Hannah & Rebecca
In celebration of #bethestart, founders of This is Your Kingdom Hannah Needham and Rebecca Gaunt have put together a little compendium of their favourite local places to eat and drink across England.
Hannah Needham and Rebecca Gaunt left successful careers in law and publishing to indulge their passion for exploring and celebrating the Great British Isles. From a hidden foodie hangout on a remote Cornish peninsula to a secret spot to go cloud-watching, their subject matter is wide ranging and far reaching but always characterised by a spirit of adventure, a touch of magic, something truly unique.
The walk will be worth it! ©Hidden Hut
This relatively unknown gem on the Roseland Peninsula offers a truly unique al fresco dining experience and the fact that you can only get there by walking makes it all the more special. During the summer months they host special ‘feast nights’ which you have to book tickets for in advance. The formula is simple. Bring your own bowl, cutlery and drinks and they’ll lay on delicious food in a beautiful setting. You couldn’t ask for more!
Making ice cream since 1925 ©Laura Pashby James
When in need of a treat there is only one place our family go – Winstones Ice Cream shop on the edge of beautiful Rodborough Common. This family-run business has been making Cotswolds ice cream since 1925 and the range of flavours never fails to impress – recent favourites include the sublime rhubarb crumble and the chocolate brownie (generously studded with chunks baked at local Hobbs House Bakery). Not only is the ice cream scrumptious, the setting is gorgeous, offering a fabulous panorama across the Cotswold Hills. There are benches on which to sit and plenty of space for children to run around on Rodborough Common, which is dotted with wild flowers and butterflies come the summer months.
Shabby chic at its best ©Bivouac Cafe
Hidden near the folly of Druids Temple just outside Masham, Bivouac Cafe looks as if it’s straight from the pages of Living Etc – all eclectic tables, painted chairs and vintage cabinets. Upstairs is a cosy mezzanine level with a wood burning stove, board games, books and a piano, but for me, the best place has to be the family den downstairs. Complete with small table for children, a fantastic apothecary chest filled with train tracks, puzzles and all manner of fabulous things to keep the ankle biters entertained, the den is a great place for me to enjoy an enormous latte and a chapter of my book, safe in the knowledge that the kids aren’t disturbing anyone.
Run off the scones on Holkham Beach ©VisitEngland Iain Lewis
The most perfect place in Britain for afternoon tea is up in the sand dunes on Holkham Beach in North Norfolk Pack your picnic basket with teeny, tiny egg sandwiches, homemade scones filled with jam and butter, a few squidgy chocolate brownies and a juicy bowl of strawberries. Find a sheltered spot between the grassy hills in the dunes and enjoy the endless horizon and huge sky.
View from the Lido restaurant ©Katie Rowe
I’m not an outdoors type. Never have been. So the thought of swimming outdoors at the Lido in the cold was a little daunting. Plunging into 19 degree water on such a day is not something I’ve ever considered doing before. And it was fantastic. Invigorating. Refreshing. The contrast between the chill of the pool, the dry heat of the sauna, and the bubbly hot tub shocked our senses to life. Skin tingling, squeaky clean and weary, we got dressed and headed for the restaurant for a late lunch. The food was spectacular – we ate deep-fried aubergine with goats curd, oregano, chilli and honey; butternut squash ravioli with sweet tomato sauce, pine nuts, yoghurt, brown butter and confit egg yolk; and for dessert, salted caramel chocolate tart and chocolate and stout ice cream. Chopping and changing from warming Mediterranean flavours to cold ice cream was thoroughly amazing, and an experience that mirrored our day perfectly.
A secluded cafe with blissful views ©River Exe Cafe
We may not have been blessed with glorious sunshine, but the journey to the River Exe Café certainly put a smile on all our faces. Picking up a friendly river taxi from Exmouth harbour, we were delivered fifteen minutes later to a floating barge situated in the middle of the River Exe estuary. Much to our delight, the café is a wonderfully low key affair; you can opt for one or three courses or just rock up on your own boat for a couple of beers. The food is all locally sourced and utterly delicious. As twilight approached and the grey skies turned pink, we were handed blankets by the lovely, smiley waitress to keep the chill at bay. And as we made our journey home we watched as the barge’s twinkly lights shimmered on the water and faded into the distance.
A Georgian mansion in urban surroundings ©Brunswick House Cafe
Parked by a busy roundabout, you could easily walk past the Georgian mansion that houses Brunswick House Cafe without a second glance. But once you’ve stepped foot inside, you won’t forget. Whether you go for brunch or dinner, cocktails or cake, this fabulous bohemian hideaway is a must. I’ve tried all of the above, and each has been brilliant, served by relaxed and friendly staff. One word of warning though, you may come home with more than just a happy, full tummy! The building is also home to the architectural salvage company Lassco and the place is stuffed with treasures old and new. It’s a wonderful place to lose an afternoon, indulging in a lazy lunch, wandering around the many rooms of the house and contemplating what you might like to take home with you.
About the author:
Designed with the curious and adventurous in mind, This is Your Kingdom is a trusted place to share and discover lovely things to see & do in the UK. From grand adventures to simple pleasures & all the curious nooks in-between, we celebrate the very best the UK has to offer.
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario