Category Archives: Travel

The Old Manor, Bradford-upon-Avon

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I am always on the lookout for idyllic weekend break destinations in the UK. A few weeks ago I found The Old Manor Hotel, a charming and characterful establishment just fifteen minutes by train from central Bath. It is a historic building in Bradford-upon-Avon restored to its former glory by new owners, Tudor and Lucy Hopkins (and Camber the dog) who previously part-owned the Gallivant Hotel. They purchased this property in July 2013 hoping to have a hotel that they could completely call their own.

Known to be part of the Abbess of Glastonbury’s estate, the present Manor House was originally built in classic Queen Anne style before being upgraded in the 17th century. The quirks and detailing give the building particular appeal. With 21 bedrooms of varying sizes and décor, there are standard, superior, deluxe and family rooms to choose from. We were in a lovely spacious deluxe room (which felt more like a suite) in the main Manor house. Ultra clean and fresh with white walls, dainty artwork and endearing vintage furniture, it was a pleasure to spend the night here. Accentuating the remaining old features of the building there were hints of exposed beams and brickwork adding a touch of farmhouse chic. Through the prettily adorned dressing room was the bathroom, with a big bath and shower and Neal’s Yard toiletries.

The couple recently recruited Head Chef, Matthew Briddon of River Café and Paul Heathcotes – he is in charge of the kitchens and has big plans to make this hotel a foodie destination, with an extended restaurant and cookery school in the future. Speaking to Matthew, I found his vision and ambition inspiring, hearing about the plans for a snail farm, their own livestock, fruit orchards and herb gardens… a true farm to fork experience. So far they are making good use of the assets on site, a few beehives for floral honey and a small cold smokery for flavouring fish and other ingredients. We enjoyed a feast in the humble but lovely dining room on Friday night. Sitting by the roaring fire, sipping local ale and enjoying wholesome thoughtfully prepared food, I couldn’t think of anywhere else I would rather be. There were so many food highlights, I remember the innovative Smoked ham hock with ploughman’s garnish: a reinvention of the classic British sandwich, it had a great mix of textures with tangy sauce and irresistible crispy cheese bites. The main course Confit belly pork, pig’s cheek ragu and wilted greens had a sensational flavour and aroma though it was incredibly rich and I was sad not to be able to finish it. A simple homemade Bakewell Tart with clotted cream was served for dessert with soothing fresh mint tea.

Next morning we were awake bright and early with the chirping birds, early enough to see the huge orange sun rise through the trees, setting the sky alight. After a quick refreshing shower, we went down for a cup of coffee and breakfast in the Milking Parlour. Rustic chunky bread rolls stuffed with grilled bacon and ground pepper, orange juice and fresh milky coffee.

Visiting and experiencing the Old Manor Hotel was truly memorable for me; as we walked away though the sunny countryside I thought about how much I would love to have my own little hotel to love and nurture. We can expect great things from this motivated and creative team in the future, I cannot wait to hear about their progress.

More information on The Old Manor and book here: www.oldmanorhotel.com

Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled first class with First Great Western train from London Paddington to Bath Spa, book here.

Many thanks to the Bath Tourist board for their help with this trip, more information here.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 202

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When the highstreet does not succeed we must turn to the ever-growing worldwide web, where the online highstreet offers everything you could possibly ever need, want or desire.

The days of printed photographs seem long gone, snap happy iphone users create an idyllic images to share amongst their friends and family through messages and social media platforms. Everything is digital. It seems sad flicking through the dusty albums of childhood photos and holiday memories, now we create phone folders of image files rather than bound books of printed photographs.

Square Snaps offers an option for the digital age where Instagram junkies can make their photos into glossy high quality prints to enjoy. Upload directly from Instagram or your desktop and have the prints delivered to your door. No need to take to the streets, your fantastical photos will be with you after just a few clicks.

It is rare to find such an innovative company in the UK, most Instagram printing services of this kind are based in America, cost a fortune to send and take an age to arrive. These pretty products are made from hard-wearing but high quality materials and are reasonably priced (24 standard snaps will cost you £9.84). The prints are designed with Instagram in mind – all arrive in the recognisable square format and are available in varying sizes and styles.

Here’s what the Square Snaps team have to say:

“We are a little company based in London with some pretty serious printing resources. We’re super keen lovers of art, photography and design. We started SQUARE SNAPS because we wanted to help reclaim a little of the physical from the digital. SO, don’t just store your pictures away on your computer or on Instagram, they should be held in your hands, pinned up on your walls, given to friends and celebrated in all their glory!”

Seems like a pretty good idea to me… now I just have to select a shortlist from my 4,495 photos on my Instagram account!

Order your Square Snap photos here: square-snaps.com  

Lowry Spa, Manchester

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Whilst staying at the Lowry Hotel I was tempted to remain in the building all weekend. The weather in Manchester is often dreary, wet and cold and this homely five star establishment offers a warm and luxurious place to relax and indulge.

After a long, deep sleep and a leisurely breakfast, I visited the Lowry spa. It was relatively early on a Sunday morning and couples were wandering around enjoying the facilities and rejuvenating treatments. Although there is no pool, the spa offers sauna and relaxation rooms so guests use these as they wish.

I enjoyed a Signature Back and Scalp massage followed by an express therapeutic facial. I can never decide between massage and facial so this was the perfect compromise for me. My softly spoken therapist managed to instantly calm me, and it helped that the bed was wonderfully warm and enveloping. As I directed, she pressed through my knots with strength, methodically pushing through the tension in my upper back and shoulders. Gradually the tightness loosened as she patiently massaged oil into my muscles. Then she moved onto my head to relieve all pressure in my scalp.

It felt like an added bonus afterwards when it was time for the mini facial. Cleansing and exfoliating (a step I fail to remember regularly in my skin routine!) my face instantly felt fresher and brighter. A moisturising mask left my cheeks plump and my forehead silky soft. It was lovely to leave the treatment room with a clear head and relaxed body. I could then go and read a magazine and enjoy the rare opportunity for total tranquillity.

With many alluring spa packages and day offers, the Lowry spa is ideal for both staying guests and outside visitors… the perfect retreat away from the loud and lively city.

More information on the Lowry Hotel spa here.

Many thanks to Manchester Tourist Board for their help with this trip, more information here.

Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled with Virgin Trains.

Typical journey time between London and Manchester is just 2h 7m on one of the state-of-the-art tilting trains, six days a week. Engineering works slow things down a little on Sunday mornings, but by lunchtime they’re operating services – at 2h15m – just a shade slower than Monday to Saturday. Trains every 20 minutes, six and a half days a week.

Booking in advance and travelling off-peak is the best way to get great deals – including some fantastic First Class bargains. Single fares start at: Advance Standard £12.50  and Advance First £38.00, book here.