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North Norfolk has been cropping up more regularly in destination columns over the past few years, especially when ‘staycation’ became the buzzword of whatever that dark year was. Famed for its vast beaches, big skys, flint-built villages and pubs aplenty, it is no wonder why. I have always had a love/hate relationship with the place. Once I had ‘flown the nest’ and left for uni my parents decided Norfolk seemed like a good place to relocate to now they were child free and could spend their time doing things that child free parents do – country show committees, owning far too many chickens, an attempt at side saddle etc etc. Furious at being plucked from the safe bosom of the home counties where I had spent my adolescence, the thought of long summer holidays mooching around fields, miles away from any friends quite frankly, sucked. Thank god for lascivious gamekeeper’s is all I have to say. Once the university years were over I remained firmly rooted in London, refusing to leave the warmth of my smog blanket for such harsh easterly winds unless absolutely necessary. Fast forward ten years and as the gods would have it, I have ended up residing in Suffolk, the irony is not lost on me and despite Mummy Dearest being a mere forty minutes away, just over the border, there has been something stopping me from taking the trip, I just couldn’t bring myself to do it… until now.

I have been hearing murmurings of The Harper for the last year or so. I appear to have found myself in the socio economic group where midweek mini breaks and weekend staycations are par for the course; a quick reset in an environment loaded with food, wine and outdoor pursuits so we are free to fling around the hashtag #it’sallaboutbalance on social media. My instagram saved folder is full of such places that I absolutely must frequent. I hoard them to discuss with my gal pals over a chilled glass of Gris as I once did with football cards and Yazoo strawberry milk. So you can imagine my excitement when the stars finally aligned and The Harper visit was coming to fruition.

Driving across the border from Suffolk (its flatter, slightly more industrial and grizzly counterpart) something strange happened: instead of that sinking feeling I was half expecting, my fresh eyes that were here out of choice rather than duty could understand what my parents fell in love with all those years ago. Norfolk is bloody beautiful. Turning off the A47 – the last of the main roads that connects the outpost villages to some sort of semblance of civilization, I was back on the familiar single track lanes that had filled me with adrenaline in my early twenties. Reaching the passing places and allowing the sugar beet lorries to pass, getting stuck behind a tractor and accepting this is my fate now, might die here, might not, fields of pigs everywhere and if you get really lucky, a loose piglet causing absolute havoc. And the expanse, the sheer expanse of skies and fields with nothing but a lone barn breaking the two – there really is something special about this county and before even stepping foot in the hotel, my soul was beginning to feel rested. It is not very often that the journey somewhere sets you up perfectly for the next couple of days ahead but lo and behold, taking in the views, the quaint villages andthe working farms, by the time google maps had informed me I had arrived, I was blissed out and ready to relax.

Stepping into a leafy oasis that is The Harper’s reception area.

Stepping into The Harper you are greeted with the warmest of welcomes and feel that you have been here a million times before, there is a warmth exuding from both the building and the front of house team that swaddles you. It is hard not to notice the level of detail and finishing touches that are just about everywhere like a basket full of clean dog towels, an empty one next to it ready for the dirty. Shoe racks loaded with wellies for those ready to take in the North Norfolk Coastal path. Local art and curated trinkets begging to be taken home with you. There is a feel of a members club but without the high price tag or fear of being asked to close your laptop.

Pups catered for.

Even the dirty ones.

Checking into my room I was greeted by a huge four poster bed, you know, one of those that you absolutely want to jump on but every adult fiber in your body is pleading with your inner child to keep it together. My room had a juliette balcony looking over the enclosed courtyard, a mini bar loaded with Edmunds cocktails – a fantastic local supplier – a gorgeous huge desk complete with Angle Poise boasting the exact set up for any discerning writer to smash out their next column and above it, a HUGE TV preloaded with every streaming service known to mankind. Should I sit and write the thousand word article on Mother’s Day my editor is waiting for, or indulge in a The Walking Dead marathon? Tough call.

I believe it’s always a good sign when you also can’t decide if you want to explore the hotel or stay in your STUNNING room and pretend this is actually your home, but thankfully the decision was made for me as I had a very important meeting with a facialist.

The Harper houses a small, intimate spa area, again another characteristic that lulls you into thinking this hotel is actually a very nice home. As you are collected from your room by your therapist, whisked across the courtyard – given the exact right amount of time to not feel too self conscious in your robe but just enough to clock that delicious looking cocktail someone is drinking and make a mental note to order one later – taken into a perfectly tranquil treatment room (which can be set up for two), every last stress seeps from your body and you know, this is going to be good. And it did not disappoint, with a treatment menu created by Irene Forte skincare – lauded as the ‘New Natural’, a therapist who had the hands of an angel and zero pot bellied buddhas or whale music, I left relaxed, rejuvenated and most importantly GLOWING. The spa also includes an indoor pool looking out onto the courtyard and bathed in natural light, a jacuzzi and a sauna. The spa area needs to be pre-booked at reception – you are allocated a slot with your guest – this is an overhang from the dreaded C word but worked so well they decided to keep the system. A private spa with your nearest and dearest without any worry of who you will be sitting in a jacuzzi with, yes please. Given the size of the hotel (32 rooms) availability is good, you just need to be organised and the organisation pays off when you feel like the Queen you truly are doing backstroke without cannoning into another guest, or if you are my way inclined, setting up a private photo shoot, each to their own. Insider tip – try and book an early morning slot, the way the sun shines in is absolutely stunning and we all know it’s all about the lighting.

Jacuzzi for one.

Solo pool time.

Treatment room ready.

Feeling refreshed, it was time to head to The Bar. A low lit, intimate area providing nooks and corners for whispered flirtations or huge velvet sofas for group congregations. The Harper is full of areas varying from cosy to cavernous, just waiting to get lost in. It is worth noting that The Harper is only accessible for residents and so it never feels too busy even when at capacity, the ratio of space to guests is well thought out and exudes an air of luxury. The Bar is the perfect setting to take in a cocktail before heading upstairs to Stanleys, the onsite restaurant that boasts ‘fine dining without the flippery’. The menu champions local, seasonal produce and of course seafood. With a section dedicated to dishes cooked on the Josper – a charcoal oven – and a wine list suitable for the gods, I knew this evening was going to end in a swollen belly and a fuzzy head and I was absolutely ready for it. Smoked crevettes with a wild garlic aioli that were so unbelievably delicious, I ordered them again the next day – I never do this! A Norfolk Estate 20oz ribeye (to share… begrudgingly), parmesan & truffle beef dripping chips, bearnaise – need I go on? You know those pigs I was talking about earlier? I was one of them, in s**t. I finished with waffles topped with Baron Bigod, local honey and truffle which I categorically did not need but absolutely lapped up. The jeans were undone. I have no regrets.

It was time to retire to Ivys… yes, yet another area of sheer indulgence, luxury, taste and places to get lost in. A vaulted loft area comprising of seating pockets surrounding coffee tables laden the most beautifully curated books showcasing the works of Hockney, Hirst and cataloguing the best stage outfits of Mick Jagger and David Bowie – you don’t have to be an art collector to appreciate the works laid out in front of you. If book flicking isn’t your thing, there are towers of board games, libraries of paper backs and most importantly a self-serve wine machine that allows you to insert your room key and sample the most popular wines on the list without the need of a waiter meaning, you can keep sipping into the small hours. This is also a fantastic way to try wines that may be out of your price bracket or your comfort zone. They truly have thought of everything.

Self serve wine.

The next morning, loaded up on the most decadent of breakfasts, it was time to blow those wine-tinged cobwebs away and head for a coastal walk – a mere five minute drive and we were in Cley, a village famed for its views and iconic windmill. I can’t quite be sure if it was orchestrated or luck but we stumbled upon a man gathering reeds to make thatch and a woman painting a watercolour, all with the backdrop of the windmill and the sea and it was honestly the most Norfolk thing I have ever seen. I digress, taking in the expanse of the marshes as we traversed to Blakeney – this is a bird watcher’s paradise and, at the right time of year, the perfect spot to see the seals – tours are available – landing in Blakeney, it would be rude not to visit Two Magpies, a bakery making waves in the Norfolk and Suffolk food scene. A quick pit stop, a stroke of a dog and on we mooched to Morston – a typical Norfolk coastal village, very instagrammable, very quaint and the perfect spot for a pub lunch before heading back to The Harper. With a few hours to spare until the last supper and the sun well and truly on our side, a bottle of rose in the courtyard seemed the right thing to do. It was at this point where you could have confused this North Norfolk bolt hole for a Tuscan terrace – sitting under the olive tree, basking in the sun, sipping chilled wine. This is the stuff that repairs the overworked and overstressed.

Our final night saw us return to Stanleys before slipping away to The Den, yet another area we were yet to discover. Exposed brick walls, huge leather sofas, a pool table, a mere short corridor from the all important bar but if that was too much, one of the trusty wine dispensers has also been housed here. This is the place you while away the hours, new friendships are forged, new pool champions are made, relationships are strengthened and headaches may or may not be birthed – but they are totally worth it.

I don’t think I have ever been so sad to leave a place as I was The Harper, to the point I cancelled a day of meetings and worked from the courtyard for a further six hours. What they have done there is truly magic and the perfect escape to reset, recharge, detox and then subsequently retox – please note, the retox element is not mandatory.

What you need to know :

  • Rooms start at £190
  • The hotel is dog friendly but no pups in the restaurant
  • It is pretty isolated so driving is a must
  • Residents only so service is on point and no overcrowding
  • Food is available all day and can be eaten anywhere within the grounds.

You can find out more about The Harper here.

Nestled in a nook off Colmore Row in the centre of Birmingham is the resplendent and historic Grand Hotel. Seeped in old school glamour this iconic Grade II listed building has been given a new lease of life. Originally built in 1879, the hotel has hosted glitterati and heads of state. In its heyday guests included King George VI, Charlie Chaplin, Malcom X and Winston Churchill. By 2002 it had lost its sparkle and closed its doors. Step in Robert Angell International, who for the past 18 years have been working behind the scenes to deliver a £50 million restoration and refurbishment. 45,000 man hours later and the results are astonishing. The Grand Birmingham is the city’s jewel in the crown.

The hotel has retained a mix of French Renaissance, Victorian and Art Deco features, while successfully juxtaposing modern artwork and design features. The magnificent grand staircase sweeps through the centre of the building while fabulous chandeliers and mosaic tiles add to the style and character.

The service is friendly, upon arrival I’m greeted by front of house and reception staff who show me to my room and give me the low down on the facilities. The team are passionate and knowledgeable about the hotel and its history.

Bedrooms are light and airy, styled in muted cream, brown and black with views overlooking St Phillips Cathedral. The vintage phone and mirrored headboard add a retro splash to what essentially feels like a contemporary space.

Madeleine is perfect for cocktails and pre-dinner drinks. Dark panelling flanks the walls, large arched windows and twinkly bauble chandeliers add to the intimate atmosphere. Soft, velvet sofas and chairs are scattered around the bar area. Punches of ruby red, pastel pink and navy accents give it a luxurious chic vibe. Across one side of the room is a full-length bar, serving small plates and an extensive choice of cocktails. I tried the Madeleine Martini, a raspberry and pineapple alternative to the classic. It comes with what looks like a bubble bath topping and is totally Instagramable.

Downstairs is basement brasserie, Isaacs, the hotel’s New York style eatery. Green and white tiled walls surround leather diner style booths and tables. There’s a buzzing atmosphere as guests tuck into classic American dishes. The menu features fresh seafood, steaks and Stateside staples like ribs, hot dogs, cod and grits. Breakfast is served here and there’s an extensive choice of buffet options, eggs or for the hungrier a full English.

The secret garden courtyard on the ground floor is a hidden gem. Cute fairy lights and climber plants give it a roof top bar feel and I can tell that this area will be a big hit with guests in the summer.

The hotel is in the heart of the city, just a short walk from New Street Station and the Bullring shopping centre making it a great base for anyone looking to explore the UK’s second city. Host of this summer’s Commonwealth Games and home to some fabulous bars and restaurants, Birmingham and The Grand are well worth a visit.

Rooms start at £129 per night, visit The Grand Birmingham

There is something about Cambridge that instantly makes you fall in love. Maybe it’s the punters, drifting along on the River Cam, maybe it’s the allure of the city’s cobblestoned streets, or even the hallowed halls of the numerous famous universities that call it home. Whatever it is – TeamCocopup certainly felt the love during our dog-friendly visit to the Graduate Hotel Cambridge – which takes all these elements and turns them into a truly unique hotel stay.

Part of the wonderfully quirky Graduate Hotels Group, Graduate Hotel Cambridge is an idyllic retreat located on The River Cam that was inspired by this university town’s rich traditions. Academic influences are rife, with plenty of handsome leatherbound books occupying the shelves a hanging double-helix centrepiece, and 100 year-old punting boats hung gleefully on the walls.

Colourful college crests adorn the main desk in the lobby which is manned by the lovely hotel staff. Beyond that is the Garden Bar, a striking wraparound bar, with leather barstools and cosy booths and plenty of charm. There is a broad range of cocktails and bar snacks on offer here, plus a vast array of specialty beers. It is also dog friendly – and perfect for well-behaved pooches like TeamCocopup.

We stayed in one of the hotel’s Graduate Riverview King rooms with a balcony. Overlooking the River Cam, the rooms offered all the creature comforts – with plenty of vibrant design details. An Indian-inspired headboard is matched with a bright green armchair, with punter-inspired shelving and checked curtains. The mish-mash of colour, texture, and print works very well here – and envelope you in a comfy and quirky atmosphere.

The Garden House, the hotel’s main restaurant, boasts a delectable seasonal menu that celebrates the best of East Anglian cookery. Helmed by Executive Adam Wood, this open grill kitchen is a cacophony of aromas as soon as you enter. For starters, we sampled the grilled cockles, which offered just the right kick. This was followed by the delicious, glazed beef short rib with brussels and celeriac, and impossibly-tender grilled Herdwick lamb, salsify and quince. Paired with a bottle of the restaurant’s gorgeous Argentinian Malbec and you would be hard-pressed to find a better spot for a romantic Valentine’s Day meal.

This fabulously dog friendly hotel is perfectly situated in the town’s historic centre, within walking distance to all the tourist sites, local pubs and colourful shops.

We recommend visiting Cambridge Wine Merchants for its diverse range of wines and spirits – or better yet book in for a tasting. The Old Bike Shop is an excellent, dog friendly spot for lunch and the Cambridge Botanical Garden is also another lovely dog friendly day out.

You can’t go to Cambridge and not go punting and Scudamore’s station on Granta Pi is right next to the hotel. Here you can see the Mathematical Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs and all of Cambridge’s most idyllic sites.

There is no better way to end the day than at The Graduate’s own garden, which is situated right on the River Cam. Charlie loved sitting in the freshly cut grass, while we enjoyed a nice pot of tea watching the punters slowly drift by, as they have done for hundreds of years. The Graduate is truly an idyllic retreat on the River Cam – and the ideal location for a Valentine’s Day staycation that’s more than a bit extraordinary.

Visit graduatehotels.com for more information or to make a reservation

Our intrepid doggy reporter TeamCocopup Charlie and doting dog mum Hannah spent the first few days of 2022 at the beautiful Wharton Lodge Cottages, an idyllic visit which has refreshed and invigorated our favourite doggy duo for the new year.

Located near the Forest of Dean and surrounded by the picturesque natural landscapes of the Wye Valley, Wharton Lodge Cottages is the kind of place that postcards are made of.

Just three miles from the charming market town of Ross-on-Wye and a fifteen minute drive away from the wondrous Forest of Dean, Wharton Lodge is the perfect retreat for those looking for a relaxing winter getaway. Wharton Lodge Cottages is part of the Premier Cottages portfolio.

Finding Wharton Lodge is a piece of cake as the property boasts its own online visitor’s guide that will give you everything you need from ‘What Three Words’ directions to dog friendly places to visit. It will even recommend a few charming dog friendly pubs and restaurants.

The three luxury, dog friendly cottages are quintessential country-chic. Grosvenor, Harewood and Elgar are run by the lovely Nicky and George Cross, who live in a handsome building on-site and will welcome you to your designated cottage with a smile. The three cottages ooze with warmth and familiar comforts, elegant without being too stuffy and are a true home from home in Ross-on-Wye.

We stayed in the beautiful Grosvenor Cottage, which comfortably sleeps three and boasts plenty of room to relax and unwind. Grosvenor boasts a generously-sized master suite and an extra single bedroom, perfect for small families. Downstairs, there is an elegant lounge complete with log burner, flatscreen TV and bluetooth speakers too.

The fully-equipped kitchen also comes with a lovely welcome hamper full of breakfast essentials and of course all the necessary tools to make a perfect cuppa. Breakfast can be enjoyed in the outdoor courtyard or in the kitchen, both offering their own lovely countryside views. Grosvenor is one of two dog friendly cottages on-site and comes with its own private walled courtyard garden, which is perfect for late night doggy business.

Plenty of places claim to be dog friendly, but with Nicky and George parents to three darling Labradors of their own, Wharton Lodge Cottages surely takes the dog friendliness up a notch. Wharton Lodge boasts its own beautifully maintained walled garden and glasshouse. The property is surrounded by 13 acres of parkland, perfect for pooches like Charlie with a little bit too much energy. A ball-throw and hose are also conveniently located at the field entrance, while a dog waste bin is located in the outhouse. Small details — sure, but all important touches that any dog owner would appreciate.

Wharton Lodge serves as a perfect base to explore the nearby sites. There is plenty to see in the nearby Golden Valley, Brecon Beacons, Malvern Hills and the Cotswolds. The historical cathedral cities of Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester are also within driving distance. For a lovely meal, visit The Moody Cow or the Hostelries – which each offer an elevated take on pub classics.

Forest of Dean offers plenty of stunning circular walks, and for adventure-seekers there is also mountain biking and even a Go Ape acropark. Beyond the Forest, there are also several National Trust Houses to visit that will take your breath away.

Since our visit was set during the new year holiday period, we unfortunately missed out on a few activities in Ross-on-Wye. However, thanks to the hospitality of Nicky and George and the truly fabulous, cosy and effortlessly luxurious cottages at Wharton Lodge – our visit was certainly an unforgettable one.

Wharton Lodge is part of the Premier Cottages portfolio. Unlike many of the very large holiday rental websites, Premier Cottages does not add a booking fee to the price of its holidays. This means guests can save 15% or more by booking with Premier as their prices are “all inclusive” with no hidden charges, cleaning fees or service costs. In peak holiday periods this can result in savings of hundreds of pounds. With Premier you book direct with the cottage owner rather than through a central reservations number and all properties have been inspected and rated 4* or 5* by the national tourist board.

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To book Wharton Lodge visit www.premiercottages.co.uk or call Nicky and George at: 01989 750140

Do we all have that one city that we’ve never been to? Like, how did we get to this age, and travel all over the world but have never been to that one city?!

For me, that city was Liverpool. A lifelong lover of The Beatles, Liverpool should never have escaped my grasp for so long, and yet here we are.

I’ve stayed at a Melia hotel before, in Magaluf, representing House of Coco in the Magaluf half marathon. The hotel was modern and luxurious, with experimental art adorning the walls, so I had an idea of the quality to expect at Liverpool’s brand new four star INNSiDE by Melia.

The new INNSiDE Liverpool lives up to the reputation. Situated just a couple of minutes walk from Albert Docks, the city centre is easy to navigate to, and you have the wonderful Gino D’Acampo restaurant on the first floor and its 360 Sky Bar up top.

Walking into the building you first encounter a pop-up shop selling flowers, it’s a cute greeting and there’s a spot for an influencer selfie surrounded by blooms underneath a neon sign.

The open plan reception is handled by casual and super friendly staff, they give off the air that nothing is any trouble. They gave us tips on what to do whilst we were there and made sure we felt right at home.

Rooms

Our suite was incredible. We had views from full-length windows on two sides, one facing Ireland and the other looking over the docks at the hills of North Wales.

The room felt huge but was really well designed in order to make the most of the space. The bedroom area with massive TV was filled with a huge comfortable bed, the dressing area and sofa faced out over the docks, there was a separate coffee/ breakfast table corner, and the open-plan shower and sink area.

It was gorgeous, modern, clean lines, and great views. Plus you get cosy slippers and the most comfortable dressing gown hoodies ever! I’d suggest booking two nights so you can spend the second night with a hangover, in those hoodies, full of Gino D’Acampo pasta, watching a movie in bed.

The Restaurant and Bar

Before dinner, we booked a table at the 360 Sky Bar. Surrounded by walls of glass, the view over this heartful city envelops you. As the night draws in, the city comes alive and from the sky bar you feel the buzz.

As with the rest of the hotel, the staff treat everyone like a VIP. I was getting 80s power suit vibes from up there for some reason, it’s inexplicable, but it’s there.

Back down to the first floor and we couldn’t have been more excited for dinner. Gino continues to dominate city after city with his restaurants and it’s not just his name that makes it happen.

The food is exceptional, with a playful menu full of enough choice, but not overwhelming amounts. Dishes are listed with a little bit of personality from Gino himself explaining a bit more about the recipe such as where it came from, who loves it most in his family, and that sort of thing.

We enjoyed every moment of dinner. From being seated with a direct view of the open kitchen, advice from the experienced staff with our order, and portions that will make you glad you booked. There’s nothing better than delicious food at a special restaurant that serves enough so that you’re not left needing more.

And finally

We spent the night dancing our little hearts out in the famous Cavern Club. As mentioned up top, I absolutely love The Beatles and this is where they started. We paid just a fiver each to get in, with no queue, and there was a resident band playing all of the hits. The place was packed with everyone from students to the over 60s reliving their youth.

Liverpool is a stunning city full of impressive architecture and naturally warm people. So if you’ve never been, just do it.

For good vibes, plenty of space, and no worries at all, the INNSiDE by Melia Liverpool is the one. We will definitely be back… if nothing else, to do the same again but with an added extra night in one of those dressing gown hoodies!

Book a room from £64 per night at INNSiDE Liverpool.

Old Hall Street
Liverpool
L3 9LQ

Tel: 0151 832 0960 innside.liverpool@melia.com

Every now and then, we’ll come across a place that’s hard to write about. Not because it’s bad, but because it’s so good we don’t want anyone else to know. This is exactly one of those times.

Just south of Falmouth is the Hotel Muedon, a beautiful 19th Century manor house hotel set within nine acres of gardens leading down to the hotel’s very own private beach. Cornwall is world renowned for its beaches, and having one all to yourself is like staying over at the Taj Mahal or a roof terrace on Times Square – very rare and simply magnificent.

Bream Cove is the jewel in the crown of the hotel and here, anything goes. Active types will enjoy a morning swim or afternoon snorkel session. More chilled vibes (us) will find a perfect picnic spot and watch the world go by with some delicious local fare. Get down early enough like we did and you’ll have the spot all to yourself.

Even in lockdown we’re all guilty of moving at a thousand miles per hour, so places that really pride themselves on being retreats are very welcome. The Meudon team will go out of their way to ensure you are chilled at all times and sometimes this is all we need. You even get a sense of this from the hotel itself, with lounges terraced areas to sit at and relax.

This dedication to relaxation travels all the way up to your room. There are 29 of them in total, most of them overlooking the beautiful landscaped gardens, and some with direct access right out onto the terrace. Some are higher rooms with balconies with sea views so you can’t go far wrong with either. The rooms themselves are plush – think bespoke furniture and snazzy new bathrooms with big walk-in showers.

In our opinion some of the best food in the country comes from this part of the isle. People in Cornwall were living off their local produce far before it was ‘cool’ – and you know things are much fresher here than anywhere else. The hotel boasts best use of Cornwall’s ‘natural larder’ and lucky for them, they have it all – surf, turf and everything in between. The dedicated kitchen team are even known to forage in the grounds for their ingredients, so chances are everything you’ll eat here will have come from within a few miles. Think dishes like grilled Cornish mackerel with shaved fennel, confit onion and dill, or go for the fresh seafood – we went for a delicious local lobster that had been caught just a few hours before.

After dinner, Freddie’s Bar is the place to go. Opening at 6pm every night, the speakeasy style watering hole is perfect for a nightcap, with some of the best artisan cocktails in the county. Even here, local produce is rife, and the bartenders play on their geographical advantage, making local twists to popular classics.

We’ve never met an Afternoon Tea we didn’t like, and when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Cornish Cream Tea is the thing here – scones with Cornish clotted cream and jam (which goes on first?!) and finger sandwiches with the crusts cut off, because why would we have it any other way? Do it in true #TeamCoco style and swap out the tea for a glass of Champagne, and tell them we sent you.

www.meudon.co.uk

With international travel still a game of PCR tests and green light whack-a-mole, we’re hedging our late summer staycation plans resolutely in the UK.

With an endless array of wonderful country houses, inns and hotels to explore in the British Isles, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite staycations so you can make the most of what’s left of the summer months in true #TeamCoco style.

Mallory Court

A stunning Relais & Châteaux property, Mallory Court has been coined as the epitome of a quintessential English country house hotel and spa and it’s easy to see why. Known for its exceptional hospitality, Mallory Court boasts the same impeccable standards as its fellow properties in the Relais & Châteaux portfolio from design, service to amenities. Nestled in the heart of Leamington Spa, Mallory Court has been awarded the coveted four Red Stars from the AA and offers a 3 AA Rosette restaurant.

The beautiful, ivy-covered country house hotel features 43 individually-designed luxury bedrooms that exude classic English charm. It also has its own Elan Spa which offers a variety of relaxing treatments that set a new standard for wellness in Warwickshire. Oh, and did we mention that the Mallory Court was dog friendly too?

For more information visit www.relaischateaux.com

The Pheasant Inn

On an exceedingly scenic corner of Berkshire, sits the Pheasant Inn Lambourn, a wonderfully charming pub/inn that will outdo every one of your staycation expectations.

A well-loved local landmark, the Pheasant Inn has 14, individually-designed en-suite bedrooms which are as cosy as they are stylish; and an excellent pub that ‘simply and deliciously’ bring together only the best ingredients, and this certainly reflects in the quality of the food on offer. Want to know more? Our intrepid doggy reporter TeamCocopup Charlie recently reviewed The Pheasant Inn here.

For more information visit www.thepheasant-inn.co.uk

The Duncombe Arms

The Duncombe Arms, sister property to the wonderful Pheasant Inn, offers award-winning pub food and 10 exceedingly charming rooms in its main Walnut House. This beautiful inn offers a warm and cosy home away from home in the idyllic Staffordshire countryside. Not to mention, The Duncombe Arms also offers quirky self-catering accommodation for five to six people with its newly refurbished Old Barn and Garden Cottage.

For more information visit https://www.duncombearms.co.uk/

The Bradley Hare

The Bradley Hare is one of the UK’s newest country inns. Situated in the beautiful village of Maiden Bradley in the Duke of Somerset’s Estate, The Bradley Hare offers twelve distinctive bedrooms designed by James ex-Soho House Design Director Thurstan Waterworth. You can expect the same cool yet effortless Soho House vibe with all the pastoral beauty of Southwest Wiltshire. Not to mention, there is an excellent restaurant too.

For more information, visit www.thebradleyhare.co.uk

M Gallery City & Country Escape

M Gallery Hotels, which has a collection of three distinguished properties in Cheltenham, Bath and Windsor, is offering a ‘City & Country’ getaway package which offers a wealth of experiences all in one short break. The package includes a self-guided tour of must-see historic sites and tickets to local attractions too. Hotel guests are also treated to a special gift from a local artisan and a book providing more information about each of the local areas.

The City & Country Getaway is available at all three UK hotels and is based on two guests sharing, for bookings until 30 September 2021.

For or more information visit Francis Hotel Bath / Castle Hotel Windsor / Queens Hotel Cheltenham

The Grove

Located amidst 300 acres of lush Hertfordshire countryside, The Grove is a retreat in a world of its own. The interiors, designed by Martin Hulbert, are the embodiment of sophistication and panache; perfectly blending into the rich pastoral landscapes that surround it. Hannah Tan-Gillies and our intrepid doggy reporter #TeamCocopup visited The Grove for a five star staycation like no other – get inspired with their review here.

For more information or to book please visit www.thegrove.co.uk or call 01923 296010.

April Cottage

April Cottage is coastal cosiness at its finest, and part of the Winterton Cottages portfolio. Winterton Cottages offers an incredibly wide range of self-catering accommodation in Winterton-on-Sea which boasts easy access to the breathtaking Norfolk Coast. All the cottages are also just a short drive away from all the tourist attractions of Great Yarmouth.

What April Cottage may lack in size; it certainly makes up for in comfort. This beautifully furnished home sits right in the heart of the town and is overflowing with character. Inside, the decor is shabby chic with a contemporary twist. Downstairs, there is a cosy living room with a TV and woodburning stove. A separate dining room leads to a small kitchen, equipped with everything you need to serve up a hearty meal. We were greeted with a delightful welcome package that comprised of posh dog-treats, snacks and of course, a bottle of pink fizz. Check out TeamCocopup’s five-paw review of April Cottage here.

A week’s stay for four guests at April Cottage starts from £601 (wintertoncottages.co.uk, 01493 800645). For more information please visit www.great-yarmouth.co.uk.

With tourist numbers nothing like a normal summer for obvious reasons, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the capital being quieter than ever with an exploratory staycation. We’re all guilty of eschewing UK holidays for bargain beach breaks, but with foreign travel rules still ever-changing there’s no time like the present to make the most of being a tourist in London…without the other tourists.

Right in the heart of the West End, behind its neoclassical facade lies an impeccable five star property. Resplendent with a cosy bar, a stunning restaurant in the form of Wild Honey and an impressive three floor spa, you’d be forgiven for not wanting to leave during your stay, yet its location in the beating heart of the West End and proximity to some of London’s best parks, not to mention Buckingham Palace, means it’s the ideal location to base yourself for exploring the sights of the city.

Checking in for a midweek break, the property was blissfully quiet, certainly something to take advantage of compared to a normal summer season. Rooms are stylishly decorated incorporating Sofitel’s classic Parisian elegance with nods to 60s and 70s design, drawing inspiration from London’s cultural heritage, with thoughtful details from fascinating fashion and design books to pore over, to a camomile tea set next to the bed ready for lights out, not to mention the utterly divine orange blossom toiletries by Hermes, quite the most luxurious we’ve experienced on our travels.

Throughout the summer – weather permitting – the Sofitel’s terrace is transformed into the Parisian Café, bringing the café culture of the French capital to ours, with a small but perfectly formed menu from the hotel’s restaurant Wild Honey of bar bites, nibbles and mains. We savoured a crisp fillet of Cornish cod with fresh green beans and lemon purée and a deeply indulgent warm chocolate fondant, accompanied with a seasonal rose G&T as the sun downed; the perfect pavement summer supper. If however the weather isn’t holding out (this is London after all…) the beautiful backdrop Wild Honey doesn’t disappoint. For a nightcap, trot across the lobby to the St James Bar; its velvet banquettes are just calling out for an evening tryst with a negroni.

While you’d assume that being on the corner of one of the West End’s busiest streets would be a drawback when it comes to noise, with soundproof glazing, blackout curtains and a king size bed bed enshrouded in crisp linens, it’s safe to say that your night of slumber won’t be disturbed. With the option of breakfast in bed always a lure, we can highly recommend the utterly divine toast with goat’s curd and fresh berries. What a way to start your day.

Of course you shouldn’t leave with paying a visit to the exceptional Sofitel spa. While a host of treatments are available, the new partnership with HydraFacial is worth booking in for. For the uninitiated, a relaxing facial this is not, though it most certainly makes up for it in the satisfaction stakes as this hydradermabrasion procedure combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection simultaneously, drawing impurities from the skin like never before and leaving skin refreshed and glowing.

As one of London’s best five star hotels it’s no surprise the Sofitel St James is a delightful stay; just prepared to want to stay forever.

Rooms from £295+VAT in a Superior Room.

www.sofitelstjames.com

Hannah Tan-Gillies and our intrepid doggy reporter #TeamCocopup Charlie checked into the Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison, just two weeks after its official opening to experience everything that this all-apartment boutique property has to offer.

Tucked away in a quiet cul de sac in South Kensington, Lexham Gardens is the newest boutique property by the prestigious Cheval Collection and undoubtedly one of London’s most luxurious homes away from home.

We were only the second-ever humans (and first-ever dog) to stay at our Burgundy-themed luxury two-bedroom apartment. From the outside looking in, Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison and its white-columned façade, blend into the other pristine buildings on the crescent. Inside, however, the property is the picture of contemporary, understated luxury.

Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison

Experience Modern Luxury at Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison

The striking lobby, which is more akin to the stylish lounge of your most fashionable friend, is simultaneously warm and grandiose. Here, we were greeted by the lovely Milena, who made sure we had everything we needed for our stay. The check-in process was easy, and smooth and also included a temperature check – making our stay safe, comfortable and free of COVID woes.

Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison offers 30, individually designed one or two-bedroom boutique apartments, with each one offering its distinctive take on modern-day luxury.

We stayed in the Burgundy-themed apartment on the second floor. The dazzling space is characterised by deep burgundy walls, chevron-patterned wood flooring, white marble, and plenty of rich textures in neutral tones. The muted colour palette of the soft furnishings, balances the bold hues of the wall, while deep gold and bronze accents add panache to an already stand-out space.

We were greeted with a delightful welcome hamper, complete with Champagne, canapés, freshly-baked bread, and everything you need to enjoy a glorious summer picnic at the nearby Kensington Gardens. Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison doesn’t offer breakfast, and while the British summer weather didn’t allow for an outdoor picnic – our hamper certainly offered plenty of breakfast fare to feast on during our stay.

Unparalleled Comfort and Convenience

The fully stocked kitchen has everything you need for an extended stay too. It is complete with all cutleries, plates, and glasses, and comes with a toaster, coffee machine, fridge freezer, hob, and oven. The TVs are also Chromecast-enabled, perfect for a Saturday night.

The two generously-sized bedrooms were undoubtedly luxurious, but equally inviting. The master bedroom has an en-suite of course, which was also equipped with heated floors and an electric toilet. An indulgence, I thought was only ever available in Japan.

Our apartment, like all other apartments in Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison, was dog-friendly. Charlie was greeted with a dog bowl, doggy treats, and a (if ever just slightly too small) dog bed and felt very welcomed by the staff.

Exploring South Kensington

While it may seem counter-intuitive to leave the comforts of your apartment, there’s plenty to explore in South Kensington that’s walking distance from Lexham Gardens. Kensington Gardens is just a 15-minute stroll away, and the ideal spot to exercise overly energetic pooches like Charlie.

In front of the park, there is Publiq which is more than just your stylish neighbourhood local. Envisioned as a modern public house, Publiq offers sensational British sharing plates, natural wines, and fabulous alcoholic slushies in a casual yet cool atmosphere. Publiq was built on a People, Produce, Positive mantra and this ethos certainly reflects on the quality of the food on offer.

One thing that sets Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison apart from other boutique properties, is its ability to make you feel absolutely and authentically at home. After our two-night stay, leaving felt like saying goodbye to a place that we have cherished for years. It is a feeling of warmth and conviviality that not a lot of luxury properties can boast, and one of the many, many reasons we shall be returning.

One-bedroom apartments start from £260 per night. For further information about Cheval, visit www.chevalcollection.com

In search of halcyon days and epicurean nights, Food Editor Debby Donnelly-Addison takes a summer sojourn at the Cotswolds best kept secret: Burleigh Court

“You have all the time in the world” Oana assures me as she places my order of bacon French toast down on the crisp white linen of the breakfast table. “You’re here to relax”. It’s my first morning at Burleigh Court, a 200 year old, 18-room country house hotel perched high on a hill overlooking Gloucestershire’s golden valley, and I’m only just disengaging work-mode. Oana’s gentle reminder rings synonymously with the overriding feel of the building: you are, indeed, here to relax, and it’s abundantly clear that much heart has gone into ensuring you do so.

Since taking over the business in 2019, owners Corinna and James Rae have created something really rather special: a boutique retreat where you can eat well, sleep well, and feel well. The grandeur of a country house hotel with a warm, homely atmosphere, it’s the hotel equivalent of eating freshly baked cookies in an extravagant ballgown. Do not let the resplendent frontage and acres of lush gardens fool you: when you’re coming to Burleigh Court, you’re coming home.

Time to switch off

You cannot so much as walk down a hallway in Burleigh Court without stumbling across signs of the care and keen eye that have gone into the gentle restoration of the property that will no doubt appeal to a new generation of traveller. A basket of blankets in the entrance hall for al fresco drinks late into the night, warm throws casually draped upon overstuffed sofas, the soft touches that make one feel cossetted and content. The same applies to the rooms, where antique furnishings, hand printed wallpapers, and quality linens meet quirky, thoughtful design features such as retro telephones, glass carafes laden with mineral water, and botanical themed door hangers. All rooms boast a power shower and/or bath, sumptuous bedding atop marshmallow soft beds, and complimentary tea, coffee, and home-made shortbread from the kitchen downstairs. With a variety of accommodations including family friendly, pet-friendly, and a recently refurbished romantic getaway, all rooms are blessed with either panoramic views at the front of the building, or the lush greenery of the secluded garden and pool to the back. Window seats and wing backed chairs provide the perfect perches for gazing dreamingly out over the gardens and beyond.

Making a splash

As is the overriding theme at Burleigh Court, the outdoors are just as well cared for as within. The four acres of gardens, meticulously curated by a team of passionate gardeners, include a croquet lawn, oversized hammocks, deckchairs, and dining areas, amidst wildflower patches, the kitchen garden, bee hives, and a charming swing framed by a magnificent tree and sea of ruby red poppies. The outdoor Art Deco pool, created by the esteemed Sir Clough Williams Ellis, is open from mid-June to September and provides a most welcomed cooling dip on a hot summer’s day. Surrounded by loungers for those who’d rather not get their hair wet, the pool area is a great boon for those who are serious about relaxing and rejuvenating during their Cotswolds break.

Food with a view

The “Eat well” philosophy at Burleigh Court is well evidenced in their two AA-Rosette restaurant. With a strong commitment to keeping food miles low and produce standards high, all ingredients are sourced within a 30-mile radius, many of which coming from their onsite kitchen garden. The uncomplicated, seasonal menu is available to residents and non-residents alike, with the option of dining in the historic oak panelled restaurant or al-fresco on the terrace outside. The dedication to supporting local suppliers and maintaining a low carbon footprint is a refreshing change from the mass-produced offerings in the larger chain hotels, but that is the beauty of embracing the independent, modern minded properties such as Burleigh.

If you’re a meat-eater dining with a fellow carnivore, the Chateaubriand is a real treat. Served with chunky chips, buttered greens, and a delicious sauce for drizzling, the chefs at Burleigh Court know how to cook a steak to perfection. The majority of dishes are garnished with microgreens and various other goodies from the kitchen garden a few metres away, the epitome of freshness, consideration, and respect for ingredients. Allergies are carefully considered, with the kitchen staff kindly whipping up a separate sauce for me, to negate the risk of cross contamination. The drinks menu is extensive, the wine plentiful, you really could not ask for more.

A foraged feast

I was fortunate enough to take part in the Wild Foodie Foraging Experience, a new offering for Summer and Autumn this year. Led by kitchen gardener and foraging expert, Emanuelle Paulson, we took a stroll beyond the hotel grounds and into the village on the lookout for edible treats, often overlooked by the untrained eye. After a quick safety briefing on what and what not to eat (“check. Double check. Triple check. Then check again”), we toddled off down country lanes, sampling wild strawberries, lime tree leaves, even stinging nettles (the trick is to smooth down the hairy fibres as you first handle the leaf). A morning of leafy nibbles, storytelling, and a brief, refreshing downpour, ended in the hotel gardens, where we were introduced to the Burleigh bees, buzzing away in their eau de nil beehives. We are told that the bees will remain nonplussed if we respect them and their space, respect being a running theme here: the hotel interior is contemporary, yet respectful of its history. The gardens neat enough to appear curated, but with an element of wild growth to respect the greenery and its quest for sunlight. Everything you experience here is based on respect, care, consideration. A much-appreciated rarity these days.

Insider tips:

  • The newly refurbished room 2, with it’s four-poster bed and spa bath, is a real treat. Spacious, serene, with a window seat overlooking the gardens, this room would make the perfect mini-moon or anniversary stay.
  • Whilst you may not want to leave your room at all, no stay is complete without an evening drink on the terrace. Granted, you lose the stunning views once the sun goes down, but bundling yourself up in a blanket under the stars and sipping a drink next to the globe shaped firepit is a very special experience indeed.
  • The afternoon tea at Burleigh Court is the stuff of local legend. Pre-book to avoid disappointment.
  • The exclusive foraging experience runs on limited dates and is a must for novices and seasoned foragers alike. You can check dates and prices here.
  • Burleigh Court also offers/can point you in the direction of a vast array of experiences including spa treatments, floristry course, golfing, and mountain bike trails. You can check out the full list of activities on offer here.

BOOKING

Debby Donnelly-Addison was a guest of Burleigh Court, a boutique hideaway hotel with a 2 AA Rosette restaurant in The Cotswolds. Weekday B&B stays are priced from £119 per night. New for 2021, Burleigh has launched a Wild Foodie Foraging Experience available on select dates July-October. Priced from £60 per person, this includes a guided foraging walk and wild food lunch. To book a stay at Burleigh Court, please call 01453 883 804 or visit www.burleighcourtcotswolds.co.uk.