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A Luxury Stay at Jesmond Dene House

January 21, 2016 by cheriecity

Growing up in Newcastle, one of my favourite places to get out in the fresh air was leafy, wild Jesmond Dene. It’s an incredibly beautiful wooded valley where you can walk alongside the river Ouseburn with stunning waterfalls and spot exotic trees and wildlife including red squirrels and kingfishers.

I have happy memories of going to see the peacocks and goats at Pets Corner and rollerblading down the bank to the local artist market on the bridge every Sunday. So you can imagine how excited I was to visit Jesmond Dene House for a rare luxury staycation in my home city.

The House

Jesmond Dene House opened as Newcastle’s first independently owned boutique hotel in 2005 and the building itself has quite a history. The original Georgian house was bought in 1871 by Captain Andrew Noble (business partner of Lord Armstrong), who moved in high society and hosted luminaries such as Rudyard Kipling, Arthur Conan Doyle and royalty from the Far East.

Today, Jesmond Dene House enhances its historic features with contemporary design and a striking art collection. I adored the charming little dogs made from twisted wire dotted around the hallway and sitting next to the fire in the lounge. It’s also a real foodie destination with many locals visiting the restaurant for its popular afternoon, Sunday roast and innovative tasting menus at dinner.

The Room

We received a warm welcome at check-in and were shown to our Deluxe Room on the second floor. It was lovely and cosy with high ceilings and a partial view of Jesmond Dene. The room was designed in a classic-contemporary style and soft neutral shades and featured a comfy seating area, writing desk, flat-screen HD TV, an iPod docking radio and free wifi.

The hotel knows how much Northerners need a good cuppa and they’ve really put some thought into the tea and coffee making facilities. I was impressed with the plentiful selection of JING teas, freshly-ground coffee produced by Ringtons for Jesmond Dene House, mini bottle of fresh milk and ginger cookies. A china tea pot and cafetiere completed the very civilised tea experience and we were also provided complimentary bottles of mineral water and fresh fruit.

The bed was very comfortable with high quality linen and the room was so quiet that we had an excellent night’s sleep.

The Bathroom

The bright, modern tiled bathroom was pristine and featured a wide soaking tub, high quality towels and face cloths, plush bathrobe and slippers and a full set of uplifting Arran Aromatics bathroom products.

The Restaurant

That evening, my mum and I dined at The Restaurant with a modern British menu by Head Chef Michael Penaluna. The restaurant is stylish and colourful with intriguing artwork and pleasantly dimmed lighting and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. However, fine dining touches are in place, as we were offered a selection of freshly-baked breads with a choice or salted, unsalted or seaweed butter and presented a yummy amuse-bouche before our starters and desserts.

My mum and I both started with Celeriac soup with roasted chestnuts, apple and Stilton tortellini. The velvety, creamy soup was simply lovely and the single tortellini filled with potent Stilton packed a real punch – only one piece was required to make an impact.

I followed with Roast chicken with fondant potato, wild leeks and baby carrots. The chicken breast was succulent and juicy with a well-seasoned crispy skin and the delicate roasted vegetables and rich, meaty jus were the perfect accompaniment.

My mum also enjoyed her Flat iron steak with fat cut chips, watercress and Bearnaise sauce. The lean, tender steak had a deep, mature flavour, the chips were crisp and moreish and the Bearnaise was silky and tangy with plenty of fresh tarragon.

Since my mum is a rhubarb fan, it was only right that she should order the Vanilla and rhubarb gateaux with rhubarb sorbet. Not only did it look ever so pretty, but it was delicious with a thick layer of rhubarb jelly, springy golden sponge and vanilla cream that was light as air.

My Chocolate and salted caramel tart with vanilla ice cream didn’t disappoint either. The dark chocolate ganache was full of flavour and went perfectly with the indulgent, sticky salted caramel, buttery pastry and home-made ice cream.

The Bar

The staff were so welcoming and friendly and we liked that seasonal ingredients are locally sourced from Northumberland and the North Sea coast. If you fancy a nightcap, there’s a relaxing wood-panelled bar next door or a cosy place next to the open fire in the lounge.

Breakfast

Breakfast in the Garden Room is quite an event at Jesmond Dene House, with everything you could possibly want to start the day. We enjoyed the Continental Breakfast spread, which included Neil Robson’s smoked salmon, home-cured gravlax, cured meats, Continental cheeses, delicious pastries, banana bread, French set yoghurts, Bircher muesli, cereals, fruit compote and poached pears.

You can also order hot dishes such as Haggis and duck egg with salsa verde, Grilled Craster kipper, Eggs Benedict or French toast with the Continental breakfast included in the price. Be sure to leave plenty of time for a long, leisurely breakfast – it’s worth it!

Jesmond Dene House feels like a secret hideaway retreat surrounded by lush greenery, but it’s also close to Jesmond’s lively Osborne Road and Newcastle city centre for shopping and dining. We loved our relaxing staycation and will no doubt be back at Jesmond Dene House soon – a decadent afternoon tea on the terrace among the palm trees is high on my ‘to do list’.

For more information and booking, visit: www.jesmonddenehouse.co.uk

Chérie City was a guest of Jesmond Dene House

Photos by Chérie City and Jesmond Dene House

Breakfast, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, London

A Luxury Stay at Belgraves Hotel London

September 1, 2014 by cheriecity

Belgraves, a Thompson Hotel is a stunning design hotel in the heart of London’s chic Belgravia.

It’s the only hotel outside of the US and Canada by hip lifestyle brand Thompson Hotels. While many Thompson hotels are all about downtown cool, Belgraves adds a youthful vibe to a sophisticated, well-heeled neighbourhood.

Location

Its surroundings are postcard pretty (think pastel-coloured townhouses and private gardens) and the hotel is just a short walk from Chelsea, Knightbridge and the designer stores of Sloane Street. It’s also in immediate company of high end boutiques such as Anya Hindmarch Bespoke, Emilia Wickstead, Christian Louboutin, Pretty Ballerinas, Pierre Hermé Paris and Rococo Chocolates.

We visited Belgraves for a weekend staycation on a hot summer’s day (stepping into the air-conditioned lobby was a welcome relief). Designed by acclaimed British interior designer Tara Bernerd, the towering hotel is contemporary with rich tones and just a dash of English eccentricity.

The Room

Our King Premium Room on a high floor had a cool loft feel and was long and spacious. It’s designed in shades of grey and cream with purple-burgundy highlights and features a light oak hardwood floor covered with a luxurious patterned rug.

There are typical Thompson signatures such as a stylish metal beaded curtain, cream leather ergonomic chair by the desk and 400-count Sferra bed linen with purple vertical stripes. There is also a stunning bespoke Ralph Lauren mirror above the bed, a large LCD flat-screen TV, minibar and iHome dock and alarm clock.

My favourite part of the room was the bay window with a plush purple-burgundy banquette offering fabulous views over the park and elegant Belgravia. It’s like a peaceful hideaway which you can separate off with sheer curtains. It also features a coffee table and has an electrical plug, so you can work on your laptop or just enjoy some quiet reading time.

Tea and coffee making facilities are on a list of ‘available on request’ complimentary amenities and I highly recommend calling down to receive them. While sachets of Nescafe aren’t particularly exciting, we were delighted by the selection of black and herbal JING Teas.

The king-size bed with a leather headboard was ever so comfortable and was covered in sumptuous Sferra linen and plump pillows.

A Welcome Treat

We were welcomed with a handwritten note and a lovely sweet treat of a handmade marshmallow and chocolate-dipped meringue. Stationary addicts won’t be able to resist the gorgeous bespoke correspondence paper and envelopes provided – a small detail that really sets Belgraves apart.

The Bathroom

The full marble bathroom is stylish and luxurious, with a powerful walk-in rain shower, plenty of high quality towels, oversized Frette terrycloth robes, black Thompson-branded slippers and a full set of bathroom amenities by REN. It has a slightly open-plan feel with sliding wooden doors and only the metal beaded curtain covering the glass-walled shower.

Breakfast at Pont St

In the morning, breakfast is served in Pont St, the hotel’s attractive restaurant overseen by executive chef Sophie Michell. It’s a comfortable spot with a pretty tiled floor, cosy leather banquettes by the windows and counters laden with cakes and macarons.

Health-conscious guests will be tempted by the Belgrave’s superfood, dairy free almond quinoa porridge, Avocado smashed on rye bread toast or a ‘create your own’ fruit and vegetable juice.

For something more indulgent Pont St hits it out of the park with Crab cakes Benedict with jalapeno Hollandaise, Bubble and squeak patties with poached eggs, black pudding, streaky bacon, watercress and home-made chutney and Cinnamon French toast with caramelised apples.

We went for the Continental Buffet, which was done exceedingly well with a generous amount of gourmet treats. Highlights were the delicious spelt banana bread, flaky pain au chocolat and farm-style blueberry yoghurt. I never usually eat cold cuts for breakfast, but the house roasted honey glazed ham infused with juniper flavours was out of this world.

Pont St’s lunch and dinner menus also sound tempting and in the warmer months, there’s a small outdoor terrace. Guests can also get outdoors with an Urban Picnic freshly prepared by Sophie Michell and made up of grazing dishes such as saffron and buttermilk chicken skewers and strawberry and pink peppercorn tarts, rounded off with spritz cocktails.

The Bar

Like other Thompson hotels, there’s a cool lounge scene and the open-plan mezzanine is sectioned into different socialising areas. The snug is an intimate space with an open fireplace, a plush cashmere sofa and Persian carpets, while the Bar has a speakeasy vibe and features an absinthe fountain.

The Terrace

Adjoining the Bar is the Terrace where you can indulge in vintage Cuban cigars, creative cocktails and tempting bar bites such as Lobster Rolls, Sliders and Ice Cream Sandwiches. It has a retractable roof, heaters and wifi connection for the the ultimate comfort, even when the sun’s not shining.

The hotel doesn’t have a spa (only a small fitness room), but guests can take advantage of a special day rate at nearby Grace Belgravia, a chic private club for health and wellbeing.

Belgraves is the kind of hotel that I would happily return to and recommend again and again – not just for the sleek design but for its homely atmosphere. The staff are so friendly and attentive, particularly the charming breakfast staff which can be rare in the hotel world. With such a fabulous location and excellent facilities, Belgraves should be the place you call home for your next stay in London.

Room rates at Belgraves, A Thompson Hotel start from £299 plus VAT per night for a King Superior Room.

Chérie City was a guest of Belgraves, A Thompson Hotel

All photos by Chérie City

Afternoon tea, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, London

A Great Afternoon Tea at The Halkin Hotel London

October 22, 2013 by cheriecity

To celebrate The Halkin’s new afternoon tea, in association with JING Tea, I enjoyed a leisurely afternoon of tea tasting, cakes and poetry.

Located on Belgravia’s chic West Halkin Street, the petite boutique hotel by COMO has a calm atmosphere, with its unique blend of minimalist Asian and Milanese design. While the hotel’s one Michelin star restaurant Ametsa with Arzak Instruction attracts a dedicated foodie crowd in the evenings, The Halkin Bar is a great spot for a refined afternoon tea.

Britain’s Tea Poet Elizabeth Darcy Jones began the tasting event with a new poem inspired by afternoon tea at The Halkin, dedicated to Executive Chef Sergi Sanz. Her descriptions of the joys of taking afternoon tea in The Halkin’s stylish surroundings and her animated, soothing voice set the tone for a relaxing afternoon tea.

We started by tasting a selection of exquisite JING teas, served in delicate glass orbs. JING Tea Creative Manager David Hepburn talked us through the character and origins of the teas as we tasted cups of White Peony, Oolong and Jasmine Pearl tea.

The Halkin’s new afternoon tea is timeless and classic, with tempting, beautifully-presented cakes. We were served a pot of fine, strong English Breakfast Tea, however a selection of JING loose leaf teas are available to accompany the afternoon tea.

We started with a selection of sandwiches including Scottish smoked salmon with salmon caviar and Basque spicy peppers, King prawns with watercress and cocktail dressing, Baby cucumber with cream cheese and chives and Confit corn-fed chicken breast with turmeric and spring onion.

The sandwiches were larger than the usual tiny finger sandwiches served in afternoon teas and filled with high quality ingredients. I particularly enjoyed the chicken and king prawn sandwiches, however, I usually prefer a few less sandwiches and the addition of a savoury item such as a mini quiche, wrap or tart.

The freshly-made scones were fluffy and warm, served with clotted cream and strawberry jam. My favourite cakes were the decadent, creamy Pistachio brownie with white chocolate and vanilla cream and the heavenly Raspberry and passionfruit macaroon, bursting with fresh raspberries and silky crème pâtissière.

The zesty Lemon meringue tartlet was perfectly bite-size and while I didn’t try the Opera cake due to my coffee allergy, it looked exemplary, finished with a pretty piece of chocolate ‘honeycomb’. The Mango, strawberry and mascarpone brew was fresh and light – great as a palate cleanser or a refreshing end to the tea.

Afternoon tea at The Halkin is ideal for a post-shopping refuel and the tranquil bar, with its cosy booths, gives it an intimate feel. Every part of the tea is light and flavoursome and the delectable cakes avoid being too sweet – a perfect afternoon treat.

The Halkin afternoon tea starts from £28 and is served in The Halkin Bar from 3pm to 5pm daily.

Chérie City was a guest of The Halkin

Photos by Chérie City and The Halkin

Hotels, Hotels - Design, London

Townhouse Luxe at The Arch London

August 15, 2011 by cheriecity

Marble Arch is a part of Central London where you’d expect a cluster of uninspiring tourist-orientated chain hotels, rather than a chic luxury boutique townhouse hotel.

Opened just last year, The Arch London is part of London’s growing trend of stylish townhouse hotels – in good company with Soho’s Dean Street Townhouse, The Zetter Townhouse in Clerkenwell and the more established Flemings Mayfair.

Townhouse hotels have become a popular accommodation choice in London due to their charm, personal approach to service and their cool juxtaposition of contemporary style with period features.

Tucked away on a quiet residential street, just a few minutes walk from Marble Arch, The Arch London is an elegant 82-bedroom Georgian townhouse hotel. On entering, the stresses of the city float away are you surrounded by eye-catching artworks by emerging British artists.

The Arch London has a buzzing atmosphere that centres around HUNter 486, an open-plan kitchen and dining room with leather banquettes and rustic refectory tables, which takes its name from the 1950s district dialling code for Marylebone.

HUNter 486 also comprises an adjoining cocktail bar with Philippe Starck bar stools and a Salon de Champagne featuring a Champagne Graffiti ceiling by award-winning illustrator Sara Fanelli, emblazoned with quirky anecdotes.

My favourite spot at The Arch London is the Martini Library – a cosy literary den where you can curl up with a Taschen coffee table book in front of the fireplace and get lost for a few hours – and perhaps order one of their signature Earl Grey MarTEAnis.

The Arch London has nine suites, three of which have outdoor terraces. I stayed with Maman Chérie in a Four Poster Junior Suite on the ground floor, overlooking the front street yet camouflaged by some well-maintained topiary.

It was beautifully designed with a stunning blend of traditional and contemporary, high ceilings and original period features.

The colour scheme of grey-blue, mink and chartreuse with dark wood was kind on the eye and centred around the striking feature wall. A rebellious pink striped velvet armchair, which I adopted for the stay, raffishly broke up the colour unity, in a kind of ‘don’t try this at home’ way.

Every piece of furniture and artwork in our room had been carefully chosen and the attention to detail was unbelievable.

High-speed wifi is complimentary and guests can help themselves to full-size soft drinks from the minibar (free of charge). Add to that full Sky HD, an iPod docking station, CD/DVD player and an in-house film library ‘Best Oscar’ movies from the last 50 years, and you’ll never want to leave your gadget-filled room!

Far from the average tea and coffee making facilities, The Arch London provides a Nespresso machine with a choice of coffee capsules and a selection of Jing teas, all served on monochrome lacquered trays with a Burleigh china tea pot and sleek espresso cups.

The bathroom was breathtakingly huge and a haven of indulgence. Designed in black marble and white tiles, the bathroom boasted a wall-to-wall mirror, double sinks, walk-in shower and the ultimate luxury – a TV over the bath.

We were given plenty of big fluffy towels, bathrobes and a full set of bathroom products by MALIN+GOETZ and extra bottles in the shower. You know a hotel has got it right when the bathroom is just as exciting as the room.

In the afternoon, we had a wander around Selfridges and Bond Street and finished the evening with a long dinner at HUNter 486, but more about that later. I shut myself away in the bathroom for an hour or so watching The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in the bath with a free Diet Coke from the minibar – absolute bliss!

The bed was insanely comfortable and so high that I had to hop right up to get in. Even though our room was overlooking the main street, there was no noise at all, so a good night sleep was had by all.

In the morning, we ordered the Full English tray to be delivered to our room. The mini pastries were excellent, but the coffee arrived lukewarm and the meat section was missed off our trays.

We could have phoned down and I imagine the staff would come running with the missing items, but in fact we were quite pleased to have a slightly more modest breakfast after huge dinner the night before. The quality of the breakfast was excellent and a few tweaks with the serving accuracy would make it spot on.

Every tiny corner of The Arch London has been meticulously considered and you can tell that the owners delight in creating the most memorable stay for guests. Rather than an ostentatious show of luxury, The Arch is all about personal service, generous offerings and cultural touches that make you feel at home, rather than in a stark museum.

Located just ten minutes from Hyde Park, Selfridges and Bond Street, it’s the perfect place for an ever-so-stylish city break, however, you just might not want to leave!

Cherie City was a guest at The Arch London

All photos by Cherie City