Sublime Spa Escape

SOPWELL HOUSE

Boasting immaculate spa facilities and set amongst 12 acres of beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, Sopwell House is a luxury country house hotel with a plethora of facilities for all to enjoy. With over 300 years of history, the main building at Sopwell house is home to two restaurants, a conservatory bar and cocktail lounge and 112 guest rooms, ranging from deluxe doubles to family and balcony suites. All rooms boast stylish interiors and offer guests use of the recently refurbished Cottonmill facilities including a large 14.5 metre swimming pool, two vitality pools, sauna and steam room.

Those wishing for even more privacy and space can opt for one of the 16 individually designed, stylish Mews Suites that are located adjacent to the main house behind their own private gates. Offering guests of the Mews use of a communal hydropool set in the beautifully kept gardens created by RHS Chelsea and Hampton Court Palace Flower Show Gold award winner, Ann-Marie Powell, the stunning suites are made up of carefully created rooms and cottages. From feature fireplaces, four-poster beds, duplex levels and high end kitchenettes, to private terraces, cedar wood spa baths, and in-room feature baths with luxury toiletries from Elemis, the modern facilities act as the perfect country home-away-from-home.

Mews guests also gain complimentary access to all the Spa facilities at Sopwell house including The Club at Cottonmill - the country’s first private members’ spa - with the new Spa Gardens, Deep Relaxation Room, Whisper Room and Garden Room.

Adult’s only, the The Spa at Cottonmill is a vision of unprecedented, internationally informed excellence. Conceived as a global leader, its founders have roamed the globe to bring you a unique blend of cutting-edge technology and expert treatments.

With flowing unity in style and substance, there are two distinct areas to the Spa at Sopwell House - Cottonmill and The Club at Cottonmill. Cottonmill facilities includes use of the indoor pool, two vitality pools, a spacious state of the art gym featuring the latest Technogym ‘Artis’ line equipment, a fitness studio, sauna, steam room, poolside terrace and sitting room. After a treatment, guests are invited to rest in the Rose Relaxation Room. Elsewhere and with access through a special wristband to separate dressing rooms, The Club at Cottonmill features world class spaces and facilities including the beautiful new spa gardens, scenic Garden Room, restorative Whisper Room and tranquil Deep Relaxation Room. The Club area is accessible only to a select group of members and a limited number of guests or residents on Club packages.

What’s a state-of-the-art spa without exclusive treatments? Cottonmill has partnered with leading British brands, Elemis and Aromatherapy Associates, to offer a wide variety of treatments. Traditional therapies, like reflexology and Rahanni healing, sit alongside a range of pioneering treatments developed exclusively for Cottonmill. From bespoke massages, to treatments that work on healing the body as a whole, Cottonmill has carefully blended the finest techniques from ancient cultures.

After a relaxing day in the spa opt for dinner at the brand new restaurant Omboo. Beautifully decorated, the restaurant is inspired by the spice routes of Asia and the Far East. Designed to be shared, the menu features a selection of sharing plates that are delivered to your table fresh out of the kitchen when ready. From pickled cucumber and edamame, to shiitake, shimeji, truffle spring rolls and shrimp tempura - menu highlights include fresh sashimi; seared Japanese A5 grade wagyu with wasabi ponzu sauce; and asparagus rolls with avocado, cabbage, radish and fava bean sauce. Larger plates - following a farm, ocean and field theme - include ginger soy ribeye skewers; steamed wild seabass with black bean sauce; and warm aubergine with sweet chilli soy.

Positioned at the back of the restaurant, behind opulent, embossed sliding partition walls, is the private dining area. This more intimate space is perfect for those looking to celebrate something special with friends or family, a business meeting or a Christmas party and is suitable for those in a group of between 8 and 12 people.

Elsewhere, the Brasserie, with a large open place kitchen, offers a range of classics from sirloin steak cooked the grill; the Sopwell House burger with Dedham Vale beef, smoked applewood cheese and streaky bacon; and pearl barley primavera. Breakfast, lunch and Sunday roast are served buffet-style with a fantastic selection of dishes both hot and cold with daily specials inspired by global cuisines.

Whether you choose to stay in the main house or opt for one of the private, cosy mews suites, you won’t struggle to find relaxation at Sopwell House. The new spa facilities are second to none and the upgrade to The Club at Cottonmill are certainly worthwhile especially during busy periods - if you manage to secure a spot on the exclusive list. Just a stones throw from London, this is the ideal weekend escape destination in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside, and one you will find yourself returning to time and again.

Residents to Sopwell House receive complimentary access to Cottonmill Spa. Those wishing to enhance their experience further are welcome to upgrade to The Club at Cottonmill. Prices to upgrade are per person, vary seasonally and are only available on the day itself. Places are subject to limited availability and cannot be pre-booked or guaranteed in any way.

Stays at Sopwell House start from £249 per night in a Deluxe Room on a B&B basis. Stays in a Mews Studio start from £549 per night on a B&B basis with use of The Club at Cottonmill facilities.

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A FRESH START

January is all about turning a new leaf, making positive changes and recovering from the festive season usually with healthier eating and the obligatory few trips to the gym. But it doesn't always have to be that way. One Aldwych offer up an indulgent, fresh menu to enjoy...with Champagne of course.

YARD SALE PIZZA

Cult neighbourhood pizza shop Yard Sale Pizza is set to partner with beloved comedian and broadcaster Romesh Ranganathan for an extra special pizza for Veganuary.

Yard Sale is no stranger to epic collaborations - and this one is no different. The Romesh Spesh, will be on sale from Wednesday 4th January and will be totally vegan; topped with Sri Lankan curried aubergine, coconut sambol, mint raita and curry leaf + chilli oil on top of Yard Sale’s famous signature dough and classic tomato base.

The pizza will be available in 12” or 18” from all of Yard Sale’s nine locations across London for dine-in, takeaway or delivery.

A portion of proceeds from all pizzas sold will go towards Romesh’s chosen charity, CALM, who stand united against suicide and everyone struggling with life, by offering life-saving support and bringing people together across the country to reject living miserably.

Speaking on the collaboration, Romesh says: "Yard Sale do incredible pizza, so when they told me they wanted to do a Romesh spesh inspired by Sri-Lankan aubergine curry and coconut sambol, and that the proceeds would go to CALM, you're talking career highlight stuff. This pizza absolutely bangs."

The Romesh Spesh will be available from Wednesday 4th January until Tuesday 31st January.

Lorne

Lorne has a full vegan menu on offer all year round, for January dishes such as Scorched onion, king oyster mushroom, chestnuts and truffle or a winter Roast parsnip, cicoria, castelfranco, and burnt apple available on the menu.

Spaghetti House

Spaghetti House will be serving up delicious Italian vegan dishes this Veganuary with their Maccheroni vegani with a seitan tomato sauce and a Spaghetti Vegani Zucchine & Zafferano, made with pan fried courgettes, toasted pine nuts, black pepper, velvety oat cream sauce and saffron. If you pair this dish with their cocktail special of the month, the NOgroni, this offer is priced at £17.95. There is also vegan pizza options including the Pizza leggera with tomato, grilled vegetables, onion, olives, sundried tomatoes and vegan mozzarella. Spaghetti House will be putting on a one off vegan pasta masterclass on Saturday 14th January, where for £65 you can expect to learn how to make three different Italian dishes, which you will then be able to enjoy with wine over lunch.

spaghettihouse.co.uk

Crust Bros

Known for their leopard print seared crusts, Crust Bros makes going out for pizza easy for plant-based eaters, with their non-dairy mozzarella and big list of veggie toppings. From 1st January - 5th February, Crust Bros will have a special on the menu, called Little Miss Sunshine made with rega san marzano tomato sauce, basil, yellow ciliegini tomatoes, vegan mozzarella and belazu vegan n'duja. Also on offer is the Vegan Hot One with tomato, vegan mozzarella, peppers, red onions and chillies or Vegan Romagnolo, vegan mozzarella, mushrooms, truffle oil. If these don’t take your fancy, Crust Bros has a ‘build your own’ option, where you can create your ideal pizza, with all your favourite toppings.

crustbros.co.uk

CAVITA Crudo

Crudo cevicheria’s most recent opening on Mare Street, brings Hackney the freshest raw dishes. Although a classic ceviche includes seafood, Crudo offers options for vegans with dishes such as Avocado & beetroot tartar with orange-ponzu, beetroot, avocado, spring onion, sesame seeds, crispy onion and Shiitake mushroom ceviche with habanero leche de tigre, mushroom, avocado, sweet potato and burnt corn. Crudo will also be relocating their site from Riding House St to Foley St to allow for more dining-in space and the addition of a small wine shop on the site.

Located on Marylebone’s Wigmore Street, Cavita, makes for a perfect place to enjoy refreshing and distinctive vegan dishes such as Mooli and pomegranate ceviche, with amaranth, avocado, lemon leaves, lime, habanero and nasturtium flowers, or a smoky Beet Tlayuda with chile butter, black beans, avocado puree and morita sauce or a Tetela de calabaza, filled with butternut squash and crushed chickpeas, served with morita sauce and mixed herbs.

RAMEN YOKOCHO

Retro ramen bar Ramen Yokocho has created a new wellness menu in collaboration with plant-based Japanese and organic fine food specialist, Clearspring.

Served from January 10th at both Yokocho locations - Regent Street’s hidden gem, Heddon Street and the buzzing heart of Leicester Square on Panton Street - guests will be able to sample the detox menu all day every day for only £18 until 14 Feb 2023.

Discover the refreshing and authentic taste of Clearspring’s wholesome, organic plant-based ingredients whilst celebrating Clearspring’s 30th anniversary with a deliciously healthy Yokocho set menu from Yokocho’s executive chef Kanji Furukawa to keep you warm, lean, and green.

Kickstart with Clearspring’s wonderfully fresh Organic Sea Vegetable Salad with wakame seaweed with silken tofu from Clearspring, winner of 1 Star from the Great Taste Awards before moving on to the main of Vegan Miso Tantan Men Ramen - a delicious concoction of Yokocho’s vegan ramen featuring Clearspring organic white miso based vegetable broth, hosomen thin and straight noodles, marinated organic soya mince, Gamo tofu, Clearspring wakame seaweed, pak choi, bamboo shoots, beansprouts and chili oil for a gentle heat.

Round-up your meal and raise a glass to a super healthy start to the year with Clearspring Organic Japanese Hojicha Tea (VE). Further to this, diners can also claim a free pack of Clearspring’s Organic Japanese Miso Ramen Noodles to take home with each purchase of the set menu.

Ramen Yokocho will also be offering 15% off Clearspring products at Japan Centre stores and Japan Centre online until the 12th of February. Diners can pre-book the Ramen Yokocho X Clearsping Set Menu experience at ramenyokocho.com

Mr Bao

For Veganuary 2023, Mr Bao will be offering innovative plant-based specials for the month. On the menu will be a Katsu celeriac bao, Popcorn oyster mushrooms, Cabbage yakitori skewers and Sesame aubergine dip with lotus root crisps. These specials will be alongside permanent vegan dishes such as the Shiitake mushroom bao with pickled onions and miso, and BBQ corn ribs.

Year of the Rabbit

Showcasing South East Asian hospitality through the finest quality food and drink, a visit to Pan Pacific London is a must for those looking to toast to fruitful new beginnings, as we welcome the Year of the Rabbit. The luxury hotel in the heart of the City is marking Lunar New Year with a unique afternoon tea in partnership with Diptyque in The Orchid Lounge.

Known for her show-stopping patisserie, Executive Pastry Chef Cherish Finden has created an extra special Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea, in partnership with Diptyque. Inspired by the luxury brand’s Orange Tree and Orange Blossom scent - given that oranges symbolise the bringing of luck and happiness in Chinese culture - the candlelit afternoon tea is served in a beautiful birdcage. Seasonal patisserie such as a mandarin and white chocolate mousse with orange marmalade is packed with citrus flavours whilst standout Chinese savoury choices include crispy wonton with aromatic duck and tofu, as well as a lobster bun and Kaya toast. Enjoy with your choice of tea from The Rare Tea Company or, opt for The Orchid Lounge’s bespoke blend - a perfect mix of loose leaf Indian and Malawian black tea, Chinese oolong tea and Indian rose petals. For a touch of indulgence, add a crisp glass of English sparkling wine.

Don’t forget, in keeping with tradition, to post a wish on The Orchid Lounge’s wishing tree. Each guest enjoying the limited-edition afternoon tea will be given a red card or ‘hóngbāo’ to write their hopes and dreams for the year ahead on, before attaching it to the tree.

BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH

AT PING PONG

Priced at just £35.00 per person, indulge this new year with Ping Pong's Bottomless Brunch.

Taking place every Saturday from 12pm, at the St Katharine Docks, Soho, Southbank, St Christopher's Place and Covent Garden locations, the boozy brunch is the perfect way to enjoy your favourite dumplings with friends and family.

Tuck in to 90 minutes of free flowing cocktails carafes, wine, bubbly, beer and a dim sum set menu per person featuring crispy duck spring rolls, 2 har gau, and 2 chicken and cashew nut dumplings.

The vegetarian menu swaps out the duck for veggie spring rolls and also boasts 2 buddha's delights dumplings, as well as 2 mushroom and leek dumplings. Vegan and gluten free menus are available on request.

Even better, guests to Ping Pong’s Soho and St Katharine Docks will get the chance to dance along to resident live DJs, or tune in to the best mix of old school beats and fresh new releases at the trendy Southbank and Covent Garden restaurants.

pingpongdimsum.com

Spaghetti with Pecorino, Black Pepper & Turmeric By Fabio Ciervo

“My cooking philosophy is inspired by art and innovation, with the aim to create perfect harmony between exceptional food and a healthy lifestyle.”

Chef Fabio Ciervo

Heading up the kitchen at Hotel Eden, Michelin-starred executive chef Fabio Ciervo takes Italian fare to a new level. He is strongly rooted to his Italian origins - and in particular to Campania - but he knows how to turn this into something intriguing. He’s respectful of the ingredients which he carefully searches. He pays attention to both the nutrients of his dishes, and their quality and aesthetics. His recipes are well structured and enhance the value of the main ingredient adding aromas and flavours that sometimes have distant influences.

Cosy up this January with a hearty dish of authentic Roman cacio pepe from chef Fabio Ciervo at Hotel Eden Rome. Hotel Eden is one of the most exclusive luxury hotels in Rome and is home to a guided Caravaggio art tour, the Eden spa and of course Il Giardino restaurant - where this recipe was born. This dish is simple and easy to recreate for your loved ones and is sure to take the chill off this January.

INGREDIENTS for four people

320g Spaghetti | 200g Light Chicken Broth | 60g Grated Pecorino Cheese | 40g Grated ParmigianoReggiano | 2g Turmeric Powder | 10g Black Pepper 30g Extra Virgin Olive Oil

METHOD

For the sauce: Heat the olive oil in a pan, add the pepper - previously crushed in a mortar - the broth and turmeric powder.

Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain the spaghetti and add to the pan where the sauce is, keep it on a low heat.

Add the Pecorino and Parmagiano-Reggiano, extra virgin olive oil and using a fork, mix until it's creamy.

Serve and finish with a dust of freshly crushed pepper.