When family and friends discovered that I was due to travel to Belgium and Germany relying solely on public transport – predominantly rail – they could hardly contain their mirth. “You’ll be bored witless” (I’ve edited slightly), came one response. “Why would you use trains when the flight is lessContinue Reading
It’s tempting to dismiss restaurants such as Skylon. With 180-degree views of the Thames, the allure of simply cashing in on its pole position appears to be irresistible. Like the fraudsters who serve oceans of dross in Europe’s most heavily touristed cities, Skylon’s owners have little reason to try. TheContinue Reading
I spent many of my childhood summer holidays with my grandparents in their house on the Dorset/Wiltshire border, so I was very happy to accept an invitation to stay in the Limestone Hotel in Lulworth Cove; a weekend there would give me a chance to explore a part of theContinue Reading
If there is one city which has really cleaned up its act in the hospitality and tourism department over the past forty years, then it is undoubtedly London. The awful, yet hilarious, once-familiar standards of service and food espoused in shows like Fawlty Towers has largely been banished. Whatever directionContinue Reading
Wes Stanton dines at Frog by Adam Handling in the West End, and finds enticing dishes and a superb atmosphere for a good price. There can be few MasterChef aficionados that haven’t at least heard of Adam Handling, runner-up in both MasterChef: The Professionals in 2013 and the British CulinaryContinue Reading
The OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie has been luring in the punters for over 20 years, and its location isn’t the only draw, as CALIBRE discovers. In a city where food trends are as fleeting as fashion, OXO Tower’s enduring popularity offers some respite from this cut-throat, fickle world.Continue Reading
James Lawrence finds welcome respite in Meraki’s warm embrace. Meraki is completely at odds with the nation’s mood right now. With the Brexit deadline looming and our patience having reached breaking point, Meraki offers a welcome respite and a gargantuan smile – this place is just lots and lots ofContinue Reading
Acting as a home from home, where clients can be entertained in style – country club membership is a popular option. After all, where else can you wine and dine in privacy, enjoy a game of golf, try out a spa, undertake countless sports and enjoy a wide range ofContinue Reading
The Bordeaux region, with its historic vineyards, superb destination hotels and numerous gastronomic specialties is an unsurpassed (long) weekend destination for lovers of great food, scenery and drink, says James Lawrence. Bordeaux La Belle Au Bois Dormant (Sleeping Beauty) scarcely sleeps at all in the 21st century. Its gloriously handsomeContinue Reading