LEVEN Manchester, an artfully designed new hotel is coming soon to the city’s vibrant Village neighbourhood.
Housed in a landmark early 20th century warehouse on the corner of Chorlton Street and Canal Street, LEVEN Manchester is a new hotel designed to be enjoyed on a guest’s own terms. LEVEN’s red brick walls and Crittall windows hold a rich history dating back to Manchester’s industrial past, including former uses first as a cotton warehouse, and more recently a brewery and comedy club. Following an extensive interior and exterior reimagining, the 33,000 sq ft property opened for soft launch in October 2021 as a design-led, 42-key hotel.
LEVEN is a brand new lifestyle hotel concept, and is a joint venture between Manchester-born entrepreneurs, brothers Joshua and Ben Senior, and industry innovators Wellbrook Hospitality.
As part of our Dorset Delights feature within the latest issue of Travel Dine Relax we highlighted four fabulous locations to call your home while exploring the Jurassic coast and Dorset county treasures.
Image courtesy of Silverlake
Silverlake
Close-by to the spectacular Jurassic Coast, this former quarry has been transformed into Silverlake, a nature reserve where guests can stay in an eco-holiday home. With hundreds of acres and different waterways, Silverlake is a haven for wildlife and outdoor adventure. Guests seeking rest and relaxation in the tranquil countryside, The Hurricane Spa is the jewel in the crown of the estate and is perfect for those looking for a sport of pampering. It has a 20m outdoor pool that is heated year-round, and indoors guests will find a sauna and Technogym equipment. There’s a choice of accommodation to choose from with individual holiday homes suitable for families or groups. Habitatescapes.com
Image courtesy of The Pig, Pig on the Beach
The Pig on the Beach
This popular hotel opened in June 2014 and is an old coastal villa formerly belonging to the Bankes family of Kingston Lacey fame. It is a combination of eccentrically interpreted architectural styles reminiscent of castles in a C.S. Lewis novel. Formerly The Manor House Hotel, THE PIG-on the beach has been lovingly restored in the same relaxed, quirky style that has become THE PIG’s signature. The 23 quirky and characterful rooms are like something from a classic fairy tale with Victorian windows, cosy and romantic attic rooms, freestanding baths in clever nooks and the signature ‘larders’ for piggy snacks. Thepighotel.com/on-the-beach/
Image courtesy of The Ollerod
The Ollerod
This charming property dates from the 14th Century and The Ollerod is a magical Dorset country house full of character. Situated in the picturesque town of Beaminster, which borders 3 counties, The Ollerod is the perfect place to explore an incredibly beautiful, and untouched, part of England. The hotel is a foodie lovers retreat and is headed up by Chris and Silvana, who used their experience within the hospitality sector while celebrating the character and beauty of the building. Chris delights with a range of beautifully crafted dishes which draw on his Michelin star experience. South African born Silvana has extensive experience within the boutique, luxury hospitality sector. The Ollerod has nine individually styled hotel bedrooms from cool modern to classic English, all with ensuite bathrooms, organic toiletries, and fine Italian bed linens for added comfort and luxury. Theollerod.co.uk
Image courtesy of Lulworth Lodge
Lulworth Lodge
This intimate and cosy hotel is enviably positioned within a short stroll from Lulworth Cove. Lulworth Lodge features a range of contemporary, coastal-inspired bedrooms from a single snug to the generous space of The Lodge Suite providing the perfect vantage point to view the sea. Throughout the property calming neutral palettes are punctuated with quirky prints and chic furnishings.
Each of the twelve rooms has all the essential guest amenities, from tea and coffee facilities to handy water bottles and complimentary cookies. Its on-site dining area provides a range of seafood and bistro styled dishes to whet the appetite after a day exploring the cove and Dorset walks. Included within your stay is a choice of breakfast dishes featuring local and seasonal produce.
Outside is a charming deck area that lends itself well to sipping a local cider (or two), while catching the sunshine and sea breeze.
The Hari is a stylish retreat in the heart of Belgravia which is designed for those seeking comfort and understated elegance. Bordering the areas of Chelsea, Kensington and Knightsbridge, Harrods is just moments away from and London’s leading attractions can also be found a short walk from the hotel, including Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace and The Royal Albert Hall.
Heading up The Hari team is general manager, Andrew Coney. We asked Andrew about his experience within the industry and what makes The Hari a must visit destination.
You’ve been the General Manager of The Hari for over six years; what key attributes and characteristics do you think make you a successful GM?
When I consider why I came into this business it was because I enjoy being hospitable – not a complicated concept. Create a relaxed and enticing environment for your team and guests and it drives a successful business. It is dispiriting that so many operators focus so much on the bottom line and forget about the essence of what we are here to do which is providing consistently wonderful experiences. Empowerment of the team is key. They must be allowed to be spontaneous and creative in what they deliver.
The Hari has been described as a comfortable and elegant place to visit. How does the décor and design interpret this?
We worked together with international interior designer, Tara Bernard, who is a good friend of our CEO and Chairman Dr. Aron Harilela, to create a home-from-home feel to the hotel. As we are located among the residential streets of Belgravia, we wanted an atmosphere that was stylish and inviting. Our rooms each have natural grey tones and textures with hints of aubergine, burgundy or ivy to add warmth. On entering the hotel, guests are met by a large fireplace in an open loft-feel lobby housing a rolling programme of art installations. The lobby lounge features an eclectic library and cosy hideaway areas. The mezzanine level plays host to The Bar and leads to a stylish al fresco Garden Terrace, its Belgravia’s best kept secret.
Who’s the typical guest at The Hari?
The Hari’s typical guest is a discerning traveller, they are sophisticated, well-read and like to truly get under the skin of the city they are visiting. Always on the lookout for authentic opinions and unexpected travel tips, a guest at The Hari is eager to experience the more hidden and curious side of travel.
There’s been quite a success story with The Hari London’s TripAdvisor position in the last four years. What has contributed to this success, and do you have your eyes on the number 1 spot?
We would be lying if we said they weren’t! The team have worked incredibly hard to get to where we are, and I think it naturally comes down to our personalised service. We are always keeping an eye out on how to make a guest’s stay more memorable. We call opportunities like this our ‘Stories to Inspire’ with which everyone is encouraged to do something unique for a guest whether it be to reinforce something positive like an anniversary, or turnaround a negative experience and relieve stress. “Have you had a tough day? Let me send a glass of Champagne to your room” – that can work magic.
The Hari extended it’s offering with the opening of il Pampero in 2017. What can visitors expect to see on the menu?
At our neighbourhood restaurant, il Pampero, you can expect a traditional Italian menu complemented by an impressive wine and cocktail list – worth a visit alone for our signature Cacio e Pepe, which comes served tableside tossed in a giant wheel of Pecorino Romano. New this year, we will be launching a brunch offering at the weekend, offering typical brunch dishes with an Italian twist. Watch this space!
Was there one particular person who inspired you within your career, and how?
I could name numerous leaders and mentors who have guided me but my shout out is for a golf Greenkeeper. I managed a resort property that went through a dramatic case of Norovirus which took most of the hotel team out of action. This young man came to me and said he would work on the golf course in the day but could help in the restaurant in the evening. I asked him what experience he had, and he said none. That evening he spent the whole night reading about wine, our list and the service skills he needed. The next day he was charming all of our guests with his innocent and well-intentioned ambition to look after them and demonstrate the very best in teamwork and collaboration during crisis. I take his example as an inspiration to not be defeated and be ever determined to achieve the impossible.
We’ve seen one of the most unprecedented years in modern times, and its impact on the hospitality sector is undoubtedly disruptive. How do you see the hospitality sector post- COVID and how do you think hotels will operate differently to cope with these?
I am a strong believer that the hospitality industry will bounce back. For so much of this pandemic, people have had to put their life on hold and there are a lot of milestones and celebrations which have been missed. We’ve already seen a huge pick up in wedding enquiries as well as birthday and anniversary celebrations. People are so excited to socialise again and our industry is ready to welcome them. We don’t like to make a big song and dance about all our COVID procedures because for the most part high hygiene standards already featured in our day-to day practice and our guests who are visiting a five-star luxury hotel expect this to be the case.
How do you think people’s expectations of luxury hotels are changing?
Emphasis on sustainability is absolutely key moving forward and is only becoming more and more important. Luxury used to mean being able to provide a buffet sourcing premium ingredient from all over the world, but these days, luxury is much more focused on experiencing local culture and local cuisine. The next generation of travellers are incredibly eco-conscious and so they should be. It is up to us to continue and move forward with what they have started.
The importance of working as a team is a key part of your management style and something you encourage. How much does this factor play in running a successful hotel?
Do we all remember those dreadful words “That’s not my job”? I don’t believe anyone would ever say that at The Hari and the communal sense that we are all here for one another is our ethos. Encouraging work/life balance, taking time to know everyone’s background and story makes the workplace a secure place. I feel strongly that we are here to deliver excellence but also to have time to not take life too seriously.
You invest a lot of time in community-based projects and incentives. Tell us more about those that you are involved in.
We have long supported the local community and have run projects through lockdowns to provide assistance to our neighbourhood, from a mass production of meals for those who would have gone without, to jumping on our Hari bikes to deliver groceries. 2021 will also be about giving back and our charitable work will continue. We want to do even more and are working on projects to support the arts who are in as much of a crisis as us, through sponsoring graduate artists and supporting young live theatre.
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
A little mischief here and there is actually probably not such a bad thing at all…….
Just a stone’s throw away from London Charing Cross lies the Great Scotland Yard Hotel. Once the home of the first police force, it has now been transformed into a boutique hotel providing luxury, comfortable surroundings for its business and leisure guests. This stunning hotel is part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection which consists of an exclusive portfolio of upper-upscale and luxury properties designed to captivate travellers seeking distinctive experiences.
The last dwellers of the property were the Metropolitan Police, who moved out in the late 19th Century. A grand Edwardian façade offers a tantalising insight into its former use, and it’s this impressive heritage that’s celebrated within the interiors, along with some of the habitual inhabitants and characters that stayed at her majesty’s pleasure.
The hotel offers 168 bedrooms with a ground floor dedicated to food and drink and a lower floor for events and fitness rooms. Earlier this year, an exclusive five-storey townhouse opened to provide presidential suite accommodation with all the seclusion of a townhouse property, with all the benefits of the hotel’s butlers and facilities.
What’s nearby Locating the hotel was a breeze, and some of London’s most iconic landmarks are literally on your doorstep. Trafalgar Square, the National Portrait Gallery and Buckingham Palace are easily accessible, while those looking for a tranquil spot to relax after a spot of retail therapy can head for the nearby St James’ and Green Parks. Westminster, Big Ben and the London Eye are a leisurely stroll away, and I’d recommend a walk along the Thames to take in the sights. Charing Cross tube station provides a convenient way to explore the rest of London’s attractions, and a helpful concierge team are also on hand to order a taxi.
Safety First As you would expect, travelling during COVID has meant that hotels have had to adapt to the new challenges of PPE and sanitising stations. The Great Scotland Yard has incorporated a one-way system along with clear signage and plenty of sanitiser stations. These are located at lift and restaurant entrances, and complimentary antiseptic wipes were provided in our room.
Welcome & First Impressions Arriving at the hotel, we collected our key from the lovely Christina, who provided a short narrative of the hotel’s history. Its lobby stands testament to its police roots, and a gallery of installations from the hotels’ collaboration with charity Koestler Arts brighten neutrally decorated walls. The charity was founded in 1962 to help prisoners express and build self-confidence while providing a creative voice to the disadvantaged. A mini-museum has been collated, consisting of historic law and order pieces, from natural hair judge wigs and wig tins through to truncheons, keys and uniforms.
Impeccable interior styling sees Tom Dixon lights paired with seating areas dotted with talking points such as a quirky rhino styled chair and library tables. From the lobby, guests have access to The 40 Elephants, The Yard and Sibín bar. While we visited, the Sibín bar was unfortunately closed, but hopefully, it won’t be too long before this secluded gem is reopened.
Room Corridors feature police-themed patterns, while each door includes an antique style keyhole design with keyless access. Our King Premium bedroom provided a generous 25 m2 space to call our home for the night. From our window, we could view the courtyard buildings behind, and we were not overlooked. The room incorporated a more subtle and neutral approach to the building’s heritage, and amusing touches such as key, fox and moustache hooks added little nostalgic reminders. In-room amenities included a drinks station with a hidden fridge, drawers, and glass/cup storage. A kettle and pod coffee machine provides all the hot beverage essentials, while a hidden fridge provided chilled water.
Tech included a TV providing access to hotel activities, menus and ordering system along with ample bedside USB points for those that love to travel with their gadgets. The bathroom features an intelligent TOTO toilet and sensor lighting to help light the way during night-time visits! Air Con and heat control allows you to stay in control of the temperature, and it remained consistent throughout our stay. Guests can switch on a ‘do not disturb’ light to ensure an uninterrupted sleep – handy for international travellers coping with jet lag and time zone travel.
The bathroom consisted of a retro marble vanity unit with art deco styled mirror and lighting, paired with rich, dark blue metro tiles. A walk-in shower gave the option of overhead rain showerhead or handheld shower. The bathroom offered a range of handy travel essentials along with aromatic guest amenities such as moisturiser, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner – handy, if like me; you forget the odd essential or two!
Elsewhere, ample storage, ironing boards, a hairdryer and a smart safe provide practical essentials. An area to sit and relax was small but ample for our requirements. We had two pieces of colourful artwork that helped break up a neutral decor scheme. Our king bed offered a generous amount of comfy sleeping space, and white bedding added a crisp, clean touch.
All in all, it was a comfortable and timeless space that provided all the comfort you’d expect from a Hyatt hotel. For bath lovers, you will need to enquire whether you can book a room with a bath as ours had a shower – fine for us, but might be an issue for bath fans.
Dining In
The 40 Elephants This retro and saloon styled cocktail bar features a central chandelier while the walls are adorned with forty glass etched portraits of the notorious females that made up London’s 40 Elephants gang. This shrewd team of ladies took stealing and bribery to a new level between the late 1800s and mid-1900s, often emptying shops, bribing wealthy households and transporting their ill-gotten gains around the country with military precision. A quirky list of cocktails (starting from £14), such as Handsome Polly (Mango wine, bergamot liqueur, Spanish brandy and carbonated perfume), Black Diamond whisky cocktail featuring a rich chocolate diamond and delicately spiced Indian Summer were masterfully created by a talented mixologist team. We opted to have dinner within the salon settings digging into a GSY beef burger and house-made charcuterie board to help counteract the deceptively strong cocktails!
The Yard We headed to The Yard not for obligatory exercise hour but for our breakfast. We were greeted by a welcoming team of waiting staff decked out in prison styled shirts and trousers and braces based on the original police officer uniform. The open kitchen features patterned tiles, while the dining space is finished in earthy tones with half brick and panel designs with feature arches. While we predictably opted for a Full English breakfast (£18), there was a wide choice of dishes from healthy and vegetarian options.
Come back again? Absolutely, we couldn’t fault the staff for their friendly, professional, and caring attitude throughout our stay. While the hotel has been curated to replicate its heritage, the staff provide the personable detail that brings the Great Scotland Yard alive.
The leading North East luxury resort reveals a brand-new restaurant will launch in August named ‘Nu Sana’ – ‘Nourish the Soul’- encapsulating the best of spa cuisine to accompany the award winning spa
Main image: Rockliffe Hall – Photography by Stan Seaton
Rockliffe Hall has announced a brand-new restaurant and dining concept will be launched in August named ‘Nu Sana’ (‘Nourish the Soul’), a casual eatery situated above the hotel’s award-winning spa. Nu Sana will offer a dining menu consisting of healthy, nutrition-led menu items such as superfood salads, smoothies, fresh juices alongside nourishing dishes and buddha bowls. In addition, there will be more indulgent choices to give guests the option of ‘everything in moderation’. With a strong emphasis on garden-to-plate, many of the dishes use ingredients from the estate or are grown within the kitchen garden.
Image courtesy of Rockliffe Hall
The design of the new spa restaurant focuses on celebrating the light-filled space, with attention to materials such as marble, timber and botanical essences. Whether dining indoors or on the alfresco terrace overlooking 375 acres of beautiful grounds, guests and spa day visitors will be welcome to dine ‘in robes’ to allow for ultimate comfort and relaxation. Nu Sana will be accompanied by the launch of new Spa Day experiences, which will also be available from 2nd August.
“We are delighted to share the news of our latest culinary outlet with our guests, Nu Sana will be a most welcome addition to our much-loved spa and an important part of the wellness journey we offer at the hotel. The menus will showcase something for everyone, and there will be an emphasis both on healthy, nourishing dishes in addition to appealing to those after something different to our already established restaurant options,” said Jason Adams, Managing Director of Rockliffe Hall.
The reimagined spa dining experience will further complement the recent elevated culinary options of the 3AA Rosette Orangery Restaurant and The Clubhouse – helmed by Executive Chef Ian Matfin. Born in Newcastle, Matfin is making a welcome return to his North East roots. With over 20 years of restaurant experience at Britain’s most distinguished culinary destinations, including Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s and Aubergine in Chelsea, alongside Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxford.
Image courtesy of Rockliffe Hall
Breakfast and brunch menu highlights include Sautéed Wild Mushroom on Bruschetta with Sultanas, Seeds, Onion Purée and Nut-Free Pesto; Seven & Wye Smoked Salmon with Soft Poached Hen’s Eggs, Hollandaise & Brioche; and Buttermilk Pancakes with Summer Berry Compote, Greek Yoghurt and Manuka Honey.
Sample dishes on the all-day-dining menu include a selection of small plates such as Asparagus, Romanesco Sauce, Egg Yolk Dressing & Sorrel; and Laverstoke Park Buffalo Mozzarella, Plum Vine Tomatoes and Basil dressed in Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The signature Buddha Bowls provide an excellent option for vegans and vegetarians; meanwhile, some large plates include Grilled Sea Bream, Shiitake Mushroom, Beansprout and Mangetout; Flat Iron Steak with Confit Tomato and Chimichurri; and Poached Salmon Salad Niçoise.
Nu Sana will be open for members, hotel guests and locals, with reservations systems opening at the end of June.
Food will be served all day from 8 am until 5.30 pm, plus 7 pm – 9.30 pm on Friday & Saturday evenings.
Elegantly restored and appointed accommodation offers perfect vantage point from which to enjoy the charming West Sussex market town.
In the historic market town of Petworth, West Sussex, East House is now open for booking as an elegant and luxurious accommodation from which to explore the town and picturesque South Downs countryside. With a major new art gallery currently showing a blue-chip exhibition of Joan Miró, world-class restaurants, close proximity to some of England’s best vineyards making extraordinary wines, and two headline summer festivals, Petworth is fast becoming a leading destination for visitors seeking cultural and gastronomic excellence in the English countryside.
East House is the latest offering from the Petworth Place’s group, including art gallery Newlands House, The Angel Inn, Ryde House, award-winning local grocer The Hungry Guest, and antique store Augustus Brandt.
Image by Elizabeth Zeschin courtesy of East House,
East House
Petworth’s newest and finest place to stay is a generous three-bedroom self-catering apartment formerly known as ‘The Institute’: a meeting place for local people and reading societies. The building has been sensitively restored to maintain historical features whilst adding sophisticated interior statements procured by renowned local antique store Augustus Brandt.
Designed to be a home away from home, all functional must-haves are available – including dishwasher, laundry machine and dryer – and bedrooms can be prepared as twin beds if needed. East House features an open plan kitchen and living space, perfect for hosting guests. The large modern kitchen is stocked with tea, coffee and culinary essentials from The Hungry Guest, Petworth’s award-winning local artisan food shop, a minute’s walk away. Full catering by The Hungry Guest is available if needed. East House is perfect for a romantic getaway, spacious group stay or as the location of a celebratory soirée.
Image by Elizabeth Zeschin courtesy of East House,
Joan Miró, Sean Scully and Liliane Tomasco at Newlands House Gallery Newlands House Gallery opened in Petworth in early 2020: an expansive new exhibition space for modern and contemporary art, photography and design, housed in the unexpected setting of a sprawling Georgian townhouse. Newlands House Gallery is currently presenting a rare survey exhibition of the 20th-century master, Joan Miró (1 May – 4 July 2021) – the first solo show dedicated to the artist in the region. In late July, this will be followed by an exhibition of new works by artist couple, Sean Scully and Liliane Tomasko, created in the lockdown. The show will run from 24 July to 10 October.
Food & Wine
In addition to The Hungry Guest, Petworth boasts award-winning E. Street Bar & Grill and The Angel Inn as destinations for fine food. Situated in a historic coaching Inn, The Angel Inn offers daily specials honouring British heritage and elevated pub classics. E. Street Bar & Grill, set in a restored 17th-century heritage building, serves bistro-style dishes. Both restaurants source ingredients locally and include spacious outdoor seating options.
Sussex is known for viticulture, and many of the very best British sparkling wines come from within an hour of Petworth. There are various wine sellers and restaurants in Petworth that serve these wines, and day visits to vineyards for tours and tastings can be arranged. Neighbouring award-winning vineyards include Nyetimber, Roebuck Estates and Upperton Vineyards.
Summer Festivals
Marking the start of summer,English Wine Weekreturns to Sussex on 19-27 June as flowering is set to take place across the region’s vineyards. Petworth is conveniently situated in the heart of Sussex on the route linking various vineyards highlighted in this year’s programme.
Further, the annual Petworth Festivalis back this year, running from 14 July – 31 July 2021. A summer highlight, having featured past performers, including revered cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason and pianist Mitsuko Uchida. This year features saxophonist Jess Gillam, pianist Imogen Cooper, Isata Kanneh-Mason, among others.
Travel Dine Relax 