Tag Archives: East Coast Trains

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.

Things to do in York

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With East Coast Trains‘ direct service it is so easy to get to York. Just two hours from King’s Cross and you find yourself on cobbled streets, wandering around this historic city discovering the secrets inside its ancient walls. York is ideal for weekend trips, a close contained city with every tourist site and attraction within walking distance. In just 36 hours I sought out ten adventurous, relaxing, enjoyable, educating and delicious things to do, and by the end of Sunday night I had decided that York is definitely one of Britain’s most beautiful and interesting places to visit.

1. Visit the epic Minster, one of Europe’s most impressive Gothic cathedrals… and if you are feeling really energetic climb to the top of the Tower where, on a clear day, you can see 25 miles into the distance.

2. York is known for its haunted history… nightly ghost walks take eager tourists round the dark streets telling stories of woe and hysterical haunted anecdotes. I can recommend the Ghost Hunt which leaves from the Shambles every night at 7.30pm, and is hosted by an exceptionally eerie gentleman.

3. Drink tea and scoff cake at Betty’s Tea Room, the famous cafe in the city centre. For special occasions the champagne afternoon tea in the Belmont Room is particularly lovely.

4. They say you can drink in a different pub every night of the year in York. Visit one of the ‘365’ charming drinking holes for a pint before supper. Each pub has its own character and tale to tell. Look out for the two Canadians hoping to try all of them… and see their progress on their blog here: www.365pubs.wordpress.com

5. Visit the award winning York Castle Museum to take a trip through time. Step inside Kirkgate, the recreated street and experience the sights, sounds and smells of Victorian Britain. Every adult and child will love this magical museum.

6. Dine at one of York’s best eateries on Fossgate: J Baker’s Bistro Moderne for fine food and wine, Masons for unbeatable burgers and The Blue Bicycle for an atmospheric and relaxing dinner.

7. Get your caffeine kick at Coffee Culture or Attic Cafe. Apparently York’s beans make some of the best espresso in the country.

8. Take a walk through the Snickelways, tiny alleys that have survived through the centuries and offer some of the best shopping in York.

9. The Treasurer’s House is a wonderful property currently being restored to its former glory. Admire this illustrious man’s home and hear more about his extravagant life.

10. Learn about York’s scrumptious sweets at The Chocolate Story. Understand about cocoa refining, read about the history of confectionery and have fun making (and eating) your own chocolate lollipops.

Thanks to East Coast Trains and www.visityork.org

East Coast operates 72 services each weekday between London King’s Cross and York. Customers travelling First Class can enjoy East Coast’s complimentary food and drinks offer, plus unlimited Wi-Fi. Advanced return fares, booked online at www.eastcoast.co.uk: start from £26 Standard Class or £79 First Class. Times and fares can also be found via 08457 225225 or from any staffed stations.

Glasshouse Hotel, Edinburgh

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A nice hotel can make or break a weekend getaway. Thanks to my brother’s wise University choice I now have a valid reason to regularly visit and review the beautiful city of Edinburgh. On my most recent visit I stayed in the 5 star Glasshouse Hotel, luxury boutique accommodation conveniently close to the city centre. The façade is that of a lovely weathered 150 year old church, the interior is a lovingly converted townhouse decorated with charm and character. The Playhouse is a direct neighbour, but sadly when we visited on a Saturday night, nothing was on to see.

After checking in with the helpful and accommodating staff, we tackled the complicated lift system before finding our way to the Glenfiddich Suite. Our room was spacious with modern furnishings and glorious light from the floor to ceiling windows opening onto a terrace. A huge bed was covered with a fluffy thick duvet and fresh crisp linen. Everything was pristine, classical music murmuring from a flash audio system and a little desk by the window ideal for working.

All the useful amenities are in place here, most valuable for me was the free WiFi and complimentary mineral water; sweet snacks and Scottish whisky all provided for our enjoyment. We didn’t use the flat screen TV or CD player much, but had I stayed longer I think I would have really appreciated these additions to the room.

The bathroom was ultra stylish, a luxurious power shower, huge bath and two sinks! Decorated with a cool blue colour scheme, it was a lovely place to have a relaxing soak. The bathroom had everything you need to fully indulge including generous sized bottles of lovely Highland Aromatic toiletries.

After a long day and night exploring the town and dining extravagantly, we were relieved to arrive back at the Glasshouse. I fell into my sumptuous bed, soft and enveloping, it was divine and I slept blissfully well.

The breakfast room is tricky to find, further into the depths of the hotel. It was worth the trek, a bright and airy space with spectacular views of Edinburgh from the expansive windows. We had a lovely time reading the Sunday newspapers while munching on tasty buttery crossiants, fresh coffee, juice and warm toast. Guests on the table next door were relishing their full Scottish breakfast which looked and smelt delicious. After a rejuvenating stay, we were ready to sightsee once more, leaving the hotel feeling refreshed and with renewed energy.

The Glasshouse provides the perfect highland home for a weekend getaway in Edinburgh.

Visit the Glasshouse website here to book.

Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled with East Coast Trains to Edinburgh. East Coast operates 46 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. Advanced return fares, booked online at www.eastcoast.co.uk: start from £33 Standard Class or £95 First Class. Times and fares can also be found via 08457 225225 or from any staffed stations.