Author Archive for Nicole Harley

7 ways to enjoy your Champagne in the UK this Summer

7 ways to enjoy your Champagne in the UK this Summer

By on Jun 16, 2016 in Attractions, Bars, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Leisure Travel, Regions, Restaurants, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Champagne has some powerful transformative qualities. It can add romance to a dinner for two, add a sense of occasion to a personal achievement and instantly turn any given moment into a celebration. So for a luxurious Summer in Britain, there could only be one ingredient we needed to add. Read on for our guide to the […]

Top 10 places to sail in the UK

Top 10 places to sail in the UK

By on May 30, 2016 in Accommodation, Cruises & Boat Travel, Europe, Hotels, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe

As an island with a rich maritime legacy, Britain has more than its fair share of fantastic boating spots. So, whether you’re just dipping a toe into the world of sailing or are a seasoned pro, with summer on the horizon we’ve put together our top 10 places to set sail on the UK’s waters. […]

This Summer's top 3 countryside festivals in the UK

This Summer’s top 3 countryside festivals in the UK

By on Apr 14, 2016 in Attractions, Europe, Events, Featured, Going Out, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

This summer, we’ll be looking for any excuse to escape the city and revel in the sun-kissed British countryside. With this year’s calendar brimming with festivals celebrating everything from food and music to history and literature, we’re just a bit spoilt for choice. Still, we’ve somehow managed to whittle the list down to our top […]

Cacao craze: 5 of the best British bean-to-bar chocolate choices

Cacao craze: 5 of the best British bean-to-bar chocolate choices

By on Mar 15, 2016 in Europe, Food and Drink, Regions, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Coffee is no longer the trendiest bean in town. From chocolate ‘clubs’ to raw devotees, the homemade to the ethically produced, Britain it seems has become a nation of cacao purists with chocolatiers and makers getting seriously obsessed about the single-origin bean. So this Easter, join us in waving cheerio to Cadbury and bye-bye to […]

3 countries, 3 luxury train journeys

3 countries, 3 luxury train journeys

By on Feb 15, 2016 in Europe, Ireland, Leisure Travel, Rail Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe

There’s something so romantic about a grand train journey. It harks back to a bygone era before the fast pace of modern life took hold and when travel was just as much about the ‘getting there’ as the destination. But this golden age of gentlemanly luxury is alive and well within the Belmond collection. In […]

3 hip new boutique UK hotels to escape to in 2016

3 hip new boutique UK hotels to escape to in 2016

By on Jan 16, 2016 in Accommodation, Europe, Hotels, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe

The trend for smaller, quirkier hotels in the UK doesn’t seem to be slowing down and while there are plenty of new openings setting up camp in the big towns and cities, we often find ourselves craving some peace and quiet in the country. Combining all the traditional hotel comforts with glorious views, romantic country […]

7 luxury British suits for the black tie season

7 luxury British suits for the black tie season

By on Dec 18, 2015 in Clothing, Europe, Regions, Travel Equipment, United Kingdom, Western Europe

It’s fair to say that British tailoring is enjoying something of a renaissance. Since the first catwalk shows of the London Collections in 2012, British menswear brands have been wowing the fashion set and bespoke creations are once again the suit-du-jour. So, in the spirit of the season, we thought we’d pick out our 7 […]

Shaken or stirred: 6 of London's best Martini bars

Shaken or stirred: 6 of London’s best Martini bars

By on Nov 16, 2015 in Bars, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Regions, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Suave, sophisticated, legendary – the Martini is a drink that needs no introduction. It’s been the cocktail of choice for some of Britain’s most enigmatic leading roles and counts film stars, Prime Ministers and of course, secret agents, in its following. A Martini is a cocktail that means serious business, synonymous with style, glamour and […]

Supernatural stays: 5 haunted luxury hotels in Britain

Supernatural stays: 5 haunted luxury hotels in Britain

By on Oct 17, 2015 in Accommodation, Hotels, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Britain is renowned for its long and rich heritage and there are plenty of striking castles and iconic stays for you to choose from, but even the most luxurious historic hotels can still hold a few skeletons in their closets. With Halloween just around the corner, we thought we’d share with you some of the incredible […]

How to watch the Rugby World Cup in style in London

How to watch the Rugby World Cup in style in London

By on Sep 16, 2015 in Attractions, Europe, Events, Going Out, Regions, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

It’s been a bumper Summer for Great British sport this year and this month all eyes will be on Britain once again as it hosts the 2015 Rugby World Cup. London and other cities across Britain will be welcoming the world’s rugby heavyweights for over a month of first class scrum action. But don’t worry if […]

Glorious grouse: where to taste the first game of the season in Britain

Glorious grouse: where to taste the first game of the season in Britain

By on Aug 17, 2015 in Europe, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, United Kingdom, Western Europe

For British foodies, the 12th Augusth – or the Glorious Twelfth as it is known – is one of the culinary events of the British calendar. It marks the opening of the new shooting season, starting with one of our favourite native game birds: grouse. Since the first grouse of the season are renowned for being […]

5 British sparkling wines to toast the Summer

5 British sparkling wines to toast the Summer

By on Jul 15, 2015 in Europe, Food and Drink, Regions, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

There’s never been a better time for British fizz. Since the first vines were planted in the 1960s, the UK’s young wine industry has been steadily maturing and over the past few years it’s been British bottles that have been beating the favourites, old and new, in blind tastings and scooping the top wine awards. […]

5 of Britain's finest lesser known galleries

5 of Britain’s finest lesser known galleries

By on Jun 15, 2015 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe

The Tate, Victoria and Albert, the Design Museum – it’s a fact that Britain is home to some of the world’s greatest museums and galleries. But whilst cultural heavyweights such as these dominate most visitor itineraries (and rightly so), there are a number of lesser known art and design havens that shouldn’t be overlooked. From […]

5 of London's best Bloody Marys

5 of London’s best Bloody Marys

By on May 18, 2015 in Accommodation, Bars, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

There’s just something about a Bloody Mary. A classic British pick-me-up, done well this fiery tonic is the perfect remedy for a rejuvenating Saturday brunch, lazy Sunday luncheon or just whenever you feel like something with a bit of a kick. But striking that fine balance of flavour is a tricky business – there’s a […]

5 London airports, 5 luxury stays

5 London airports, 5 luxury stays

By on Apr 19, 2015 in Accommodation, Air Travel, Europe, Hotels, Regions, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe

It’s time to banish those drives down the motorway at the crack of dawn to catch that early morning flight. Here at the Epicurean, we know that you work hard for your holidays and deserve to maximise on every second of that luxury and relaxation. So, why not start your getaway just that little bit […]

Top 5 Royal events for a glamorous British Summer

Top 5 Royal events for a glamorous British Summer

By on Mar 20, 2015 in Europe, Events, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Top hats and tailcoats may not be the first items you’d pack on a summer holiday but if you’re looking to rub shoulders with British royalty then you better come prepared. The British ‘Summer season’ is awash with luxurious events that, come rain or shine, guarantee royal appearances and an A-list crowd paired with plenty […]