Tag Archives: breakfast

The Caledonian, Edinburgh

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The Caledonian is the grand dame of hotels in Edinburgh. This epic historic building on Princes Street is the perfect place to stay for a weekend trip to Scotland. After a recent £20million renovation the hotel, restaurants and Guerlain spa are looking better than ever, making it the ideal time to visit.

The grand entrance instantly reminded me of Paris, with elaborate marble flooring and an impressive chandelier. Check-in was swift and we were soon admiring the unbeatable view from our top-floor suite. The emphasis is on comfort, with soft materials and lovely furnishings, nostalgic black and white photos on the walls, and a lovely natural glow from the daylight streaming in through the windows.

The bedroom is simple and sophisticated with just the necessary bed, desk, wardrobes and bedside table. No clutter to confuse guests, just the luxurious essentials. Colours are stylish shades of muted grey, cream and dusty blue and in the sitting room area a nespresso machine, tv, speakers for your ipod and sofa encourage you to sit down and relax.

The bathroom is even brighter with large windows sunken into the sloped ceiling. I was disappointed not to find a bathtub but the power shower is wonderful with a huge rainforest fitting that soaks you in seconds. Salvatore Ferragamo Tuscan Soul toiletries are gentle and fragrant on hair and body and huge enveloping bathrobes are wonderfully comfortable, the perfect attire for an evening in.

Foodies will delight in the two restaurant options from renowned chefs Chris and Jeff Galvin. We experienced breakfast and lunch in the lovely Brasserie de Luxe though sadly didn’t have time to try the more prestigious Pompadour. Everything and anything is available for your morning meal, we chose a selection of flaky pastries and hot french toast, though the highlight for me was the fresh red berry smoothie made to order at the fruit counter.

For lunch the menu focuses on classic French recipes to match the Parisian design and character of the great room. The dishes lend themselves to sharing and it is a great way to try an assortment of the Galvins’ culinary ideas. Snails were just as they should be, buttery, garlicky and utterly scrumptious. Then for mains the speciality grilled langoustine was indulgent and fresh and my breast of guinea fowl with pommes fondant and hispi cabbage was sweet and succulent, carefully seasoned and cooked perfectly.

Sides should be mentioned, creamed potato and sautéed tender stem broccoli were especially tasty and provided some much needed green accompaniment to the meal. The sommelier is happy to appropriately match your food to wine and we tasted a delicious light white with our meal after a welcoming glass of champagne.

Desserts are tempting and traditional, with chocolate and fruity options to suit all cravings. Of the dishes we tried, I particularly loved the Tarte Tatin aux Pommes, a classic caramelised cake with a dollop of contrasting cream.

On departure I was heartbroken to hear I was expected to stay two nights… I could not imagine anything more wonderful than a second night in this dreamy hotel… in fact I would have happily stayed the whole week in Edinburgh’s Caledonian, you feel like queen of the castle.

More information and book here.

Thanks to the Edinburgh Tourist Board.

Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled with East Coast Trains. East Coast operates regular services each weekday between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh. Customers travelling First Class can enjoy East Coast’s complimentary food and drinks offer plus unlimited Wi-Fi. Book advanced return fares online at www.eastcoast.co.uk. Times and fares can also be found via 08457 225225 or from any staffed stations.

The Coffee Hatch, London Bridge

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I curse the Coffee Hatch for making me wait for my Monday morning coffee. I was up and about early so thought I would try my chances at London Bridge’s most elusive coffee outlet. Drew at the Hatch has a reputation as one of London’s top coffee connoisseurs, but his opening hours are much less dependable. Needless to say I was excited but pessimistic about my pending visit.

The Coffee Hatch has a small window, both literally and physically from which to retrieve your coffee. Open 8-11am approximately Monday to Friday it is geared around London commuters or the occasional mad coffee lover like me.

My numerical skills came into question when I tried to ascertain the location of number 37, Bermondsey Street, surely somewhere between 45 and 30 and yet nowhere to be found. Turns out the Coffee Hatch is nothing more than an inconspicuous black door when closed, I only had the conviction to stay because I’d looked up the info and pictures online.

At 8.11 am the door slowly opened and the coffee man poked his head out. Perhaps he thought I’d just been hanging around outside for fun because he said surprised, “Oh do you want a coffee?” Umm yes, obviously, can you not see me shivering with pre-coffee desperation?!

The Hatch coffees are made on a La Marzocco machine with Square mile beans and an Anfirm grinder, though Drew sometimes uses a special guest coffee. No food is served. The coffee is carefully filtered and served to the customers specifications. Black or espresso is priced at £2 and ‘white any way’ will cost you £2.50.

I tried my usual Flat White, served short and strong. It was extra creamy with a rich roasted aroma. I can’t stand huge cups of coffee sold extra hot so this cup was ideal for me and I had slurped the final drips within a few minutes.

Hours are erratic at the Coffee Hatch but the coffee never falters. Definitely one of London’s best kept secrets.

37 Bermondsey Street
London SE1
Area: Borough

8-11 am Monday-Friday (ish)

AC Marriott Hotel, Seville

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There are three Marriott hotels in Seville to choose from, each with its own advantages. We stayed in the most centrally located, convenient for both tourists and business visitors, though very much geared to the latter.

The facade of the building is attractive and charming, however inside the tone is muted with a dull grey colour scheme and rather tired dated decor. The Spaniards are not renowned for their English speaking and this was a bit of a problem at check in… the sweet girl tried desperately hard to understand us but it still took a while to communicate! Our twin suite was up a few floors in a very jumpy lift. The rooms were plain and anonymous though perfectly functional and clean. For a weekend break it is sufficient though with a little updating it could be remarkably improved.

Grey was the overall vibe of our private space too, with simple furniture and a few pictures adding a little colour to the walls. The beds were surprisingly comfortable with miraculous mattresses and plush pillows. The beds were topped with a light sheet and blanket which we found was enough once we worked out how to control the overactive air con!

The bathroom was big and bright with a comfortable bath and plentiful towels and toiletries for our use.

For those wishing to keep up their fitness routine a lovely outside pool and exercise equipment are located on the top floor. If we’d had more time I would have liked to explore this appealing area.

Breakfast is served in the basement, near to the conference rooms. With no natural light this could have been miserable but in fact the cheery staff and appetising food made the atmosphere very convivial. With a Nespresso machine and fresh croissants, I had everything I needed for my morning meal.

For visitors requiring internet you will need to find it in the lobby area where access is free and easy to connect to; in the rooms it is an additional cost and requires a special code.

Helpful and kind, it is the staff at this Marriott branch that make the hotel appealing. With close proximity to the airport and city centre this accommodation will be convenient for all Seville visitors, though the lack of character inside means that presently it suits business travellers best.

More information and book here.

Four Seasons Hotel Canary Wharf

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At the weekends, Canary Wharf is a very different place. Gone are the bankers and their briefcases, instead a strange ghostly silence falls over this financial district. One place, however, is still very much alive and ready to give you an unforgettable weekend.

It was pouring with rain when we approached the grand Four Seasons Hotel. All I wanted was a warm place to relax and a glass of fizz in my hand. Thankfully this hotel provided both within moments of stepping inside.

A speedy check-in meant we were inside our executive suite without delay, admiring London’s overcast but enchanting skyline and enjoying the comforts of our Four Seasons bedroom.

Luxury is evident in every detail. Executive category rooms are spacious corner suites with striking riverfront views of the Thames. At 56 square metres, they offer the privacy of a separate living room for entertaining or meetings, with plenty of space for relaxing too. Our bedroom was particularly impressive, an inviting king size bed, numerous plush pillows and an epic flatscreen TV. An adjoining full limestone bathroom featured a big bath, separate power shower and (L’Occitane) toiletries. As a taster before our Italian cooking class, Head Chef (Moreno) had left Mediterranean tasters and gifts in our living room. The bruschetta and breadsticks wrapped in Italian ham were particularly appetising, a hint of what was to come with our pasta cooking course and our delicious meal at the hotel’s Quadrato Restaurant.

Guests of Four Seasons Canary Wharf can enjoy a variety of top-notch extracurricular activities including free access to the high tech Virgin Active gym (complete with impressive indoor infinity pool leading out to the Thames), a lovely piano lounge with live sport for the men and cocktail lists for the girls, not to mention a calming, petite spa for the ultimate relaxation. We were lucky enough to experience a couple’s massage – a pleasant start to our Sunday morning. With the sun rising over London, the views from here were even better. Using aromatic essential oils, two therapists gently and effectively kneaded away all tension in our backs. The treatments here are revitalising and stress relieving – ideal as an energising wake up in the morning, or to help you wind down after a busy day.

Breakfast is an array of foodie delights, continental or full English, whatever you feel like. I particularly enjoyed the do-it-yourself juicer which enables you to create your very own exotic drink. I can also highly recommend the delicious french toast and pancakes from the a la carte menu.

We were sad to wave goodbye to Canary Wharf, jumping on the conveniently located, charming clipper boat back to central London. I’ve always thought of this area of London as a suits only professional playground, but the Four Seasons Canary Wharf proves itself a luxury hotel for both business and pleasure.

More information and book here: www.fourseasons.com/canarywharf

Riding House Cafe, Great Titchfield Street

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I’ve been to this breakfast mecca too many times to count but have never got around to writing about it; perhaps because everyone already knows about this restaurant, at least they seem to as it is busy all day every day. Bookings are not imperative but seriously recommended, especially if you want a decent table.

The Riding House Cafe is a modern all-day brasserie near Oxford Circus offering award-winning breakfasts and a delicious supper menu of hearty British classics. There is a private dining room available and free wifi.

I have sampled the majority of the menu, either on my plate or on my companion’s. From the extensive list, I have my firm favourites. The Buttermilk Pancakes are the perfect girly choice with berries, vanilla clotted cream and maple syrup at £7. The Orkney Bacon Sandwich in buttered crusty white bread with avocado is simply irresistible, especially with a good grind of black pepper.

Of the extortionately pricey but incredibly yummy juices and smoothies, I’d recommend the Rickshaw (pineapple, apple, strawberry and lime) £5.50 or the wackier PB & J (peanut butter, banana, strawberry and apple juice) £5.50. I promise myself every time that I will skip the juice, but never manage to resist once inside.

Coffees are good but not exceptional and with my favourite Australian cafe, Kaffeine across the road I usually pop in there after for my coffee fix.

Always reliable and tasty, Riding House Cafe remains the best of the bunch for breakfast in London.

More information here.

www.ridinghousecafe.co.uk

Hotel 55, Ealing

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It is not often I review a hotel in West London, especially not one so close to home, but Hotel 55 sounded appealing to me. Moments away from North Ealing tube, and a short distance from the central line station West Acton, it is outside the main hub of London but is brilliantly accessible and blissfully calm in comparison to more central hotels.

Firstly I must commend the company on their website, which I often find to be the downfall of a hotel. It is stylish, clear and informative and definitely whet my appetite for this little boutique property. If anything the website exaggerates the grandeur of the building and I was surprised to find it very homely and unassuming when we arrived early last Thursday evening. Inside the hotel has a slick modern edge with colourful lighting and quirky furniture, this style suits the onsite Japanese restaurant Momo perfectly.

Our room was small but comfortable, ideal for a one night business stay. Decorated in muted colours and soft furnishings with abstract artwork on the walls; it was a nice room to spend time in, relaxing and revitalising. A large double bed with plenty of pillows, cushions and blankets ensured we got a good night’s sleep. The bathroom, despite being petite, included a bath and Crabtree and Evelyn toiletries, I could have a long warm soothing soak before bed.

The hotel staff really aim to please, assisting us enthusiastically with our every need. This extends to the room facilities too, with bottled water, loaded minibar and coffee machine all available and complimentary. For supper we wandered downstairs to join other guests for an authentic Japanese meal at Momo. After an initial mix up with the menus, we were delivered some delicious Asian cuisine. Highlights were the crispy chicken pieces and vegetable dumplings and the Katsu curry main course. The food is fresh and well seasoned, and presented in an attractive fashion. With such a huge menu of familiar and unfamiliar Japanese recipes to choose from, there should be something for everyone. I should also mention the wonderful white wine, a delicate refined Reisling.

The next morning breakfast was laid out in the same dining room, a wholesome and tempting array of fruit, pastries and yoghurt. Cooked breakfast is available too. I opted for just toast and coffee but the heavenly smells coming from the kitchen almost convinced me to indulge more.

Reasonably priced, comfortable and quiet, Hotel 55 offers a relaxing haven for tourists and Londoners alike. After staying here I can’t comprehend why anyone would waste their money on an expensive West End hotel, Hotel 55 has everything you need for less cost and less stress.

More information here.

www.hotel55-london.com

Breakfast at Le Bristol, Paris

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Le Bristol in Paris is known for both its fine accommodation and exquisite food. It is a palace of luxury situated in the fashion district of Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

We skipped out of our hotel bright and early for a breakfast booking at Le Jardin Francais , one of the many prestigious dining options at the hotel. We were greeted like royalty at the door by the smartest doormen I’ve ever seen. The interior twinkles: polished marble, blooming flowers and magnificent chandeliers.

Le Jardin Francais is a pretty floral sitting room offering an extensive morning menu of Parisian treats. The waiters are smart but humorous and made our meal luxurious but relaxed.

Vibrant fresh orange juice was first brought to our table, the sweetest I have ever tasted, and free from unwanted pith. A basket of fresh pastries followed soon after, a feast for the senses, smelling, looking and tasting divine. When people talk of unbeatable French croissants they are referring to the baked goods at Le Bristol. Buttery, soft and sweet, they melt in the mouth.

Eager to try something else from the menu, we both ordered a plate of pancakes with red fruits and vanilla cream. These were beautiful, arranged perfectly with a dusting of icing sugar and a miniature white chocolate Le Bristol medallion. They were as delicious as expected, a soft subtly sweet pancake with ripe strawberries and raspberries and a drizzle of contrasting cream.

Along with my cup of strong coffee, it was the perfect Parisian breakfast.

More information here.

www.lebristolparis.com

Hotel Legend, Paris

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Hotel Legend is part of the Paris Elegancia group, evocative establishments each featuring its own style and personality.

Moments away from Saint-Placide metro station, and on the busy Rue de Rennes shopping street, Hotel Legend is conveniently placed for tourists wishing to see the city’s main sites. When we arrived, exhausted from the journey, the front desk staff instantly settled us and within a few minutes we were in our room, map in hand, feeling totally at home. My first impression: the Elegancia team welcome everyone with a smile, cater to individual needs and ensure a happy stay for every guest… this is the service we received throughout our time at the hotel.

Our room, named Echo, was minimalist and chic… small and cosy, but with a fresh, slick feel. Decorated in white with simple features, it was a very pleasant and versatile room. There is no denying the petite size was a challenge and may frustrate some guests… but for business trips or short city stays this wouldn’t cause a problem. The room itself was very comfortable, a lovely place to relax and watch tv (which comes in the form of a big flat screen in front of the bed). A small desk with stool, plug sockets and iPhone speakers were located next to the bed should one need it.

The bathroom and storage space were both limited in size, the loo and shower squeezed into a tiny side room and the sink placed just outside in the main bedroom. An intriguing smashed glass effect barrier partially separated the bedroom and bathroom areas. I loved the power shower with multicoloured lights, it made the whole bathing experience very exotic. Toiletries were by Pascal Morabito and smelt delicious.

Perhaps the most luxurious touch at Legend was the memory foam mattresses and pillows. It took a little time to get used to this dense material but the effects were miraculous. A good night’s sleep is not a challenge when you have an indulgent bed like this to sink into.

We dashed off into the Parisian streets without getting a chance to sample breakfast, although I will admit it looked very appetising displayed under the illuminated sculptural tree in the lobby. Guests are also invited to help themselves to the honesty bar downstairs as and when they desire, a choice of delectable snacks and drinks are available.

Affordable but fashionable, and in a great location… this is the ideal hotel for a weekend away. By the time we left I felt very fond of our little echo room.

More information and book here.

http://www.legendhotelparis.com/

Boscolo Hotel, Budapest

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Bold and beautiful are the two words that come to mind when I think back to my stay at Budapest’s Boscolo Hotel. This epic establishment stands tall in the centre of the Hungarian capital, moments away from all the main attractions and sites. The building glows majestically, a historic palace of luxury and indulgence.

Any visitor will first be struck by Boscolo’s grand exterior, but inside the grandeur continues with impressive marble and bronze decor. There is a vintage elegance about the hotel which embodies the soul and prestige of Budapest. Known particularly for the amazing New York Cafe, once called the ‘most wonderful café in the world’, it is a work of art now restored to its former glory. The building originally belonged to the wealthy New York Life Insurance Company. Back then the downstairs cafe was a popular hangout for Budapest’s literati and young starlets; playwrights and actors enjoyed using the space as a work and play cafe, even threatening to throw away the keys so the place would always remain open. We ate breakfast in the cafe and I cannot deny its allure, it is a stunning hall and a real asset to the hotel.

We were situated on the fourth floor in a spectacular junior suite. With enough room and facilities to provide every comfort, we were tempted not to leave the room all weekend. The sub-zero temperatures outside feel like a distant memory when you step back inside this palace. Our room, better described as an apartment, was decorated in muted beiges and creams, a relaxed but luxurious environment. The materials were all soft and indulgent, big proper curtains draping the windows and a plush sofa against one wall. There was plenty of space for hanging gowns and shirts in the cupboards and a professional desk available for those needing it. I was delighted to spot the Nespresso machine which I used frequently, and room service efficiently zoomed upstairs with hot frothy milk for my morning cappuccino. Thanks to the huge heavy curtains and super soft bed, it was easy to get a good night’s kip, not so easy however to get up.

The bathroom was an exquisite parlour of prettiness. I spent a great deal of time soaking in the jacuzzi sized bath, preening in the expansive mirrors and refreshing in the giant power shower. My only slight quibble: the towels weren’t very soft, and after such an enjoyable soak, a soft robe to wrap myself in would have been ideal. Toiletries at Boscolo come from the fashionable Etro brand, cute little bottles of every possible soap and scrub, and I was particularly grateful for the relaxing bath salts included in the range.

We couldn’t have dreamed of a more marvellous place to stay, the Boscolo offers the very best accommodation in Budapest, practically perfect in every way.

More information and book here.

 http://budapest.boscolohotels.com/?cf

www.autographhotels.com

Kaffeine, Great Titchfield Street

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Shopping on Oxford Street and in need of a coffee? Steer off the main road, away from Starbucks, Costa and Nero, and onto Great Titchfield Street where you will find Kaffeine… an independent Australian/New Zealander owned cafe that offers excellent, professionally made espresso coffee and loose leaf teas, as well as tempting seasonal, fresh food and baked treats.

Founded in August 2009, Kaffeine is recognised for its high standards in service, food, coffee and decor. Inspired by the cafe life so prevalent in Australia and New Zealand, it has a cool, laid back atmosphere inside but is always busy.

The menu is inspired by trips to local markets, and a belief in accessible, independent producers. The Kaffeine crew hope to provide London with food that is fresh, seasonal, colourful and irresistible. Salads, baguettes and filled foccacia sandwiches are available as well as sweet and savoury muffins. Ingredients change weekly to reflect the seasons and also to provide some variety in our lives. Super-moist chocolate brownies, blondies, Anzac biscuits and Portuguese tarts are other favourites.

When I visited for a morning coffee I found the pastries on offer irresistible… giant puffed pain au chocolate with the lightest flakiest pastry and a thick dark chocolate chunk running through the middle… perfect for dunking in a cappuccino. The coffee at Kaffeine, made with Square Mile Beans on a shiny Synesso machine, is wonderfully smooth and tasty. Expertly made by the talented baristas, my flat white was divine, so creamy and subtle that I finished it far too quickly.

More information here: http://www.kaffeine.co.uk