE: AMANO KENT

A menu bursting with fresh Italian produce, hand-made pasta from a dedicated pasta cellar and a tiramisu that nonna would approve of. When in Rome? Not quite. However with Roman Head Chef Fabio Moschini behind the menu at Amano Kent, this is the place for a taste of Italy a little closer to home.

A recently converted historic pub in West Malling, Kent which has been re-incarnated as an authentic Italian with four boutique rooms, ‘Amano’ from the Italian ‘a mano’ or by hand, definitely has the personal touch. After living in Italy for many years my love of pasta is ingrained, however getting a fix of authentic Italian food in the UK is not as easy as it may seem. Amano offers not only authentically Italian pasta and pizza (made from award-winning dough no less), but Italian attitude, hospitality and bar menu complete with Crodino spritz too. Welcomed by Leon and Alessia we were made to feel at home immediately.

Promoted as a neighbourhood restaurant, the atmosphere at Amano was friendly and buzzing on a Friday evening with regular locals who clearly know the menu by heart, mingling with those who have stopped by to savour this unexpected taste of Italy. Ferns and greenery creep up the walls of the restaurant offset by neutral tones and splashes of black and white through the tiling and table tops. Bringing the outside in creates a relaxed yet chic Mediterranean atmosphere.

With an impressive gin selection and knowledgeable barmen Silvio and Sergei on hand, we sampled a variety of Italian gins, as well as being educated on the Italian roots of gin. The cocktail list ranges from bespoke in-house creations such as the tiramisu martini and chiaro di luna ‘moonlight’ cocktail to the more traditional Crodino Spritz, which is highly recommended as an excellent aperitivo.

Head chef Fabio Moschini is seriously dedicated to his pasta and fresh produce. Not only did he search his native Italy for over a year pre-opening to ensure the best Italian products have pride of place on the menu, but the fresh pasta is created daily on the premises in a dedicated pasta cellar. These flavours shine through a menu which encompasses classic Italian dishes and more modern Italian cuisine.

The ‘Calamaro Grigliato’, grilled squid was a stand out dish from the selection of antipasti, a generous portion of tender, meaty squid, grilled to perfection. Offering the ideal taste bud jarring twang of charcoal combined with rich olive oil, lemon and aioli. The rich and creamy burrata and prosciutto was a close second. The classic option of ‘Spaghetti alle Vongole’ was simple yet satisfying and the pasta was ideally textured and firm. Head Chef Moschini is a fan of using traditional flours dating back to Roman times and this dish with its simple flavours really places the focus on the pasta as the star of the dish. However for a rich, warming plate ideal for the winter months the ‘Pappardelle ai Funghi di Sottobosco’ was excellent. A recommendation from one of the Amano team Joe, this dish was truly mouth-watering; featuring wild mushrooms and truffles, it was a delicious seasonal combination of flavours. A traditional, thick and creamy tiramisu was an overindulgent end to our Italian journey.

Above Amano and conveniently located for those who may need a lie down after a pasta fuelled evening, lie four perfectly formed boutique bedrooms, each one has been carefully restored with a modern design and personal touches by Nick Levantis and Darryl Healy who are behind Amano and sister property The Swan. Previously a historic pub, the restaurant and rooms have been adapted to the architecture of this Grade II listed building so the bedrooms are all unique in size, shape and design. Our room Isabella was warm and welcoming with a small set of stairs leading from the entry into the main bedroom, giving a feeling of a snug apartment. The window seat offered the perfect place to curl up with a cup of tea and a fresh batch of amaretti. Small details available in-room included a well-stocked mini bar complete with Italian treats, a generous amenities selection including eye masks and ear plugs for light sleepers and indulgently fluffy towels and robes. The bathroom was well-appointed with a selection of Green and Spring products. Green and Spring is a nature inspired British wellbeing brand using herbs and flowers native to the British Isles, which fits well with the countryside location.

Speaking of which, for a countryside getaway Amano is perfectly located. Under an hour via train from London Victoria and a leisurely 10 minute walk from the station, West Malling is extremely accessible. This historical town, visited by Charles Dickens and also known as the location for the Beatles Magical Mystery Tour film is a delightful place to stretch your legs. Take a leisurely stroll through the shops, cafes and restaurants or further afield take in a vast selection of wonderful walking and biking opportunities direct from Amano’s doorstep which include Manor Park Country Park. If you are thinking of making a weekend of it, schedule in a brisk walk to take in the scenery, but more importantly to ensure you have enough room for another slice of dolce vita (or tiramisu!).

For more information or bookings visit amanorestaurant.co.uk

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Chile

#CocoLeeds: Hey Arnold’s! Leeds favourite has a new identity in the Arena Quarter

Leeds is absolutely spoilt per capita when it comes to restaurants, especially those who profess to be fine dining. However, our girl Jenna always manages to find a new gem with old roots in this constantly evolving city. Therefore, when we heard that Leeds stalwart Brasserie 44 was closing it’s doors to begin a brand new concept in the shiny Arena Quarter, we just had to see what she thought…

“Ok, i’ll admit it, I usually hate restaurants that are associated with hotel brands. The only one i’ve ever found with any sparkle was Berner’s Tavern at the London Edition, but luckily for Arnold’s, it outshines it’s corporate connections. Positioned under the Ibis Styles, Arnold’s comes from famed local restauranteurs Steve and Carol Ridealgh, the husband and wife team who spent over 20 years running Brasserie 44 on The Calls. They’ve put together a small menu of refined British cuisine that you can enjoy in a luxurious venue in the Merrion Centre unit which was formerly occupied by the failed Marco’s Italian.

Named after Leeds’ legendary entrepreneur and philanthropist Arnold Ziff, Arnold’s sits comfortably within the regenerated Arena Quarter. When you arrive at Arnold’s, its shiny exterior wouldn’t go amiss in the West End but it feels much more welcoming than its London-styled predecessor. Maybe it’s down to the fact that most of the staff are related or have worked together for many years, as you almost feel like you’re walking into somebody’s very plush and very nicely designed living room.

Sitting at the bar, I instantly felt relaxed. Sipping on a glass of Ayala Champagne (throwback to the old Epernay days) we joked with the bartenders and eyed up the food coming out of the open kitchen. It all felt really chilled out and totally unpretentious. For a rainy midweek night, it was almost comforting to be in such a friendly environment sipping on some fizz awaiting some awesome food.

Unlike other fine dining restaurants in the city, Arnold’s menu is really petite and full of classic Yorkshire flavours. To start, there’s a selection of well known dishes with a high-end twist. From Pear & Walnut Salad to Chicken Liver Parfait, its beautifully simple. As we knew the portions would be relatively generous, we decided to share a starter and pudding – but go all in with the mains. With deep fried Brie as an option, my heart overruled my waistline and said yes. Yes, it’s not Michelin starred cooking, and yes it doesn’t break the mould, but damn it was delicious.

As Arnold’s prides itself on fresh, Yorkshire produce, I just had to go for the Holme Farmed Venison Haunch with red cabbage, blackberries and red wine. With a large glass of their Chilean Pinot Noir, and a side of Dauphinoise it was the perfect way to warm up.

However, it’s not all meat and two veg. If you’d rather go meat-free, they do a fantastic Vegetable and Goat’s Cheese Envelope, with roast butternut squash, spinach, rocket leaves, pine nuts and tomato sauce, which almost took my dinner guests fancy. However, the Chicken Breast, parmesan & herb crumb, wild mushrooms, orzo pasta & tarragon cream sauce trumped it and was really enjoyed – even if the orzo pasta got a little lost amongst the big flavours. With shining examples of orzo in other menus such as Matt Healy x The Foundry’s Pigs Cheeks with creamy orzo pasta and The Ivy’s Truffled orzo pasta, it was a little bit of a waste of such an in-vogue ingredient.

The service is almost how you’d expect from a family run restaurant, very friendly but a little disjointed. It did add to the charm at times, but having to ask where your mains were after a long wait and sit with an empty glass for 30 minutes is quite far away from a fine dining experience. However, their enthusiasm and sheer passion for their craft is so lovely to see, and something that doesn’t always exude from staff. This really is a concept born out of a family’s love for the industry as Steve is the General Manager, Carol is the Head Chef, and their son Dave is the Restaurant Manager. Dave is one of the most hospitable people you will ever meet and Steve has so much pride in what he does – which doesn’t surprise me considering the hearty and satisfying dishes that Carol cranks out of the kitchen.

Dessert saw us go back to our student routes with a good old fashioned Chocolate Fondue with fresh fruit and Marshmallows. Again, 100% not haute cuisine, but I ate the rest with a spoon. Huge sugar-coma followed, but it was SO worth it.

I do think that calling Arnold’s fine dining is a little bit brave, but I admire how much these guys know their audience. We’re not in London, and sometimes before going to see an act at the arena, people want a relatively special plate of food in a gorgeous environment. Arnold’s delivers just that. With classically warm service, a hugely welcoming atmosphere and simple food cooked in a brilliant way (that also doesn’t break the bank) I think Arnold’s are more than deserving of their name in lights. Nice to see an independent business come out of the shadows of The Calls and into the main city, I’m excited to see what’s next!”

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Arnold’s Restaurant and Bar, Wade Lane, Merrion Centre, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8NJ. Kitchen is open from 12pm to 2.30pm for lunch and 5pm to 9.30pm for dinner Sun-Sat.

https://www.arnoldsleeds.co.uk

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Food & Drink

#CocoFood: StreetSmart Helping Homeless People

When you dine out this winter, this is the perfect way to do something heart-warming, kind and generous.

If you’re not familiar with StreetSmart, it runs every November and December in over 25 towns, cities and counties across the UK, and it supports the homeless.

StreetSmart was established in 1998 (in London) and since then has successfully raised over £8.2 million for homeless and vulnerable people across the UK.

At participating restaurants during the festive months of November and December, with the benefit of a table card or a reference on the menu, a voluntary £1 is added to the diners’ bill. At the end of each month, the restaurant passes on all of these £1s to StreetSmart. They are then used to support reputable charities for the homeless.

All StreetSmart’s running and operational costs are generously paid for by their sponsors, Deutsche Bank, so every penny in every £1 raised goes directly to the people who need it.

Towns, cities and counties taking part include; London, Leeds, Manchester, Belfast, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Bristol, Nottingham, Isle of Wight, Birmingham, Bedford, Essex, Cornwall, Brighton & Hove, Wakefield, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bath, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Yorkshire, Newcastle, and Surrey.

There are many charities that are supported through StreetSmart. The work that each charity provides towards helping homeless people includes; drop in centres, soup kitchens, overnight accommodation, street assistance, clothing and food banks, YMCA centres, community officers, guidance back into work, assistance with finding a home, acting workshops, volunteer and training programmes, support workers, residential centres, tenancy support, health & wellbeing centres, showers and clean clothes, emergency accommodation, redistribution of surplus food, schools programmes, health appointments – and so much more.

So, if you dine out this November and December take a look at the restaurants in your area to see if they are supporting StreetSmart and dine at one of them. By adding just £1 to your table’s bill (not per person) you will be helping someone in desperate need.

For more information about this wonderful feel good Charity search for StreetSmart online.

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Food & Drink

#CocoKitchen: House of Coco x Ringways Motor Group Event

As our week of Foodie celebrations comes to a close, our girl Jenna reflects on our first #CocoKitchen event that marked the launch of Volume 13. From a specially curated menu by Masterchef The Professionals finalist Matt Healy, to a bespoke flower wall and plenty of Champagne, it was one hell of a celebration…

“Our Food Issue is definitely one of my favourites yet. As a self professed Food enthusiast I really do believe that culinary creations are good for the soul. From the magical moment when you bite into something new, to the social aspect of dining – it’s my favourite pastime with so many benefits! With three #CocoKitchen events planned throughout Yorkshire, we kicked off in Leeds, the birthplace of House of Coco. Each restauraunt was specially selected, with Matt Healy x The Foundry being the perfect venue to collaborate with. We were also lucky enough to gain sponsorship from one of the region’s leading Motor Groups Ringways who attended our event with a specially designed #CocoKitchen car and were given the best seat in the house!

The Guestlist

From luxury lifestyle bloggers, beauty brands and the usual Leeds socialites – our editor Laura also made sure she could harness this event to thank some of House of Coco’s biggest supporters. This year, House of Coco turned four and this event was a fantastic opportunity to show gratitude to friends and family who had been there from the beginning.

The Food

As this was a celebration of all things culinary, Matt Healy put together a bespoke three course menu which encapsulated his style of cooking with some Leeds influence for good measure! To start was a choice of Beef & Oyster (Beef Tartare with a Lindesfarm Oyster emulsion) or a Vegetarian creation of roasted Heritage Carrot, Carrot puree & Carrot top salad. The Beef & Oyster starter was rich, inventive and completely delectable!

To follow was Black Leg Chicken, Hen of the Woods & Burnt Shallot. Hen of the Woods is a rare and unique Mushroom which gave some depth to the dish. The Chicken was incredibly moist and juicy – how this was possible at such a large event is beyond me! Absolutely insane. Usually at foodie led events, Vegetarians are almost an after thought. However, after recently opening Grön, a Vegan friendly cafe in Oakwood, Matt got all hands on deck for a creative main. Grilled Squash was topped with Burnt Shallot, whipped Goats Curd, Harrissa and Coriander. Word around the table was that it was unreal….

To round off the three courses, Matt & his team treated us to a classic with a super inventive twist. Lemon Meringue, but not as you know it. With a soft fluffy meringue shell, enclosed was a zesty Lemon Sherbet surrounded by a creamy Lemon Posset. Gorgeous.

Entertainment

Now, would it really be a celebration without some speeches and some Funky House? Legendary Leeds DJ Sara Garvey was on hand to keep the vibe going and our Editor Laura Bartlett was accompanied by Matt Healy for some very entertaining speeches. With a hint towards a potential House of Coco: Leeds and a big thank you to Matt for opening the restaurant exclusively to us, it was positive vibes all round!

Goodie Bags

With support from Harvey Nichols, we built 40 bespoke Goodie Bags for each of our guests. From artisan Coffee and high-end Noodles to Neom Organics and Squirrel Sister energy bars – the bags were almost as big as the tables! We also provided each guest with their very own copy of The Adventure Issue (vol 12) and exclusive access to The Food Issue (vol 13) before it hit the shelves.

Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for when the official #CocoKitchen video is released and grab your exclusive ticket to our Harrogate edition with Hotel Du Vin here! Huge thank you to all of our sponsors, including headline sponsor Ringways and venue host Matt Healy x The Foundry.

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