Last year I checked out the Spa at Gilpin Hotel and Lake House as part of a stay that you can read more about here. Well now Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is opening its spa doors to non-residents inviting them to enjoy a luxurious new experience. The combination “Spa & SOURCE” package includes an afternoon in the property’s recently opened Spa Space followed by dinner at SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel – the property’s fine dining restaurant, which recently retained its Michelin star for the second year running.   The Spa & SOURCE Experience at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is one o ..read more

Since I first read that Fenix was going to be opening in Manchester, I was excited. The ‘Modern Greek’ style restaurant cost millions to fit out and is from those behind Tattu, another highly successful restaurant in the city. However I also had real reservations about this place. Anyone that knows me, knows that I am a massive fan of Greek food, having lived on the Greek Island of Kefalonia for a number of years previously. On opening, the reviews were not fantastic and I had lots of people mentioning that its not what you might expect of Greek food, this was more a take on it, but that it wa ..read more

When I think of African food, I immediately think of dishes that I ate on a regular basis during my time living and working in The Gambia. This includes dishes such as Akara or Domoda (Peanut Stew), washed down with a Wonjo Juice (a sweetened chilled hibiscus drink served up an many hotels as a welcome drink), or a mint tea, unfortunately, when I went to check out Manchesters new ‘African themed’ restaurant, none of these were present. Afrikana is located on Manchesters famous ‘Curry Mile’, but rather that being a restaurant of African dishes, it is more an ‘African Inspired’ establishment. Th ..read more

One of the great things about living in Manchester, is that not only do we have some amazing bars and restaurants in and around the city, but we also have some beautiful towns and villages to explore just around an hours drive away. One such village, is Sedbergh, situated just south of Tebay. Exiting the M6 and turning right, takes you into the Yorkshire Dales, although Sedbergh is within the administrative area of Cumbria. Known for its private school, which has numerous stunning buildings dotted around the village, it is also home to a culinary shining star, in the name of The Black Bull. Ow ..read more

One of the UK’s top boutique hotels is in the North of England according to the list of the Top 50 Boutique Hotels in the country, released this week and it’s only a two-hour drive from Manchester, The UK’s Top 50 Boutique Hotels list has named Gilpin Hotel & Lake House near Windermere in Cumbria as third in the list of luxurious, five-star properties; the only property from the north of the UK in the top three and joined only by Grantley Hall in Ripon in the top 10.  The much-anticipated list is curated and voted by leading industry experts, hoteliers, travel writers and influencers ..read more

The term Vedic in Sanskrit dates back to ancient literature and has a basic meaning of ‘Knowledge’, and Rahul who runs Vedic in Hyde definitely has plenty of that. Born in the Kingdom of Bhutan, but bought up in India, before travelling to Europe and the UK, Rahul uses his vast knowledge of Indian and Indo-Chinese flavours, to create a varied Vegan and Vegetarian menu. You don’t have to be a vegetarian or vegan to enjoy a veg based restaurant though, as Vedic has dishes that would delight even the hardest of meat eaters. The small local restaurant is based on Market Street in Hyde and alongsi ..read more

The unmistakable whisper of Christmas is approaching and at Northcote, a luxury Pride of Britain hotel with Michelin Star restaurant in the heart of Lancashire’s Ribble Valley, plans are well underway for welcoming guests to what could be the best Christmas ever. A classic Christmas awaits at Northcote, making memories with timeless traditions in a setting trulybefitting the festive season. The hotel has roaring fires and cosy corners at every turn. Sit,relax and enjoy a festive cocktail or a bottle of something special from the hotel’s e ..read more

For those in search of the perfect gift for a special loved one this Christmas, why not replace money spent on ‘things’ and invest in an experience they will remember forever – a visit to one of the most coveted five-star properties in the Lake District? I was lucky enough to spend an amazing day and night at Gilpin Hotel and Lake House earlier this year, and it’s definitely an amazing treat for anyone! From lunch dates to spa visits and weekends whisked away spent in ultimate luxury and relaxation, Gilpin Hotel & Lake House has a wide range of gourmet and travel gift vouchers available. A ..read more

Electrik – the beloved neighborhood bar in Chorlton, Manchester – are thrilled to announce an exciting partnership that’s set to make mouths water across South Manchester. From October 12th, street-food heroes Parmogeddon will be making the Electrik kitchen their permanent home 7-days a week, bringing the irresistible flavors of Parmos from the city to the suburbs. An independent café-bar nestled in suburban Chorlton, Electrik offers an inviting atmosphere, top-notch food and drinks as well as an events programme. The bar boasts an impressive selection of beers and ales, an extensive wine lis ..read more

Last week saw the launch of a new venue for Manchester folk to visit. The Mean Eyed Cat Bar opens in the site previously home to the Thai inspired restaurant District, which closed almost a year ago, due to economical struggles. In its place comes a bar with a very different vibe. Mean Eyed Cat has proved a success in Liverpool and Leeds, where since 2004 its been offering up a ‘deep-south’ vibe with a playlist that will have both the youth and the oldies tapping their feet. The cocktail menu offers some old favorites with a twist, or beers served with a chaser. If that’s not enough, then ev ..read more