Lifestyle and Dog Friendly Living
There are many talented arts and crafts people making beautiful personalised gifts for us pet lovers. I LOVE the gifts I have received in the image of my dogs- they make me smile every time I pass them at home. Here are some brilliant people […]
As returning customers to the amazing Michelin star food of Restaurant Sat Bains (2 Michelin stars) I thought ‘can this really be as good as last time?’ By the end of my 10 course tasting menu I discovered it wasn’t as good as our last […]
As a spa junkie I am frequently searching for great value spa experiences in Cambridgeshire and often end up booking a repeat visit to the Cambridge Belfry. Located a few miles from Cambridge in Cambourne, this DoubleTree hotel is easy to reach.
As a part of the hotels leisure facilities, it is not exclusively for us spa users. Despite a small wait for the relaxation loungers perhaps during busier times, I have generally found the atmosphere to be calm and spa like.
There is a lovely fitness pool, Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, and a small relaxation room containing relaxation beds and complimentary herbal teas. A great place for a (quiet) natter, reading time or a cheeky snooze. I think that I have used it for all of these purposes! My friend and I had the whole room to ourselves this visit so it was all about the natter.
The treatments here are great value. The therapists are professional and adaptable to the guests needs-nothing is too much trouble. I had a 60 minute Relaxing Ritual which included a back exfoliation, massage, facial and scalp massage. Heavenly! The spa use the wonderful ESPA range of cruelty free products.
We booked directly using the hotels main website this time and paid £114 for two people. This was inclusive of facilities, a 60 minute spa ritual treatment (there is a choice), a light lunch and robe/ slippers and towel hire. Days here can also be purchased from Groupon and Wowcher for slightly less but may not include the lunch and robe hire.
This is most definitely a great value spa day and they do offer spa stays too. My friend and I actually booked our next trip before leaving. As I said, I’m a spa junkie (and I think that she is too!).
To see our other reviews of great spas click here.
If you are looking for quality food in Cambridge Restaurant 22 is the place to go. It has been far too long since our last visit and since then this superb establishment has gone from strength to strength. Gaining both local and national acclaim (all […]
Finding beautiful yet truly dog friendly cottages in Norfolk can be tricky. Dog friendly Cow Parsley Cottage, Kettlestone however manages to bring together the best comforts of home with a touch of luxury. Location: Based a few miles inland from the North Norfolk Coastline, we […]
Following a recommendation from fellow foodie friends we discovered The Olive Branch in Clipsham as one of the great places to eat in Rutland. A good place to catch up over a plate or two of delicious food.
Using homegrown or locally sourced seasonal produce, this place is quality. Pre-Christmas, we had the choice of the a la Carte, festive set lunch, or the Lunch for Less menu. On this visit Mel opted for the value Lunch for Less menu (£17.50 for 2 courses and £4 for the third).
We start with a complimentary chunk of bread from the amazing local Hambleton Bakeryserved with lashings of butter.
Then to the starter. A generous portion of lightly whipped goat cheese paired classically with earthy beetroot. This was a fresh start to the meal.
Other starters we enjoyed included the bubble and squeak soup, and cornfed chicken and young leek pressed terrine. This was served with mushroom ketchup and toasted brioche. We move happily on to the main event.
Mel’s main, a perfectly seasoned chicken breast served with fondant potato, parsnip puree, button sprouts, bacon and sage was plate-licking delicious.
Other delicious dishes we enjoyed included classic chunky fish and chips with homemade mushy peas, and the lighter choice of pan fried sea bream with a potato cream, smoked leeks and chives (pictured above).
To finish a great meal came great desserts. The Christmas Pudding Parfait served with mulled figs and satsuma ice-cream. The ice-cream cut through the richness of the tart with a burst of citrus. This was the absolute essence of Christmas flavours.
The desserts were all very enjoyable (yes, I tried a little of each). My favourite, a slice of dark and orange chocolate delice, topped with a sweet caramel popcorn. Served with a refreshing blood orange sorbet, this was truly decadent.
All in all a fabulous meal. The quality of the ingredients, cookery and service made for one of those food experiences that brings you back time and time again. If you are looking for great places to eat in Rutland, look no further than The Olive Branch.
To read about more great places to eat click here.
This vegan laksa recipe is satisfying and tasty. A perfect meal for a cold, dark night. Serves 2. You Will Need: A blender 2 sticks of lemongrass- outer layer removed 3 cloves of garlic peeled 10cm piece of fresh ginger 1 red or green chilli […]
If you are looking for brilliant cookbooks for vegetarian and vegan recipes look no further! We love having plenty of vegetarian or vegan days in our house so here are some of our favourite books for cooking up a meat-free storm: 1. The Happy Pear […]