Monday 20 November 2017

Just in case you didn't believe me - here's #NorthcoteManor in #Devon later that morning. It is a traditional English Country House hotel that I suspect hasn't changed too much since it first opened as such in 1972. The 'new' manor house was built in 1716, although there's a Victorian wing to the North East, added later. Remains of the original building can still be seen in the grounds and there are Parish records dating back to 1592. there's also a mention of the manor as it was in 1103 - in the reign of King Henry I in the papers of a previous owner, the Right Honourable Sir Stafford Northcote who died in the late 1800s. It's had many owners including Richard Babbage (I believe an ancestor of Charles Babbage) and Colonel Gracey who built the Northern Indian railway system. The motto over the door reads 'I follow the light'. I was particularly impressed by the friendly service, the pristine rooms and the excellent food - the hotel is managed by the head chef and I'm truly amazed by the close-knit supportive team who host @NorthcoteManor. The food, which has a two AA rosette listing, was unexpectedly excellent and in my book deserves its third rosette sooner rather than later. And, as it is on the #TarkaLine - on the way to #Barnstable it's a haven for walkers and #Naturelovers #LoveEngland @visitengland #lovedevon #travelwriter #instatravel #travelgram #travelblogger #instatbn #writetotravel #instapassport #postcardsfromtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #ttot #tbin #travelblog #bbctravel #thedevonnetwork #iamplymouth #nationalparks #devondays #ukpotd #uk_greatshots #gloriousbritain #autumncolour #jessopsmoment #brilliantbritain


Tuesday 14 November 2017

This year for me has been one of discovering the Czech Republic. Although, I've only been there twice, I've already fallen in love. Firstly with #Brno, then with #Prague and finally with #Pardubice. These rooftops are unmistakeably Prague but taken from a secret garden - #Vrtba - a hidden gem of a Baroque walled garden from 1720 in Lesser Town (Mala Strana), rarely seen by visitors to Prague. I spent a happy day exploring some of the hidden gardens of Prague with a guide from insightcities who are largely academics with a passion for the heritage of the cities where they are based. This one, the first on our itinerary, was both stunning and fascinating for the political leverage that its owner hoped would result from building it. As they say, a luminous glimpse into life of nobility in the 18th century and the aesthetics of #Baroque landscaping. And, when you climb to the very top courtyard with its marine-themed grotto, you are also rewarded by this beautiful vista of Prague’s cityscape. I have still to write about my last visit to Prague with #VisitCZ but was delighted to be honoured with their #Travelblogger award at #WTM2017 - apart from a great set of flights, accommodation and more that means I can go back, I'm genuinely thrilled that my writing on LondonUnattached is appreciated! #travelwriter #instatravel #travelgram#travelblog #instatbn #writetotravel #visitprague #postcardsfromtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #ttot #tbin @czechtourism_UK #insta_prague #cezchrepublic #prague #theprettycities #alley #wonderful_prague #charlesbridge #Прага #чехия #instaprague #ig_europe


Thursday 9 November 2017

I really don't often post my own cooking on instagram - but I am quite thrilled with this #apple rose on a sherry sabayon sauce which I made for my #sherryweekblog entry. The iapple roses were all the rage with bloggers a couple of years ago - but at the time I watched in awe and never actually cooked them. As it turns out they are beautifully simple - spiced, mandoline skinny half moons of apple tucked into an envelope of puff pastry then baked in muffin tins. Mine was served with a simple sherry sabayon made with some of the cream #sherry I was sent for #sherryweek - and of course, I enjoyed another glass with my #dessert. If you didn't already know, cream sherry is a blend of #Oloroso and #PedroXimenez - a semi sweet wine that pairs perfectly with fruity desserts and with cheese - or, if you happen to be my Aunty - with mince pies while you watch the Queen's Speech on Christmas day! To find out more about this most British of Spanish sherries, check the link in my profile and pop over to the blog, where you'll find the recipe for both the roses and the sabayon together with more about sherry week and about this delicious #creamsherry #sherry #sherrywine #spanishwines #sherrylover #vinosdejerez #jerez #spanishwines #sherrywinesjerez #internationalsherryweek #foodandwine @sherrywinesjerez @cellercanroca #foodblogger #gastronomy #UKfoodblogger #UKfoodblog #onmytable #inmykitchen #foodporn #foodstyling #instafood #seasonalfood #BritishCuisine #BestofBritish


Saturday 4 November 2017

Anna from LondonUnattached is still in India - as a guest of THE Park Hotel for their 50th Anniversary Celebrations. It's a boutique hotel group that pioneered the design and #boutiquehotel industry in #India and we are excited to have moved on to beautiful #Hyderabad. These are the Qutb Shahi Tombs in the Ibrahim Bagh, close to the famous #GolkondaFort. They contain the tombs and mosques built by the various kings of the Qutb Shahi dynasty - started around 1543. Amazing ehh! @THEParkHotels #AnythingButOrdinary #BlackandGold #50yearsofTHEPark #ig_india #indiagram #theindianroute #gf_india #india_gram #storiesofindia #indiapictures #PortraitsOfIndia @gribbonberry #photographers_of_india #travelblogger #instatbn #writetotravel #instapassport #postcardsfromtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #ttot #tbin #travelblog #bbctravel #secretplaces #Postcardsfromtheworld #INCREDIBLEINDIA #incredibleindiaofficial


Anna from LondonUnattached is still in India - as a guest of THE Park Hotel for their 50th Anniversary Celebrations. It's a boutique hotel group that pioneered the design and #boutiquehotel industry in #India and we are excited to have moved on to beautiful #Hyderabad. These are the Qutb Shahi Tombs in the Ibrahim Bagh, close to the famous #GolkondaFort. They contain the tombs and mosques built by the various kings of the Qutb Shahi dynasty - started around 1543. Amazing ehh! @THEParkHotels #AnythingButOrdinary #BlackandGold #50yearsofTHEPark #ig_india #indiagram #theindianroute #gf_india #india_gram #storiesofindia #indiapictures #PortraitsOfIndia @gribbonberry #photographers_of_india #travelblogger #instatbn #writetotravel #instapassport #postcardsfromtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #ttot #tbin #travelblog #bbctravel #secretplaces #Postcardsfromtheworld #INCREDIBLEINDIA #incredibleindiaofficial


Friday 3 November 2017

Dear God. For my next birthday please can I have a Champagne on Ice birthday cake too? @moetchandon will do very nicely thank you very much. This is all part of the celebrations at THE Park Hotel in #Kolkata for the 50th anniversary of THE Park Hotels; a group that has pioneered the design and #boutiquehotel industry in India. But I think a #Champagne Birthday Cake with ice tiers would work perfectly well for any birthday...mine is in March! #50yearsofTHEPark #AnythingButOrdinary #BlackandGold #ig_india #indiagram #theindianroute #gf_india #india_gram #storiesofindia #indiapictures #PortraitsOfIndia @gribbonberry #travelblogger #instatbn #writetotravel #instapassport #postcardsfromtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #ttot #tbin #travelblog #secretplaces #LuxuryTravelBlogger #LuxuryTravelBlog #LuxuryTravel #LuxeTravel #INCREDIBLEINDIA #incredibleindiaofficial


Dear God. For my next birthday please can I have a Champagne on Ice birthday cake too? @moetchandon will do very nicely thank you very much. This is all part of the celebrations at THE Park Hotel in #Kolkata for the 50th anniversary of THE Park Hotels; a group that has pioneered the design and #boutiquehotel industry in India. But I think a #Champagne Birthday Cake with ice tiers would work perfectly well for any birthday...mine is in March! #50yearsofTHEPark #AnythingButOrdinary #BlackandGold #ig_india #indiagram #theindianroute #gf_india #india_gram #storiesofindia #indiapictures #PortraitsOfIndia @gribbonberry #travelblogger #instatbn #writetotravel #instapassport #postcardsfromtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #ttot #tbin #travelblog #secretplaces #LuxuryTravelBlogger #LuxuryTravelBlog #LuxuryTravel #LuxeTravel #INCREDIBLEINDIA #incredibleindiaofficial


Thursday 2 November 2017

Good morning from Kolkata ...how was your journey to work this morning? Journey on the tram c/o #THEParkHotels with all the colourful sights and sounds of India. I'm here in #Kolkata to help @TheParkHotels celebrate their 50th Year Anniversary and even the trams are celebrating #50yearsofTHEPark. Looking forward to more celebrations tonight #AnythingButOrdinary #BlackandGold #ig_india #indiagram #theindianroute #gf_india #india_gram #storiesofindia #indiapictures #PortraitsOfIndia @gribbonberry #photographers_of_india #travelblogger #instatbn #writetotravel #instapassport #postcardsfromtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #ttot #tbin #travelblog #bbctravel #secretplaces #INCREDIBLEINDIA #incredibleindiaofficial


Good morning from Kolkata ...how was your journey to work this morning? Journey on the tram c/o #THEParkHotels with all the colourful sights and sounds of India. I'm here in #Kolkata to help @TheParkHotels celebrate their 50th Year Anniversary and even the trams are celebrating #50yearsofTHEPark. Looking forward to more celebrations tonight #AnythingButOrdinary #BlackandGold #ig_india #indiagram #theindianroute #gf_india #india_gram #storiesofindia #indiapictures #PortraitsOfIndia @gribbonberry #photographers_of_india #travelblogger #instatbn #writetotravel #instapassport #postcardsfromtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #ttot #tbin #travelblog #bbctravel #secretplaces #INCREDIBLEINDIA #incredibleindiaofficial


Tuesday 31 October 2017

An instagram takeover by Anna for the next few days who is travelling to #India on behalf of #LondonUnattached. She'll be staying at the stunning THE Park Hotel in #Kolkata and then #Hyderabad as part of their celebrations for the 50th anniversary of THE Park Hotels; a group that has pioneered the design and boutique hotel industry in India. And of course it's also the 70th Anniversary of #Independence in India this year. It looks like a real party for the next few days although there's restorative early morning #Yoga too. Follow along for more of her trip! @gribbonberry #travelblogger #instatbn #writetotravel #instapassport #postcardsfromtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #ttot #tbin #travelblog #bbctravel #secretplaces @theparkhotels #TheParkHotels


An instagram takeover by Anna for the next few days who is travelling to #India on behalf of #LondonUnattached. She'll be staying at the stunning THE Park Hotel in #Kolkata and then #Hyderabad as part of their celebrations for the 50th anniversary of THE Park Hotels; a group that has pioneered the design and boutique hotel industry in India. And of course it's also the 70th Anniversary of #Independence in India this year. It looks like a real party for the next few days although there's restorative early morning #Yoga too. Follow along for more of her trip! @gribbonberry #travelblogger #instatbn #writetotravel #instapassport #postcardsfromtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #ttot #tbin #travelblog #bbctravel #secretplaces @theparkhotels #TheParkHotels


A particularly fine-looking #Swan #InBruges #VisitBruges. I've been staying at the #PandHotelBruges - a charming boutique hotel and a member of @smallluxuryhotels - I spotted this beauty when, like Ken, I took a boat ride along the historic canals of #Bruges It really was the perfect weather AND a great guide. It's an excellent way to see the #UNESCO city without getting tired feet on the cobbled streets #SecretsofBruges #VisitBrugesinFall #heritage #travelblogger #instatbn #writetotravel #instapassport #postcardsfromtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #ttot #tbin #travelblog #bbctravel #secretplaces #VisitBelgium #LoveBelgium #brugge #belgium #ig_belgium #ig_worldclub #ig_europe #ig_europa


A particularly fine-looking #Swan #InBruges #VisitBruges. I've been staying at the #PandHotelBruges - a charming boutique hotel and a member of @smallluxuryhotels - I spotted this beauty when, like Ken, I took a boat ride along the historic canals of #Bruges It really was the perfect weather AND a great guide. It's an excellent way to see the #UNESCO city without getting tired feet on the cobbled streets #SecretsofBruges #VisitBrugesinFall #heritage #travelblogger #instatbn #writetotravel #instapassport #postcardsfromtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #ttot #tbin #travelblog #bbctravel #secretplaces #VisitBelgium #LoveBelgium #brugge #belgium #ig_belgium #ig_worldclub #ig_europe #ig_europa


Monday 30 October 2017

Continuing #londonunattached 's voyage of discovery in Belgium, Jenny recently spent 24 hours in #atypicalAntwerp. The diamond capital of the world since 1447, this is Europe’s hidden gem of a city with rich history, art and a thriving cultural and design scene. Launching the Year of the Diamond, the stunning Dazzling Desire exhibition is at the fab #MASAntwerpen, it explores how humans express their need for love, security, status and power with objects made from precious materials – in particular diamonds. Catch this contemporary momento mori by Indian artist Subododh Gupta, alongside the first diamond engagement ring ever and a pair of ankle boots containing 39,083 diamonds and 4,483 grams of gold. The height of bling! #heritage #travelblogger #instatbn #writetotravel #instapassport #postcardsfromtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #ttot #tbin #travelblog #bbctravel #secretplaces #VisitBelgium #LoveBelgium #VisitAntwerp #atypicalantwerp #antwerpen #luxurystyle #luxurylife #luxury #preciousjewels #diamondsareagirlsbestfriend #diamond #diamondcapitaloftheworld


Continuing #londonunattached 's voyage of discovery in Belgium, Jenny recently spent 24 hours in #atypicalAntwerp. The diamond capital of the world since 1447, this is Europe’s hidden gem of a city with rich history, art and a thriving cultural and design scene. Launching the Year of the Diamond, the stunning Dazzling Desire exhibition is at the fab #MASAntwerpen, it explores how humans express their need for love, security, status and power with objects made from precious materials – in particular diamonds. Catch this contemporary momento mori by Indian artist Subododh Gupta, alongside the first diamond engagement ring ever and a pair of ankle boots containing 39,083 diamonds and 4,483 grams of gold. The height of bling! #heritage #travelblogger #instatbn #writetotravel #instapassport #postcardsfromtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #ttot #tbin #travelblog #bbctravel #secretplaces #VisitBelgium #LoveBelgium #VisitAntwerp #atypicalantwerp #antwerpen #luxurystyle #luxurylife #luxury #preciousjewels #diamondsareagirlsbestfriend #diamond #diamondcapitaloftheworld


Sunday 29 October 2017

Did you know it is #HoneyWeek this week (ending on 29th October). And in celebration of that, @plumspiltmilk have created an exclusive honey themed menu for just £45 per person. If you are quick, ending tonight, at #plumspiltmilk you can still enjoy a starter of Grilled Stawley goat’s cheese, Shropshire honey, cider poached apples & cobnuts, followed by Suffolk pig’s cheeks braised with Borage honey & cloves, glazed carrot & mustard creamed potato and for dessert, a Bell Heather Honey & buttermilk pudding, spiced raspberries & lavender shortbread. There's also ‘The Bees Knees’ cocktail featuring; Eldorado five-year old Gold Rum infused with banana, honey infused with cinnamon, Orgeat syrup, lime, Greek yoghurt, available at the @gnhotel bar . I went along to try it all, slightly unsure if it would be too sweet. But actually it's a perfectly balanced menu - and we loved every minute of it. @london_honey_co #gnhotel #LondonHoneyCo #honeyweek #Londonfoodblog #Foodblogger#toplondonrestaurants #travelblogger #instatbn #writetotravel #instapassport #postcardsfromtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #ttot #tbin #travelblog #bbctravel #secretplaces #lovelondon #londonisopen #londonigers #lookuplondon #luxuryfoodblog #londonblog #tbin #londoneats #instafood #eeeeets #tumblr


Did you know it is #HoneyWeek this week (ending on 29th October). And in celebration of that, @plumspiltmilk have created an exclusive honey themed menu for just £45 per person. If you are quick, ending tonight, at #plumspiltmilk you can still enjoy a starter of Grilled Stawley goat’s cheese, Shropshire honey, cider poached apples & cobnuts, followed by Suffolk pig’s cheeks braised with Borage honey & cloves, glazed carrot & mustard creamed potato and for dessert, a Bell Heather Honey & buttermilk pudding, spiced raspberries & lavender shortbread. There's also ‘The Bees Knees’ cocktail featuring; Eldorado five-year old Gold Rum infused with banana, honey infused with cinnamon, Orgeat syrup, lime, Greek yoghurt, available at the @gnhotel bar . I went along to try it all, slightly unsure if it would be too sweet. But actually it's a perfectly balanced menu - and we loved every minute of it. @london_honey_co #gnhotel #LondonHoneyCo #honeyweek #Londonfoodblog #Foodblogger#toplondonrestaurants #travelblogger #instatbn #writetotravel #instapassport #postcardsfromtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #ttot #tbin #travelblog #bbctravel #secretplaces #lovelondon #londonisopen #londonigers #lookuplondon #luxuryfoodblog #londonblog #tbin #londoneats #instafood #eeeeets #tumblr


Saturday 28 October 2017

#InBruges #VisitBruges I'm here staying at the #PandHotelBruges - a charming boutique hotel and a member of @smallluxuryhotels - right in the heart of Bruges and just across the road from this spot - which is apparently one of the most photographed places in Bruges - RozenhoedKaai. This morning, like Ken, I took a boat ride from here along the historic canals of #Bruges and was lucky enough to bump into a lot more swans - have the perfect weather AND a great guide. It's an excellent way to see the #UNESCO city without getting tired feet on the cobbled streets #SecretsofBruges #VisitBrugesinFall #heritage #travelblogger #instatbn #writetotravel #instapassport #postcardsfromtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #ttot #tbin #travelblog #bbctravel #secretplaces


#InBruges #VisitBruges I'm here staying at the #PandHotelBruges - a charming boutique hotel and a member of @smallluxuryhotels - right in the heart of Bruges and just across the road from this spot - which is apparently one of the most photographed places in Bruges - RozenhoedKaai. This morning, like Ken, I took a boat ride from here along the historic canals of #Bruges and was lucky enough to bump into a lot more swans - have the perfect weather AND a great guide. It's an excellent way to see the #UNESCO city without getting tired feet on the cobbled streets #SecretsofBruges #VisitBrugesinFall #heritage #travelblogger #instatbn #writetotravel #instapassport #postcardsfromtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #ttot #tbin #travelblog #bbctravel #secretplaces


Monday 23 October 2017

Tasting the #Parmigiano with the #Balsamico before we move on to a wonderful menu of dishes at @boccadilupo with @DialogueAgency @ParmesanUK #Acetobalsamicotradizionaledimodena - over the last few months there have been a wonderful series of events throughout London to showcase the differences in aged Parmigiano (12, 18 and 24 month aged) and in aged Balsamico (12 and 25 year aged!). I believe this, the final event for the year, was also the finest event. More to come soon on the blog - Bocca di Lupo is one of my favourite #Italian restaurants in London and this evening saw us dining on food prepared by a collaboration between #BoccadiLupo Head Chef, Jake Simpson, and 1* Michelin chef, Isa Mazzocchi, from #RistoranteLaPalta in #Piacenza. What can I say? It was, as you'd expect, superb. #toplondonrestaurants #travelblogger #instatbn #writetotravel #instapassport #postcardsfromtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #ttot #tbin #travelblog #bbctravel #secretplaces #lovelondon #londonisopen #londonigers #lookuplondon #luxuryfoodblog #londonblog #tbin #londoneats #instafood #eeeeets #tumblr


Tasting the #Parmigiano with the #Balsamico before we move on to a wonderful menu of dishes at @boccadilupo with @DialogueAgency @ParmesanUK #Acetobalsamicotradizionaledimodena - over the last few months there have been a wonderful series of events throughout London to showcase the differences in aged Parmigiano (12, 18 and 24 month aged) and in aged Balsamico (12 and 25 year aged!). I believe this, the final event for the year, was also the finest event. More to come soon on the blog - Bocca di Lupo is one of my favourite #Italian restaurants in London and this evening saw us dining on food prepared by a collaboration between #BoccadiLupo Head Chef, Jake Simpson, and 1* Michelin chef, Isa Mazzocchi, from #RistoranteLaPalta in #Piacenza. What can I say? It was, as you'd expect, superb. #toplondonrestaurants #travelblogger #instatbn #writetotravel #instapassport #postcardsfromtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #ttot #tbin #travelblog #bbctravel #secretplaces #lovelondon #londonisopen #londonigers #lookuplondon #luxuryfoodblog #londonblog #tbin #londoneats #instafood #eeeeets #tumblr


Sunday 22 October 2017

The grape harvest at Domaine du Chenoy owned and run by the charismatic Philip Grafe who used to run Grafé Lecocq in #Namur, one of Belgium’s leading wine negociants - who store their wines in the vaults of the Citadel. When he retired at the age of 65, he started his own #vineyard and is helping revive the #Belgian wine business. He has picked a range of grapes which are mildew resistant (mostly from Germany) and now produces some wonderful wines. I'll be publishing more on my tour of the #Wallonia vineyards on #LondonUnattached #WallonieGourmande #travelblogger #instatbn #writetotravel #instapassport #postcardsfromtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #ttot #tbin #travelblog #bbctravel #secretplaces #LoveWine #Vineyards #WinesoftheWorld #winetasting #winetime #winestagram #onthewine #winelover #winelovers #wine #winerylovers


The grape harvest at Domaine du Chenoy owned and run by the charismatic Philip Grafe who used to run Grafé Lecocq in #Namur, one of Belgium’s leading wine negociants - who store their wines in the vaults of the Citadel. When he retired at the age of 65, he started his own #vineyard and is helping revive the #Belgian wine business. He has picked a range of grapes which are mildew resistant (mostly from Germany) and now produces some wonderful wines. I'll be publishing more on my tour of the #Wallonia vineyards on #LondonUnattached #WallonieGourmande #travelblogger #instatbn #writetotravel #instapassport #postcardsfromtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #ttot #tbin #travelblog #bbctravel #secretplaces #LoveWine #Vineyards #WinesoftheWorld #winetasting #winetime #winestagram #onthewine #winelover #winelovers #wine #winerylovers