Le Barn, Bonnelles

My travel to-do list looks quite different now I have two tiny travellers in tow… but there are a few hotels that met both my requirements pre-kids and now satisfy the needs of all four of us as a family.

Le Barn

I first visited Le Barn in 2019, when it was newly open and finding its feet. Located 45 minutes outside of Paris, in the verdant countryside, it is an easy car or train ride from Paris centre ville – the nearest town is Bonnelles. Hotel guests are mostly made up of stylish Parisians in need of a few nights’ respite and a breath of fresh air, and the pace here is slow. We didn’t notice many guests from further afield than Paris, which gives the hotel a lovely authentic French feel, though be warned it also means the staff don’t speak much English.

Le Barn

As the name suggests the hotel is made up of 1950s converted barns, with 73 stylish but minimalist rooms – with ‘campsite chic’ decor. The beds are very comfy and the bathrooms have large baths so you can refresh after a long walk or horse ride in the 500 acres of surrounding land and forest.

Le Barn

There are over 90 horses at Le Barn, wherever you look you’ll see a pony or horse roaming the fields or being groomed by the dutiful and loving staff. My oldest (almost 4 years old) loved ‘being brave’ and riding a pony for the first time, though he was a little alarmed when Tequila the pony was cheekily more interested in eating the grass than keeping him on the path. There are also games and toys dotted around to entertain little people, though sadly no kids club. Adults can indulge in some outdoor time, walking, riding or taking part in the (included) yoga classes. There is also a small spa area for a sauna or hot tub break, particularly great in the colder seasons.

Le Barn

Le Barn

Food is a casual affair at Le Barn, various dining areas are set up three times a day and a menu appears moments before each service with a succinct selection of daily dishes. I noticed this aspect was greatly improved since my first visit, more thoughtful bistro style cuisine (think grilled meats with rich sauces or comforting pasta recipes) all well-seasoned and presented in a charming vintage fashion. We loved the breakfast spread, complete with fresh-out-the-oven madeleines, garlicky grilled mushrooms and creamy scrambled eggs – the French just do some things better.

Le Barn

A couple of nights at Le Barn was truly restorative – the boys loved roaming free for a few days and making friends with the other kids (there are A LOT of families here), and I appreciated the fresh healthy environment, super dark and quiet nights sleep and a chance to just be in nature. It is a great place to pair with a trip to Paris, you’ll return to the city renewed and ready for another day of sightseeing, shopping or (in my case) bakery-hopping!

Le Barn

I stayed at Le Barn as a guest. More information here.

Kids Shows to see in London May Half Term 2024

Struggling to entertain the kids this not-quite-sunny half term? Here are a few children friendly shows I recommend…

Zog

Zog and the Flying Doctors, Rose Theatre, Kingston – Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler this much-loved story is bought to life by Freckle Productions. The modern fairytale will take the audience on an adventure with the flying doctor crew with with music and lyrics by Joe Stilgoe (who plays Zog).

28 May – 2 June (3+, but all ages welcome)

You are the Sun, Southbank Centre – A relaxed and playful opera for babies and grown-ups, with immersive theatrics, sing-a-long songs and play. Celebrating the gift of nature as the cast and audience conjure a world out of breath, water, sunlight and soil.

29 May – 2 June (0-2 years)

The Colour of Dinosaurs, Polka Theatre – “A rip-roaring, prehistoric science pop gig for curious humans of all ages.” Kids are encouraged to bring their own dino toys to this educational and entertaining musical, multi-coloured world of the dinosaurs.

11 May – 9 June (4-12 years)

The Princess and the Pea, Unicorn Theatre – The Unicorn theatre triumphs with this show which includes breathtaking acrobatics, clowning around, and fairy-tale adventure. It’s a funny and playful remix of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic story.

17 May – 16 June (2+ years)

The Enormous Crocodile, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre – A new musical version of Roald Dahl’s picture book has catchy tunes by Ahmed Abdullahi Gallab and funny lyrics by Suhayla El-Bushra. The Enormous Crocodile is weaving his way through the jungle in search of delicious little fingers and squidgy podgy knees. A magical production surrounded by nature.

17 May – 8 June (4+ years, but all welcome)

10 new restaurants to try in London this Spring

Spring is here, I think, and London is in full swing… the restaurant scene is thriving with new eateries and inaugural restaurant awards popping up weekly. I pride myself on trying (almost) every new dining experience, from the super hyped to the trendy under-the-radar spots. The question I get asked more than anything else on my instagram page – ‘is it worth trying?’ With that in mind here’s my top ten to try this season…

Devonshire Soho

The Devonshire, Soho – You can’t get a table here for love nor money… the Piccadilly Circus institution has been lovingly restored, and serves a classic, no-frills menu of superior steak and chips and other British favourites. My tip, grab a seat at the bar downstairs (no reservation required) and enjoy the steak sandwich with chips and a pint of Guinness.

Josephine, Fulham – The latest eatery from chef Claude Bosi and wife Lucy, this charming French bistro champions delicious Lyonnaise food. Wine is poured and priced with a ruler, the atmosphere is convivial and you’ll want to relax here all afternoon. I loved the mustardy rabbit to share, the potato menu (zut alors!) and the pretty in pink praline tart.

The Square, Clapton – This neighborhood gem was recently taken over by new management, and the kitchen is now in very good hands with Akoko alumni at the helm. They are well known for their brunch, but I recommend heading here on a Friday night date for absolutely delicious sharing plates.

Three Sheets

Three Sheets, Soho – The central London outpost of the hit Dalston cocktail bar. The original was founded in 2016 by brothers Max and Noel Venning, and now they are bringing their clean, minimalist, perfectly poured drinks to Soho. The signature (a version of a carbonated French 75, made with gin, clarified lemon, moscato, orange flower and verjus) is available here alongside some other tempting concoctions. In the daytime the team will serve food and coffee.

Ria’s, Notting Hill – Super hip little venue serving up epic wedges of Detroit-style deep dish pizza. It comes from husband-and-wife duo David and Ria, and despite neither having a background in food, the place is carefree but confident. Order a slice of the Pepperoni & soppressata and a glass of natural wine.

Quince

Quince, Islington – Anna Higham’s long awaited Quince bakery is here, and luckily it lives up to expectation. Located on the lesser known end of Islington, the takeaway venue has an alluring counter piled high with bread, fruit hand pies and Anna’s signature butter buns, yum.

Camille, London Bridge – In need of a place to catch up with a friend, settle in at Camille. This newbie comes from the Ducksoup team, and head chef Elliot Hashtroudi’s menu captures the rustic energy of a regional French table. We loved the sharing meats, the punchy pickled vegetables and the irresistable burnt milk tart for dessert.

The Dover, Mayfair – The sultry, stylish spot for a night out. The Dover is a New-York Italian Bar & restaurant in Mayfair. Serving classic Italian dishes with New York attitude it is the perfect place to perch with a martini or bowl of pasta and meatballs.

Donia

Donia, Soho – The finest modern Filipino fare at the top of Carnaby Street’s Kingly Court. The concise menu packs a punch with highlights including lamb shoulder caldereta pie and the addictively tasty grilled chicken inasal.

Morchella, Exmouth Market – Located just off Exmouth Market in a former bank, Morchella is a restaurant and wine bar serving a modern interpretation of classical dishes from across the Mediterranean. The huge venue has been kitted out beautifully and the menu is full of wonder – order the pork jowl, salt-baked poussin and the unusual blood orange and black olive portokalopita.

Head to my instagram @millykr to see all my restaurant recommendations.