Category: Restaurants & Hotels
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Deacon’s Bank, Chapel-en-le-Frith: Review
We’ve been before but have had Deacon’s Bank on our post-baby list for a while. On a crisp October Sunday, we finally made it, baby in tow, and it turned out to be exactly the sort of lunch you hope for: relaxed, well-paced, and properly cooked food that feels both refined and comforting. Setting The restaurant sits in the middle of of Chapel-en-le-Frith and manages that sweet spot between smart and welcoming. It’s a lovely setting, in an old bank…
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Review: The Cow, Dalbury Lees, Ashbourne
We’d had high hopes for The Cow at Dalbury Lees. The menu looked polished, the interiors stylish, and reviews online made it sound like a hidden gem near Ashbourne. So, with a group of five adults, two small children, and the lure of a long Sunday lunch ahead, we arrived — a touch early at 11.45 for a noon booking — to find the team setting up. To their credit, the staff couldn’t have been nicer. They welcomed us in…
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Portobello Café: A Taste of Italy Right in the Heart of Hadfield
If you’re looking for a little slice of Italy in the Peak District, look no further than Portobello Café in Hadfield. Owned by Natasha and Alex, who previously ran one of our absolute favourite spots in Whaley Bridge, Portobello brings the same passion, authenticity, and commitment to quality that made their last restaurant so memorable. Now, they’ve created a charming daytime café that serves up a delectable range of sandwiches, Italian snacks, and great coffee. A Warm Welcome and Authentic…
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Review: The Duncombe Arms, Ellastone
Sunday lunch that sadly didn’t deliver. We had high hopes for The Duncombe Arms. It’s got a strong reputation and regularly appears on lists of the best gastropubs in the country – the kind of place you’d expect to knock a Sunday roast out of the park. So we booked in as a group one weekend, looking forward to a proper treat. First impressions were good: the pub itself is lovely – all exposed beams, smart decor with some interesting…
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Review: The Barrel Inn, Bretton – A Hidden Gem in the Peaks
We recently stopped by The Barrel Inn in Bretton, nestled high in the Peak District, and it was nothing short of outstanding. The setting alone is worth the visit — perched atop a hill with sweeping, panoramic views that stretch across the landscape. It’s the kind of place where the scenery makes the food taste even better (not that it needed any help). For mains, we had a steak pie and a lamb’s liver dish. The steak pie was the…
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Perfect Stay at Woolly Experiences: Tranquil Cottage, Beautiful Views, and Friendly Animals
Our recent stay at the self-contained farm cottage at Woolly Experiences was everything we needed and more for the last night of our tour of Wales and (probably) our last night without a baby! Nestled amidst the stunning countryside around Mold, the cottage provided the perfect blend of comfort, relaxation, and a true connection with nature. You can also combine your stay with a more hands on experience if that’s something you’re keen to do – we did, and you…
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Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa – Hotel Review With Video
We recently stayed at Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa, and it was a really enjoyable experience, with just a couple of small things to mention that could make it even better. The first thing to highlight positively is the location! What a spectacular setting! Room Our room was definitely another one of the highlights. We had a large room with a balcony overlooking the lake, and the view was absolutely incredible. We looked “down” the full length of the lake.…
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Indian Streatery, Birmingham – Restaurant Review
We originally had plans to head to Dishoom, having had a great experience at the Manchester site and wanting something relatively relaxed and easy-going, but it was completely full – and so ending up at Indian Streatery turned out to be the best happy accident of our trip. Anyway, a quick detour and we landed here, just a short walk from Birmingham’s New Street station, and honestly, it works out pretty well. The service was spot on from the get-go.…
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Hotel Guadalmedina, Malaga
Hotel Guadalmedina in Malaga was a solid choice for a one-night stopover before catching the train to Granada the next morning. The location is fantastic—literally a 2 or 3-minute walk from the train station (Malaga Central), which is also the line you take from Malaga Airport. This makes it incredibly convenient for getting in and out of the city. We even managed to do a day trip to Benalmadena Pueblo on the day we arrived, thanks to the hotel’s prime…
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Ultramarinos, Mercado San Agustín, Granada
Ultramarinos, a small bar in the Mercado San Agustín in Granada, was an absolute gem. The mercado itself is part food market—featuring amazing fish, meat, cheese, vegetables, and other produce—and part tapas-bar-community, with numerous small outlets all serving specialties. Honestly, even if you don’t eat here it’s worth just going for a wander round to have a look at the variety of food on offer – especially sea food; the Spanish have and eat so many more varieties of shellfish…
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El Laurel Café and Taberna, Granada, Andalucia
El Laurel Café and Taberna in Granada falls short, plain and simple. Spain is known for its exceptional food and particularly for its ingredients. This place stands in stark contrast to that reputation. The service, to be fair, was the one redeeming aspect. Our waitress, the only staff member that seemed to be working on this Saturday was clearly overwhelmed but did her best to manage the situation with professionalism. Unfortunately, no amount of good service can salvage subpar food.…
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Review: Fenix Greek Restaurant, Amazing Aesthetic in Manchester
Really fantastic setting and service (Chelsey was our main contact and was awesome) with food to complement, from the guys behind Tattu (which is also worth a visit), writes Elliot. First things first and to get it out of the way, I’ve had better food. If you’re absolutely looking for Michelin Star food, go and find somewhere with a Michelin Star. The food is good here and very nice, but it’s a whole package deal and the aesthetic provides a…
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Wake Up to Giraffes: Chester Zoo’s New Luxury Lodges Look Incredible
Chester Zoo’s new luxury lodges look amazing. We’re not even being paid to write this! The Reserve is a brand-new safari-style lodge experience set to open in August 2025. The recently revealed artist’s impressions showcase an incredible African-inspired getaway, offering guests the chance to stay right next to some of the zoo’s most iconic animals. It’s safe to say we’re intrigued – here’s why this looks like an unforgettable staycation. A Unique Wildlife Experience in the UK There’s probably nothing…
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Florence Hotel: Casual Rinascimento Firenze
We had a fantastic stay at the Casual Rinascimento Firenze. The location is really hard to beat—it’s just a short walk to both the main square and the Uffizi, so you’re right in the heart of Florence but still tucked away in a quieter spot. It made sightseeing so easy, and it was great to be able to pop back to the hotel in minutes whenever we needed a break. The area around Casual Rinascimento Firenze felt really safe, even…
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Review: Nyx Hotel Prague
If you’re looking for a hotel with a prime location, the Nyx Hotel Prague is hard to beat. A mere 10-minute stroll will have you at the Old Town Square with the famous Astronomical Clock, and a quick 15-minute walk will get you to the iconic Charles Bridge. Perfect for those who want to explore Prague’s landmarks without feeling like they’re in the middle of the tourist chaos. Breakfast is solid, though not exactly a showstopper. You’ll find a good…
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A Winter Escape at School Farm Holidays: A Cozy Stay in the Owl Pod & Hottub
Nestled in the heart of the Shropshire countryside, School Farm Holidays offers a delightful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We visited in late December – between Christmas and New Year. Pictures and video below. For our two-night stay, we opted for the charming Owl Pod, a perfect little sanctuary for two. Though other pods are available, each with its own unique design, the Owl Pod has a double bed and outdoor hot tub and was the…
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A Comprehensive Review of Lagoon Attitude Hotel, Mauritius
Located on the edge of the Anse la Raie lagoon on Mauritius’ north coast, Lagoon Attitude is an eco-conscious resort offering a tranquil escape with a good amount of luxury and a great staff team. It’s about an hour from the airport. From its sustainability efforts to its idyllic beachfront location, this hotel, for us, did a great job of bridging the gap between luxury and environmental responsibility. We stayed in a room that opened directly onto the soft sands,…
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Review: The Lime Tree, Bollington
We recently visited The Lime Tree in Bollington, a small village on the Cheshire side of the Peak District, having been for a walk around White Nancy, a local hill! They offered a £35 three-course menu which provided excellent value for the standard of food on offer. The restaurant has a warm, welcoming atmosphere, with the conservatory at the back of the dining area offering a lovely, relaxed setting. To start, Elliot had the cream of celeriac soup, truffle mushrooms,…
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Restaurant Review: Maison Bagarre, Nantes
Located at 6 Rue Jean Jacques Rousseau in the heart of Nantes, Maison Bagarre offers an enjoyable mix of relaxed sophistication and modern design. We stayed just round the corner at Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites. We were seated upstairs in a mezzanine area, which had a bright and airy atmosphere, with sleek, contemporary decor that perfectly complemented the lively energy of the restaurant. It’s a place where you can enjoy high-quality dining without the formality that often comes…
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Bar Postiguillo Tapas, Seville: A Hidden Gem for Tapas Lovers
If you’re in Seville and looking for a laid-back, authentic tapas experience, Bar Postiguillo Tapas is a must-visit. Nestled in the Arenal district, this unassuming gem has everything you want in a local eatery—rustic charm, mouthwatering dishes, and a great selection of drinks, all served up with a side of Andalusian warmth. We stumbled upon Postiguillo during our trip to Seville and ended up coming back twice—it’s that good. The menu features an impressive array of tapas, each one a…
