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As part of our series of guest bloggers, Jools Stone of Trains on the Brain stops in The Highlands to investigate Kilcamb Lodge.
Sometimes you need reminding that ‘getting away from it all’ can be closer than you think. I’ve a tendency to ignore what’s on my doorstep, relatively speaking, and fetishise a travel break overseas in favour of something closer to home. Which is criminal when you consider that being in Edinburgh I have access to some of Europe’s most pristine and unspoilt scenery, courtesy of the Scottish Highlands.
Location – …

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Cashel House Hotel sits proudly at the foot of its own hill, across the road from its own beach and inside their gardens. This is all in Connemara of course – one of the most magical locales in West Ireland. The McEvilly Family have grown this business for many years, and it really shows in the sense of genuine hospitality, long serving staff members, and the way Cashel House really makes the most of their surroundings and fantastic local produce. Needless to say, being by the ocean and in Connemara, …

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I admit, my initial reaction was one of somewhat guarded scepticism. Yes, the Raido brothers have somehow managed to create The Church Street Hotel, an extraordinarily romantic, fun and attractive Spanish-Americana-themed boutique hotel a few paces away from Camberwell Green. But could they work the same magic with their long-projected restaurant/tapas bar? And if so, would visitors and fellow Londoners perhaps unfamiliar with the intricacies of the South London bus system be adventurous enough to make their way to Camberwell to give it the support it deserves?
The answer is a …

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In the heart of South Kensington is one of the most discreet, chic and trendy bistros in London – Bistro 15. Light and airy during the day and very definitely romantic at night, you are quite likely to bump into a celebrity while you dine on a carefully chosen menu – Spiced Monkfish, Roasted Lamb Rump continue to delight – as does the home-made ice creams and sorbets, all presented with care and sophistication by the excellent front of house team. The delightful bar welcomes those who just …

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As a genuine authentic French restaurant, Le Boudin Blanc has a ‘USP’ that is highly unusual. It’s friendly, it’s laid-back and the waiters (nearly all French) are polite and smile at you! Sacrè Blue. Whatever next?
Located in a narrow street in Shepherds Market behind Park Lane, where once high-class prostitutes plied their trade, this lovely part of Dickensian London has more than its fair share of decent restaurants. But, without doubt, Le Boudin Blanc is the fairest of them all.
My wife and I decided to go on a Sunday night …

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I’m on a mission. While the most expensive restaurants in London are still packing them in, those in the middle price range are finding it harder to lure their traditional customers through the door. It’s not that those of us who eat out more than four times a week are dining out less often; it’s simply that with all the economists telling us we’re heading for doomsday we (well, some of us) are taking a little more care. So, for the time being at least, no more £150 lunches for …

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I’ve got a confession to make. I’ve eaten in The Wolseley half a dozen times and I really don’t know whether I like it or not. Sometimes I love it; sometimes I just can’t wait to get the hell out of the place. Described by one reviewer as akin to dining in an eastern European train station, it’s a noisy, busy place, professionally run by Jeremy King and Chris Corbin (late of The Ivy and numerous other London watering holes) with excellent staff and food …

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Great atmosphere, great value and a great place to people watch.
Back in 1968 the Rolling Stones filmed their Beggars Banquet at The Gore’s Bar One Ninety and ever since then, both bar and bistro have been a favoured hang-out for music and media A-listers. Part of the exclusive Gore Hotel, the bistro is situated on a quiet Kensington street around the corner from Hyde Park’s Queen’s Gate.
The interior is elegant Georgian with a contemporary twist. Whilst undoubtedly smart, the atmosphere is informal and lively. …