TRAVEL
THE
Great British HOLIDAY
The UK boasts some of the finest hideaways in the world. From ultra-modern spas, gastronomic boltholes and designer hotels, ANGELINA VILLA-CLARKE hunts out the best offerings, meaning you won’t have to venture far this summer
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TRAVEL
Culinary Wonders
The Channel Islands and The Scilly Isles are causing an unlikely stir among gastronomes. As well as offering fantastic home-grown fare, their temperate climates mean that when it comes to travel, you don’t have to venture far to have your cake and eat it, too.
THE ATLANTIC, J ERSEY Think of Jersey, and you would be forgiven for thinking of old-fashioned seaside hotels and dreary restaurants. But you’d be wrong. For foodies and sybarites alike, Jersey is a wonderful gem of a destination, which has undergone a culinary revolution over the past few years. The island’s sparkling centerpiece is the family-owned The Atlantic Hotel. With its Art Deco leanings, dramatic sea setting overlooking the crashing waves of the Atlantic and five miles of sandy beaches, there’s something of the elegant ocean liner about its decor. Rooms are understated and chic, boasting mirrored furniture, marble bathrooms and chrome and oak details. Full-height windows and balconies make the most of the seaside location. But here it’s the food that truly has the wow-factor. The Ocean Restaurant has possibly the best view in Jersey and the best dishes, too. Boasting a Michelin star and four AA rosettes, executive head chef Mark Jordan serves up a variety of local delicacies from his local larder. Tastebud popping treats include fillet of Jersey sole, crab crushed Jersey Royals, fennel herb and sauce Grenoble, lobster ravioli and Jersey black butter ice cream. Head sommelier, Sergio dos Santos, meanwhile, will tempt you with a huge choice of stellar wines to match your choices. Visit during May and you’ll be able to join in the week-long food festival that is Taste the Real Jersey (19-27 May). Local farmers, chefs and restaurateurs are on hand with an array of foodie experiences – from behind the scenes tours of seafood and dairy producers, to one-off tasting events. www.theatlantichotel.com
THE ISLES
OF
SCILL Y
Who knew the Isles of Scilly were the UK’s latest foodie hotspot? Due to their unique position and climate, off the coast of Cornwall, the six islands are covered with a multitude of terrains and habitats (from dune-backed beaches to craggy rock-pools, rambling moorland and country lanes) where all manner of flora, fauna, fruits and crustaceans can be found. Hell Bay Hotel, on the tiny island of Bryher, is taking full advantage of its surroundings and the current trend for ‘field to fork’ cuisine with its new Wild Food Foraging Break (21-24 April). The coastal-chic hotel has employed wild food expert Rachel Lambert to showcase the best the isles have to offer in terms of diversity and quality of produce. With a choice of two walks per day, guests can then take their finds – including rare plants, crab and seaweed – back to the hotel’s kitchen where head chef Glenn Gatland puts them to good use in producing an elegant dinner in the three AA rosette restaurant. With its laid-back Hamptons’ vibe and clement weather, meals here are eaten alfresco, overlooking Bishop Rock lighthouse and far out to sea. The tiny island of Tresco, meanwhile, is the only privately owned island in the Scillies, having been part of the Dorrien Smith family since the early part of the 19th century. With its unspoilt beaches, clear azure waters and exotic gardens, it’s a gorgeous little haven and can be reached by ferry, boat or helicopter from Penzance. Launching in May are the new Sea Garden Cottages, the final stage of the transformation of the renowned Island Hotel. The revamp includes new suites and cottages which have been introduced to expand the accommodation offering on Tresco. To complete the renovation, The Ruin is a new beachfront restaurant built in the ruins of a smuggler’s hideaway and it will serve freshly caught fresh and local produce cooked in its wood-fired oven. www.hellbay.co.uk www.tresco.co.uk
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