The Jockey Cocktail, a 'Golden Age' tipple

Once the reserve of the cool and trendy, former celebrity hang-out the Met Bar, has shed its ‘in-crowd’ only policy and opened its doors to the general public, complete with a new look.

Gone with the paparazzi-pulling clientele is the deep red décor; in its place you’ll find a relaxed palette of sensual 1970′s brown and burnt orange leather banquettes and stools, along with wood panels, lava stone and glass. Pretty gold hexagonal nightlight holders twinkle from each table, casting a romantic glow; working with the discreet spot lighting to provide an immediate feeling of calm.

Quiet chatter, the click of the cocktail shaker working overtime behind the bar, and an eclectic mix of tunes provided the soundtrack to our Thursday evening visit. My friend and I took advantage of the empty raised booth area, slightly set apart from the rest of the bar – but still offering great people watching opportunities – and settled in for a couple of hours of food-accompanied imbibing.

One can order a cocktail in pretty much every bar, café and restaurant where alcohol is served nowadays, but they’re rarely worthy of the price tag that comes with shaking up a few ingredients and pouring them in to a pretty glass. Here, the cocktails go far beyond your traditional Cosmopolitans and Pina Coladas, the quality of ingredients and skill too, with an impressive selection split into four sections aimed at pleasing all palates: Adventurous, Golden Age, Signature, and Champagne. They’re at the treat end of the price scale, around £14 a pop, but with cocktails as good as this, I’d take quality over quantity any day.

Influenced by my penchant for bubbles, I ordered the 5 Star Julep, enticed by the winter warming addition of Maker’s Mark Bourbon, with fresh accents of mint – served in an elegant flute glass. My friend, an enthusiastic home mixologist (read: hard to please), supped happily on the Horner Swing; a combination of sweet damson jam, 20-year-old Ramos Pinto port and Monkey Shoulder whisky. Also highly recommended were the Green Park Frost (a floral and spicy mix boasting celery, basil and Plymouth Gin), the Market Tipple (with heather honey and English lavender) and the Rumba (fresh blueberries and rum, finished with Louis Roederer Champagne). If it weren’t for the risk of getting lost on the way home, there were plenty of other exciting sounding concoctions we would’ve gladly sampled. Treats for another time.

An evening menu of small plates (a full à la carte is served at lunch), echoes the very British elements used in the cocktails, with a seasonal selection priced around the £5 to £12 mark. We accompanied our tipples with  the potted shrimps (a clamp jar packed to the brim with salty, buttery prawns with crisp hints of orange and fennel, and served with a delicious chervil-filled dainty mini batch loaf), creamy Kedgeree fish cakes, tender bites of slow-roasted Norfolk lamb, and the pièce de resistance of the spread: soft, fresh, hunks of home-cured Scottish salmon. The perfect amount to fill us up, without finishing us off.

The Met Bar’s home in The Metropolitan Hotel on Old Park Lane is a blissfully quiet area compared to the relentless hoards of shoppers on nearby Oxford Street, making it a perfect respite to refuel and relax after a day’s retail therapy or an after work catch-up haunt with friends.

For more information, see the Met Bar’s website.

A relaxed interior with brown and burnt orange leather banquettes and stools, along with wood panels, lava stone and glass...

Jazz soirées at Paris' Cercle Suédois...

It’s coming up to four years that I’ve had the privilege of calling Paris my home. Being a naturally curious adventuring type, as well as a journalist for RIH, I can confidently say that I’ve run in heels around every one of Paris’ 20 arrondissements, and have managed to discover many a treasure along the way. You’ll be hard pushed to find most of the places below in your typical Parisian guidebook, and all the better, because we don’t want these places getting too popular! So, just between you and me, here’s my Secret Paris…

Cercle Suédois

You could walk past the ‘Cercle Suédois’ (Swedish Circle) a thousand times and not notice it’s there. It is tucked away in a residential building, on a street renowned for its glamourous hotels (Crillon, Meurice) and other noble former residences (Louvre…) – the Rue de Rivoli.

On Wednesday night you can be the guests of the Swedes’ Jazz night. At number 242 you buzz, go up to the second floor and knock at the second door on your right. For just 10€, you get entry to an intimate jazz concert as well as a drink. Swedish tipples and nibbles are all available for reasonable prices. It is perfectly underpopulated – think 40 guests maximum, which means you’re almost always guaranteed a space on the balcony which overlooks the Tuileries Gardens, and gives you access to the room where Alfred Nobel conceived his prize. His desk remains in the very same spot. If you fancy having your own time-travelling Midnight-in-Paris experience, this would be a great place to start. 242 rue de Rivoli – Paris 1er.

Le Limonaire

Le Limonaire is one of my favourite spots in Paris. Its central location means it’s convenient for meeting friends from any corner of Paris. There are several metros within walking distance, but you have to know your route around the alleys of the “Grands Boulevards’ to stumble across this gem. It’s basically a cabaret restaurant, which continues a great Parisian tradition which has had the soul ripped out of it at some other more well-known cabarets… You arrive at around 8pm, eat a traditional French meal at an excellent price, and from 10pm onwards you will be impeccably entertained in a musical fashion. The price? Whatever you choose – make your contribution into the hat which is passed around at the end of the night. You can also just come for drinks, and a lovely quiet terrace outside is great for smoking a Gitane or two, or just absorbing the fresh air. I’ve never had a bad night here. Cité Bergère – Paris 2eme.

Terrace of the Great Paris Mosque

The Grande Mosquée de Paris occupies an impressive position in Paris’ left bank, a short walk from the Latin Quarter in an area I much prefer for its lack of bustling. It is the largest mosque in France and the third largest in Europe. As well as being a place of worship with a stunning garden, and housing an authentic hammam (I’ve left there many a time which skin softer than I ever thought possible), it also boasts an exquisite terrace which is absolutely perfect for enjoying an oriental pastry, mint tea and shisha (shisha only after 4pm) next to the open aviary and under various vines. A perfect patch of paradise in Paris. 9 rue Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire – Paris 5eme.

La Pagode

La Pagode is easily one of the world’s loveliest cinemas, with one of the most heartbreaking tales at its origin. It is also one of the rare cinemas where you know you can just drop in and are guaranteed to see something amazing – the programme is always excellent.

Monsieur Morin – the founder of Paris institution the Bon Marché department store – commissioned La Pagode – a replica of a Japanese Pagoda – as a gift for his wife in 1886. However could one repay such a gift, you might ask? Well, Madame Morin choose to do it by skipping off with her husband’s business partner. Monsieur Morin’s loss became our gain in time – after a short life as a reception hall, it became a cinema in 1931. It has since become a key player in France’s cinematic landscape, hosting the premiere of Jean Cocteau’s Testament d’Orphée, as well as being a key champion of the Nouvelle Vague in the 60s, bringing the works of Truffaut, Rohmer, Rozier and others to the attention of the public. After escaping demolition in the 1970s (I can’t bear to imagine it), it remains a champion of quality independent cinema today.

An exquisite hidden Japanese cinema

It’s worth ringing to see if your chosen film is playing in the impressive ‘Salle Japonaise’ before you set off (there is another smaller screen) as you may never watch a film in a more exquisite room than this one. A tea beforehand in the surrounding Japanese garden is also highly recommended. 57Bis Rue Babylone – Paris 7eme.

Jardin Francs-Bourgeois-Rosiers

The Marais is one of the liveliest areas in Paris, not least on a Sunday when the rest of the city is closed up (the Marais is the Jewish quarter and so their day of rest is Saturday). I’ve spent countless weekends here, browsing the excellent thrift stores, eating Falafel and cheesecake and drooling over the apartments, but it was only recently that I discovered the jardin ‘Francs-Bourgeois-Rosiers’. Accessible through former Hotel Particulier, the Hotel de Coulanges on the Rue Francs-Bourgeois (which now houses the Maison de l’Europe), this little ‘espace vert’ has to be one of the best-kept secrets in the Marais. Now is the time to visit it – plans are underway to merge it with two other nearby gardens, which will create something very special, but undoubtedly more popular… So get your falafel and cheesecake to go and bring them here. ASAP. 33-35 Rue des Francs-Bourgeois – Paris 4eme.

La petite cuisine à Paris

If you’re planning ahead, a much sought-after reservation at culinary creative Rachel Khoo’s Petite Cuisine is an excellent way to spend a lunchtime. As well as enjoying some fabulous dishes you can have a good natter with a Brit who has made Paris her home. La Petite Cuisine has been thoroughly tried and tested by RIH already and you can read all about it here.

Ballon de Paris

So your obvious options for getting a great view of Paris are the following: Eiffel Tower, Montparnasse Tower and Sacré Coeur. All worthy edifices, but all a little too obvious, and dare I say it, ‘touristy’. But how about being able to see all these buildings from above, in a way that you will never find in the guide books? You need to try the Paris hot air balloon. The reason it’s not in the guide books is because it is subject to the weather (hence it can’t be promoted to tourists), but all you need to do is check on their website before you set off and see whether the balloon is running. When you get there, the queue is modest (virtually non-existent mid-week). You go up in the balloon (tethered to the ground) in a group of around 10, for around 15-20 minutes at a time, to take in a panorama of Paris as far as the eye can see. Parc Andre Citroen – Paris 15eme.

And finally, a few more secrets which I’ll let you discover on your own..

● Histoire de Paris and Curiocites will both teach you fascinating tales about Paris that go far off the tourist track (French speakers only).

● Billet Reduc is bursting with discounted (and often free) tickets to every type of show imaginable in Paris (30-year olds and under can find more places at one of the Kiosque des jeunes);

● You could save yourself a small fortune in museum and gallery tickets if you book to come on the first Sunday of the month, when all of these treasures offer free entry (the earlier you go, the shorter the queues!).

● The Rue Cler is a fabulous market street near (but not too close) to the Eiffel Tower which is open on Sundays until lunchtime, and is perfect for stocking up on cheese and other goodies to take home.

A secret garden within the lively heart of the Marais quartier: the beautifully tranquil Jardin Francs-Bourgeois-Rosiers...

The Halkin's selection of divine decadance

Come 4pm on any given day, London’s most exclusive hotels are besieged by eager customers seeking to partake in the ultimate British pastime: high tea. Tiered silver stands are crammed full of delectable delights – from neatly cut cucumber sandwiches to fluffy scones and tiny fruit tarts – to be ravished and digested with an elegant cup of Earl Grey. Although it is true that each of the top hotels has its own take on the classic teatime fare, perhaps none are quite so daring as The Halkin, whose newly launched Couture Chocolate Afternoon Tea sees the boutique five-star entering unchartered territory.

“We knew we wanted to create an afternoon tea that was genuinely different. When we came across William we thought he was the perfect man to work with on the project,” the hotel’s marketing manager, Chris Orlikowski told RIH at the tea’s unveiling last week. The William he speaks of is William Curley, the award-winning chocolatier extraordinaire. Highly respected in the food world for his interesting take on the ultimate gourmet indulgence, the British chef and his Japanese pâtissier wife, Suzue, routinely introduce interesting ingredients or elements from other cultures to their handmade chocolates, pâtisseries and desserts.

On this occasion, given a free reign by the hotel, Curley has created a masterwork of divine decadence. Over three tiers, one finds a combination of heavenly flavours and, with the exception of a lower tier of mini scones, jam and cream, they all have a chocolate twist.

The chocolate macaroon is the most recognisable item on the tray; with a perfect, chewy texture it is as good as anything you’ll find on the Champs-Elysées. It sits on the top tier beside a chocolate financier with a passion fruit curd – the sharpness of the fruity curd takes the edge off the sweetness of the moist chocolate sponge and together they make for a surprisingly refreshing combination. On the middle tier there awaits an even more mouth-watering selection: a Black Forest dome (kirsch soaked sponge and cherry compote encased in a dark and white chocolate mousse), an orange and chocolate sacher and, this journalist’s personal favourite, a hazelnut tart filled with sea salt caramel, raspberry dacquoise and compote topped with a chocolate cremeaux and finished off with fresh raspberries. Such sweet, salty deliciousness is almost unimaginable.

Clearly each small edible item has been created and crafted with love. Curley’s team genuinely care about their cakes and source the very finest ingredients for them. One can’t help feeling sorry for the perfectly lovely triangle sandwiches that, coming on a separate plate, are something of a sideshow; next to the main act, the poor things don’t stand a chance. Washed down with your choice from a wide selection of teas, and a glass of champagne if you fancy going the extra mile, it makes for a wholly satisfying teatime experience. This is especially so sitting in The Halkin’s ‘culture lounge’, which has a pleasant, relaxed informality not often found at more traditional five-stars. You can even browse through the selection of Assouline coffee table books on display (and that can be purchased should you so desire).

Obviously, this is one to be avoided if you are a) on a (fun free) diet b) have a cocoa bean allergy. However, if neither applies then this is a dining experience to relish. Savour each delicious morsel of cake and roll out of the front door into the cold air radiating internally with chocolaty goodness.

The Couture Chocolate Afternoon Tea at The Halkin costs £37.50 or £47.50 with a glass of champagne. For more information, see The Halkin’s website.

William’s first book, Couture Chocolate, in which he reveals some of the secrets and methods behind his award-winning creations, is available to buy now.

William Curley introduces his first book…

Sophisticated deco at The Llawnroc

Notice something funny about The Llawnroc’s name? It’s ‘Cornwall,’ spelled backwards. After two nights here, I can’t think of anything more apt – Gorran Haven’s newest boutique hotel is writ through with Cornish charm.

Set a few streets back from the beach, the Llawroc flies both the Union Jack and Saint Piran’s Flag outside – and you see this mix of local and national sensibilities carried on within. Design is comfy but slick, with none of the rusticity out-of-towners might have come to expect of a Cornish getaway; while its locally-sourced restaurant menu is trend-conscious yet unpretentious. Service strikes that golden balance between smart, direct and utterly friendly. The ultimate seal of approval? People who live here like and use the Llawnroc just as much as visitors – the bar and restaurant were packed every night I was here.

Despite being fancier than your average seaside hotel, The Llawnroc has simple pleasures at its heart. Gorgeous surroundings, food and atmosphere make you feel blessed enough; a bit of glam styling is simply the icing on the cake.

The Rooms

We arrive on a sunny Friday afternoon and it’s straight upstairs for a nosy at our room. “Big views” is the phrase that springs to mind, with a floor-to-ceiling window spread right across one wall to take in a melée of sky, sea, cliffs rising beyond village rooftops and – immediately below – the drinks terrace. I make a mental note to remember this while getting changed. You can get the fresh-air-included version of this view in other rooms, which have balconies, while a suite at the top has wrap-around vistas.

The next big wow is the bed – it’s huge, with a high and blingy silver leather headboard, purple and silver velvet cushions and double-sized pillows (with a pillow menu to peruse if these don’t fit the bill). Indeed, the Llawnroc’s design has a dramatic slant throughout – the first thing you clap eyes on in the lobby is a huge, modern-gothic chandelier, and there are striped carpets and high-backed Alice in Wonderland-evoking armchairs in the hall downstairs.

A flat screen TV, DVD player, PlayStation III, free Wi-Fi and iPod dock are very welcome in-room goodies, but it’s the more personal and location-specific touches that do it for me: there’s seaweed-based Voya shampoo, conditioner and moisturiser in the bathroom, and a selection of herbal blends to choose from on the tea tray.

Rooms are spacious, stylish and comfortable enough to hole up in all day (the largest ones have lounge areas). If you’re planning days filled with beach-trips and cliff-top walks, your room’s a lovely, luxurious treat to get back to afterwards.

Gwineas Bar

After the room inspection, it’s down to the Gwineas Bar and Bistro for lunch and a drink. This is the heart and hub of the hotel: everything goes, from daytime meals and paper-reading to evening meet-ups and nightcaps.

Lunch dishes are of the hearty, large-portioned variety, with daily specials chalked up on a board in the bar. I have pork, apple puree, mash and greens from a menu heaving with local produce (half-pints of prawns, St Austell Bay mussels), and my partner goes for the bar’s classic pub-grub burger and chips (huge, and excellently done, he says.)

Step onto on the terrace afterwards for sweeping views of the sky blending into the sea’s horizon. In summer, this place becomes a full-on outdoor lounge with settees under gazebos and canopied pods large enough for two. In nippier weather, though, you’re happy to cosy up inside – and Gwineas accommodates for this with a lip-smacking Cornish cream tea. Local Tregothnan tea, clotted cream, freshly-baked scones and jam are served in the orangery from 3-5pm daily… you could definitely get used to this kind of eating.

Fine dining at Gorrans restaurant

Gorrans Restaurant

Come evening, you’ll find a sleeker translation of the hotel’s ‘local, ethically-sourced’ food mantra at fine dining restaurant Gorrans. Rounds of homemade bread and Cornish cheeses hit the spot and, naturally, seafood has a strong presence: choose a crab salad starter or go for a wild sea bass main with samphire, fennel, tomato vinaigrette and steamed mussels. If your tend more to dry land, Autumn’s ‘Best of British’ menu offers roast pigeon breast with polenta, spinach and girolles, as well as lamb fillet from nearby Lobbs Farm with confit garlic, smoked creamed potatoes and purple kale.

Gastropubs with roaring fires and beamed ceilings are ten-a-penny round here, so it’s great to see Gorrans throw something modern and shiny-surfaced into the mix. On the Saturday night we ate, the place was full and reviews so far have been glowing – a top spot on Cornwall’s foodie map surely awaits.

Gorran Haven

Between lounging around and stuffing yourself, there’s still plenty of time to explore Gorran Haven and its coastline. And haven really is the operative word: this tiny fishing village is all steep, winding streets and whitewashed cottages, with two crescents of sandy beach and an excellent chip shop to its name. To get out, take a bracing and beautiful cliff-side walk east to the next village along (Portmellon), or visit the Eden Project or the Lost Gardens of Heligan in St. Austell – both a 30-minute drive away.

Would you believe it, the sun was still shining on Sunday morning we left; relaxed, refreshed and a few pounds heavier. If you’re looking for a proper seaside escape with a dollop of luxury thrown in, the Llawnroc should be just your cup of (Cornish cream) tea.

For more info, see the Llawnroc’s website; rooms start at £84prpn for a double. The nearest train station is St. Austell, travel from London Paddington with First Great Western.

The tiny Cornish fishing village of Gorran Haven is all steep, winding streets, sandy beaches and whitewashed cottages...

The sun-soaked grounds of the Masseria

Think picture postcard Italy and you will probably hit upon an image much like Puglia’s Masseria San Domenico. With its whitewashed walls, sun-soaked olive groves, golf course and private beach by the Adriatic coast, it’s certainly easy on the eye. In fact the Puglia region in general, nestled in the ‘heel’ of Italy’s south easternmost coast, is fast becoming a magnet for holidaymakers who are drawn to its rustic charm and mouth-watering seafood.

I’m here in Puglia to sample this slice of Italian luxury. A five-star boutique hotel, the Masseria has been voted one of the best spa destinations in the country and is part of the prestigious Leading Spa Hotels of the World collection, an accolade richly deserved for pioneering thalassotherapy in southern Italy. I’m eager to dip my toes into the Masseria’s concept of seawater beauty; from relaxing hydrobaths to invigorating Vichy showers and deeply restful waterbeds, I’m told every trickle of water is exploited.

Made with Amore

On my arrival, it’s clear that the Masseria, a 47-room converted 14th century watchtower, used by the Knights of Malta to guard against Saracen attacks, doesn’t skimp on opulence. Accessible only via a private gated road, the hotel stands within 60 hectares of ancient olive trees and citrus orchards – a scent that delicately dances around the property. Inside, my suite is generous to say the least, filled with colourful and intricate rugs and bedding unique to the region, plush dark furniture expertly carved, and state-of-the-art TV and DVD to boot. It seems the hotel doesn’t do things by halves. This is also true of the spa. Perfectly situated next to the sea, the wellbeing offering has taken on the true tenants of thalassotherapy and executed it with aplomb.

A Sea of Beauty

Growing in popularity across Europe, thalasso – a philosophy of harnessing fresh seawater and its unique properties to enhance our health and beauty – has found a soaring fanbase at the Masseria, and Italy overall. Since it’s only 800 metres from the sea, the Masseria pumps fresh seawater into the spa’s treatment rooms and pools through its own bore. The water, it is believed, contains immeasurable nutrients and trace elements of magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium and iodine which are absorbed through the skin. It’s certainly a spa service that is taken seriously for its health benefits, and it’s with great care that they introduce and treat guests to the thalasso therapies. Before I step into the 22-room spa, an initial consultation is performed in order to receive the right services from a choice of facials, baths, massages and wraps, to delicious and nutritious meals. Forget ‘one-size-fits-all’, everything here is made-to-measure.

With the consultation out of the way, it’s time to de-robe. I’m given a trio of Thalgo treatments: exfoliation, body wrap and massage. Each 45-minute therapy incorporates fresh seawater that’s doused over me to cleanse or invigorate, alongside so-called ‘miracle’ muds from the sea which are slathered on to smooth even the most parched skin. As one of the leading names in thalassotherapy, I know I’m in expert hands with Thalgo and they don’t disappoint. I’m left supple and serene – albeit smelling of the sea!

 Local Appeal

Aside from the thalasso section, the two-storey spa also plumps for authenticity from outside of Europe, with Indian-style ayurveda including shirodhara, and Thai massages on tap. I’m also introduced to its olive oil skincare range, containing moisturisers and masks, which are crafted with the hotel’s very own olive crop. It’s evident the Masseria is keen to promote Puglia’s distinctive local flavour – something that’s lapped up by the tourists who come via two nearby airports, Brindisi and Bari.

Judging by Puglia’s most well-known fans, it’s set to get even more popular. This European destination has romanced the likes of Dame Helen Mirren, Francis Ford Coppola and even Mikhail Gorbachev, who’ve embraced the slow local life. Boasting more than 800km of coastline on the Adriatic and Ionian, Puglia also lays claim to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is producer of 40% of the country’s olive oil and 17% of Italian wine. The Masseria has capitalised on the hike in interest by delivering a first class hotel and spa experience – one that leaves me saying si to more spa breaks.

From its azure waters to the rejuvenating spa, the Masseria San Domenico hotel offers a generous slice of five-star Italian luxury

Tayyabs: a haven for real curry fans...

It’s rare that a Londoner will share all of their ‘don’t tell anyone’ spots in the city, so you can feel particularly privileged that RIH writer Brogan Driscoll has opened her Little Black Book to reveal some of her favourite secret places in London. Read on for traditional pubs with a twist, where to get a coffee fix and the best art house cinema for true cinephiles…

Tayyabs

Wander slightly off the Bhangra beaten track, about five minutes from Aldgate East tube, and you’ll probably find queues running out the door at Tayyabs. If you haven’t booked, you could wait up to 40 minutes as the queue snakes around the restaurant and past the takeaway counter. But, fear not, you can have a sneaky samosa if you’re particularly ravenous. Far from finding this kind of business off-putting, I find it extremely reassuring. It’s busy for one reason, and a very good reason at that: it’s food. It’s famous for the marinated lamb chops, fluffy bread and earthy dahl dishes. I rather like the aubergine dishes and lamb karahi too.

The Curzon Renoir

A Mecca for true cinephiles. Originally bought by Artificial Eye in the mid 80s, the Renoir shows art house films as they are released ad specialises in foreign language films. It retains a certain individuality that the cinematic giants Cineworld and Vue candidly lack. The Renoir is in the trendy Russell Square. There are so many frenchies that if you close your eyes, mainly so you don’t see the Nandos & Spud U Likes that litter Brunswick Square, you could almost be à Paris. Je rêve.

National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Galley is something of a safe haven. Full of familiar faces and sheltered from its overbearing, overcrowded and overrated neighbours: The National Gallery and Trafalgar Square. It hosts the national BP Portrait of the Year Awards that sees a collection of some of the most amazingly intricate portraiture. The venue also holds great one-off events. Recently I went to a talk by the guardian’s Robert Ogden on photojournalism and their eyewitness series.

Algerian Coffee Shop

There is something exceptionally charming about this traditional Algerian Coffee Shop. Maybe it’s the dark wood, over the counter service and white pharmacist coats that make the place seem like an old apothecary; maybe it’s the huge selection of over 80 varieties of coffee bean and the coffee connoiseurs who match your individual taste with the coffee bean of your dreams; or maybe it’s just that espressos are only a pound! Whatever it is its slap bang in the heart of London, so you’ve no excuse not to go.

The Pineapple

A mere stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of Kentish Town High Road and you’ll find yourself on the doorstep of one of my favourite pubs in London. Set among a row of terrace houses, its location is very intimate. Sitting in the conservatory or spacious beer garden you feel more like your sitting in a friend’s garden than a pub. The traditional pub furniture and the clinking of glasses are set against deliciously cheap served from the Thai menu. This seems to be quite the fashion in London pubs nowadays. As a big Thai food fan, I welcome this trend with open arms.

Hampstead Heath

Green spaces, London is full of them. It should make it more difficult to pick a favourite I guess, but you can’t compete with Hampstead Heath. I love it mainly because of its sheer size, you can literally get lost there for hours. It’s perfect for picnics and bike rides. Although with all those hills cycling round it is pain in the arse (literally)! There is plenty of opportunity to test the water and go swimming in the open air lakes.

You can't compete with the open space of Hampstead Heath; with its sheer size, you can literally get lost there for hours.

The classy cocktail bar at Och Himlen Därtill

Imagine a great night out with your friends, the prospect of good wine and conversation at a classy bar. Better still, conjure up a classic romantic date at an equally classy restaurant. Now allow yourself to stretch your mind a bit and add a 360 degree view of a beautiful city to that image. You are high in the sky, overlooking the rest of the metropolis in a bird’s eye view. Could anything be better? Why yes, darling, the drink in your hand.

The name of this heavenly place is Stockholm’s Och Himlen Därtill, translated, And Heaven Thereto, or And Heaven Withal – you get the gist. It entails both a restaurant and a bar, the former downstairs and the latter upstairs. A speedy ride in the lift will take you to the 25th floor, whereupon you step out and climb your way up the stairs to the bar whilst taking in the dazzling view that gets better with every step, until you enter the bar in a grand finale and realise you’d better snatch a spot next to a window and be quick about it (especially if it’s the weekend).

To be sure, a sky bar is always a safe bet for a classy night out, but OHD’s modern interior accentuates the taste, stealing a momentary spotlight from the glass windows leading out to the city which by nature has a low skyline. The effect is casual classiness. Alas, it doesn’t matter much because the windows rule over all. Through them, the entire city is on display – you can even see the ski slopes in the outskirts! I must admit, in my inadequate knowledge of Stockholm geography, the first time I regarded the peculiar white hill I was bewildered by its curious presence amidst the night sky. So there, now you won’t wonder, too.

Now, about those drinks that I slipped in earlier – pricy they are, but good. Cocktails are their specialty; however if you would much rather prefer a low-key cider, it may still give the illusion of something classy such as, say, champagne served in a wine glass. But of course, the bottle won’t run anywhere if you’d like to keep it for company throughout the evening – it’s just that it’s hard to ignore all those colourful glasses everyone else is holding.

Across from the bar is a nice area with sofas and tables that usually needs booking. But the prime spot, if I may throw in a penny is the table for two in the furthest corner of the room, isolated and entirely distanced from any other soul apart from the waiter. Perfect for a couple out on a date, or two friends wanting some intimate conversation. Oh, a word of warning about this spot. Do not crowd the narrow aisle that leads to the solitary table. The waiters tend to be rather prickly about it.

I won’t say the bar would suit the needs of every nightly occasion because, when all is said as done, it is the sky view that really makes this place. So just keep that in mind and enjoy at your will!

Och Himlen Därtill takes reservations from on Mon-Sat after 5pm. More information is available on the Och Himlen Därtill website.

High in the sky, overlooking the metropolis in a bird's eye view. Could anything be better? Why yes, darling, the drink in your hand!

A striking sculpture on show at the villas

There’s a wild blueberry bush by my foot and a colony of ants anxious to explore the inside of my shoe. On the other side of the tree line, the shimmering golden-brown water of Lake Saimaa sparkles in the sunlight, while above my head, the bright green larches creak gently in the breeze. As an introduction to Finland, the gorgeously pretty Lakeland region takes some beating and it’s only two and a half hours north of Helsinki. The country might be better known for its sub-zero temperatures (although in the summer, they can get well into the twenties) and as the home of St. Nick but Finland is famous for something else as well: the national love of a decent holiday cottage.

France might be famed for its gîtes and Russia for its dachas but Finland’s answer – the mökki – could give either a run for their money. The country has over 500,000 of them – a lot, considering that the population totals barely 5.4 million. Existing in splendid isolation in the midst of one of the many forested areas, perched on a golden sand beach or nestled on a tiny island, Finland’s mökki offer solitude, complete privacy and a real sense of tranquillity that’s hard to find elsewhere. While mökki can be found (and rented) all over Finland, one of the prettiest and most popular spots for a mökki break is Lake Saimaa – home to the Anttolanhovi Wellness Village.

Don’t be put off by the scrubbed sounding name: Anttolanhovi might be about wellness but it’s the feel good sort, rather than an enforced detox and hiking regime. Only 20 kilometres from regional hub, Mikkeli, Anttolanhovi is close enough to town for an urbanite not to feel completely lost, but far enough away to benefit from rural peace and quiet. Perched on the curve of a lakeshore bay, the village, with its wooden hotel and gaggle of cottages, peeps out from the heavy forest and has spectacular views of the lake. There are two big beaches, a smoke sauna, plentiful blueberry picking opportunities and a couple of excellent restaurants. And, then, there are the Art and Design Villas.

While the majority of mökki tend to be comfortable but basic affairs, Anttolanhovi’s Art and Design Villas are something else entirely. A platform for some of Finland’s hottest up-and-coming young artists; each of the 19 wooden eco-villas is individually designed and display the legendary Scandinavian flair in full measure. Not surprisingly, none of the young artists chosen has wasted the opportunity: instead producing interiors that are somewhere between gallery and ultra chic – if homely – abode. Some of the artists, Hanna Vahvaselkä, Rauha Mäkilä, Antti Keitilä and Johanna Ilvessalo among them, proved more minimally inclined than others, but none of the villas have a painting or sculpture-free room. Ours even had a sculpture hanging from the ceiling in the entrance hall.

Artwork apart, the Anttolanhovi mökki are comfortably large, with each of their three bedrooms benefiting from two utterly squashy single beds. Each also has a sauna, although the larger traditional version on the beach is not to be missed – self-flagellation with birch twigs and cooling dip in the lake included. The bathrooms are a little disappointing in comparison to the rest but do have everything you need. The kitchen, on the other hand, was a Scandinavian design addict’s dream, complete with Marimekko mugs and black marble worktops. Outside, wooden walkways and a wide expanse of decking lead down to the lake where you’ll find a private jetty with your own boat. While I didn’t use the boat, the jetty did come in handy as the springboard for a morning dip in the lake, whose chilly waters proved as effective as a box of Pro Plus in the waking up stakes.

I didn’t use the kitchen much either but since the villas are fully serviced – including a carb-heavy but thoroughly delicious breakfast spread delivered at 8am on the dot – it wasn’t really needed. The kitchen was rendered even more redundant by the food on offer at the village’s restaurant, Kota. Presided over by Finnish celebrity chef, Markus Maulavirta, Kota’s kitchen specialises in fresh, local fare – think pike and salmon from the lake, with wild blueberries for dessert. It also offers some of the unusual locally made berry wines, including a tart raspberry flavoured tipple that tasted like a sharper version of Chambord. Also good was the traditional ruisleipä or rye bread – a local speciality that apart from tasting great; was practically the only thing that resembled the fare on offer at a typical health farm.

Ruisleipä aside, Anttolanhovi Wellness Village is not the place for fitness freaks looking for a boot camp style experience. Instead, imagine Center Parcs with a massive added dose of luxury, a sprinkling of ultra hip artwork and more than edible food, and you’re some of the way there. Don’t expect wild parties; for that head to Helsinki. But if you’re after somewhere you can sit back, chill out with a trashy novel and eat really well while you’re at it, Anttolanhovi could be just what you’re looking for.

For more information, see the Anttolanhovi Wellness Village website; prices start at €690 per night. Finnair flies from London Heathrow to Helsinki from £155 return. From Helsinki, take the train to Mikkeli, near Anttola.

A platform for some of Finland’s hottest up-and-coming young artists; each of the 19 wooden eco-villas is individually designed...

Delicious breakfasting at Café de l'Opera

There’s no doubt about it; Barcelona is foodie heaven. Here’s our take on the top five must-eats in the Catalan capital.

If you don’t mind waiting… try Cal Pep

Cal Pep is legendary, which means you either need to get there very early or be prepared to queue. When you eventually get a seat at the bar you’ll be served with the Barcelona staple of tomato-smeared bread – pan con tomate. Then comes plate after plate of fabulous tapas – ask them to bring you a selection or just check out what your fellow diners are having. From the pimentos de padron (fried peppers) to sausage with cannelini beans, the food is traditional Catalan fare that’s definitely worth the wait.

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If you’re craving chocolate for breakfast…try Cafe de l’Opera

Not too far from the famous La Boqueria food market, Cafe de l’Opera is a blissfully peaceful art nouveau gem. Not only is it stylish, but it serves the thickest hot chocolate known to woman; perfect for dipping crispy churros in. Or if chocolate’s too much in the morning, why not indulge in a Majorcan panad ensainada, a puffy pastry dowsed in powdered sugar. The penguin-suited waiters just add to the experience.

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If you want tapas with a twist… try Tapas24

Tapas24 is little sister to Michelin-starred Commerç24. There are plenty of traditional snacks on the menu, but people really come here for the quirky and playful style that Carles Abellan is known for. The Commerç24 Bikini is borrowed from the more formal restaurant’s menu and is the poshest toasted sandwich you’ll ever have (it’s filled with truffle slices and salami). The McFoie burger is also worth a try as are the pimentos de padron with miso and sesame. Come for lunch if you don’t want to queue.

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If you fancy heading out of town… try El Celler de Can Roca

It’s not cheap, but El Celler de Can Roca is an experience like no other and currently sits at number two on San Pellegrino’s list of the best restaurants in the world, so is worth a visit. The restaurant is to be found in an unassuming location in the suburbs of Girona (an hour from Barcelona on the train). We tried the tasting menu, which involved way too many courses and far too much wine to remember. Bread is stunning (truffle brioche anyone?) and caramelised olive canapes are served dangling from a bonsai olive tree. For serious spenders only.

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If you like your cocktails crazy… try 41°

El Bulli may be closed, but Ferran Adria’s creativity lives on in his Barcelona tapas joint Tickets and its sister bar 41°. It’s much easier to bag a reservation here than at Tickets, and there’s plenty of delicious and inspiring food on the bar snack menu. Snuggle on a sofa amongst the film inspired decor and indulge in a pork rind taco or parmesan ice cream sandwich with lemon marmalade. The highlight of the cocktail list is the Sazerak 41°. Topped with a frozen cherry (with the the stone replaced with a pistachio, naturally), this stiff drink spews smoke when you peel back the caramel lid from its glass. Kooky genius.

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The urban cool interior and an intriguing parmesan ice cream sandwich at Ferran Adria's must-visit 41° in Barcelona...

Prestigious play in Monte Carlo's Casino

It is the casino in Europe, where the big fish go to gamble. The official website of the Monte Carlo Casino describes it as “the absolute reference for all players” with “the most prestigious and the most complete” range of games and tables in Europe. Quite a rap.

Now I’m no professional gambler (then again, neither are many of the hordes of tourists who visit this gambling mecca each year) but I’m not sure it quite lives up to the hype. Despite its “Disneyland for the rich” tag there are plenty of ordinary travellers who visit Monaco, and the Monte Carlo Casino, just to live the good life for a day or two. The casino is on the agenda of every tour group passing through, so visitors can soak in the glamour of the expensive cars parked out front, the even more expensive yachts moored in the marina around the corner, and the regular stream of glitteringly well-dressed patrons who slink inside to drop some cash.

For the amateurs, it’s a chance to live large – for a night. But I’ve been to this grand casino twice now, and came away both times feeling a little underwhelmed. From the outside, the building is majestic and imposing, standing at the end of a long stretch of impeccably manicured gardens and fountains. Inside the gaming rooms themselves are all high ceilings, velvet drapes, mirrors, stained glass, paintings, and sculptures and the front bar is shiny, well-stocked and inviting. However, after about ten minutes of looking around open-mouthed, the shine begins to wear off.

The overall impression is one of emptiness. Casinos are usually bustling hives of activity, clinking chips and victorious shouting. Inside the Monte Carlo casino though, there are yawning voids between tables and usually no more than five people sitting at any one. In fact, there aren’t that many tables to begin with. And to top it off, there are poker machines and great big glassed-in smoking chambers which lend an air of cheapness to a place which purports to be so glamorous.

Like any other casino, the Monte Carlo establishment is a place for people with money – starting with the ten euro entry fee. And if you stop at the bar before reaching a table you could find you don’t have much left to gamble. The drinks are prohibitively expensive (39 euros for a scotch and coke and a champagne cocktail on my last visit) and nothing special compared to some of the creative cocktail bars in Europe. (I would suggest limiting yourselves to one drink and then heading down the path outside to the nearby Buddha Bar. The drinks are about the same price but are more inventive and the atmosphere more cosy and chic.)

It’s not just the bar prices that are limiting. If you’re not absolutely loaded, or a prodigious gambler, it can be a bit intimidating to approach a table where people who do belong are dropping hundreds or thousands of euros at a time. If you interrupt the flow of their game by swanning in with your 50 euro note and they lose big, it could get a little awkward. One of the drawcards of visiting the casino is the chance to get dressed up. Indeed, the casino’s website warns the dress code inside is “extremely strict”, requiring men to wear coats and ties, and forbidding casual or ‘tennis’ shoes. Unfortunately though, the rules seem to elude many visitors, bringing the place a little closer to the myriad casinos around the world which house old men in running shoes glued to slot machines.

This also takes away from the main reason to visit – ‘people watching’. My favourite ‘spot’ on my last visit was an older man with a terrible comb-over/shaved head haircut combination, probably in his late 50s or early 60s, accompanied by a sour looking, over made-up, Gucci handbag-toting girlfriend in her 20s who looked like she’d rather be anywhere but there.

So while the casino’s well-known drawcards are glamour, high-roller gambling, fancy drinks and fancy dress, it actually is not all that fun a place to be. In contrast, the casino down the road has a brighter, louder atmosphere, lower minimum bets and less intimidating clientele. In which case, if you’re one of the many tourists (like me) who wants to visit the Monte Carlo Casino just to say you’ve been, then be prepared to accept it as a night of observation, buy your one expensive drink, do some laps of the place, try to pretend like you fit in and then head down the road where you’ll actually have some fun.

For more information, see the Monte Carlo Casino website.

The casino is on the agenda of every tour group, so visitors can soak in the glamour of the expensive cars parked out front...