Dining out in style...
Now that we finally have that first glimmer of freedom and can dine outdoors again, Jane Memmler suggests some hotels with fabulous alfresco options, whatever the weather
CHELTENHAM
The former stately home Ellenborough Park, close to Cheltenham, has a fun, new outdoor dining experience on the south terrace in round ‘carriages’ which come with heaters and blankets so you’ll be cosy whatever the temperature.
Offerings include sharing platters, flame-grilled steaks and salads. New this month, the Cedar Pavilion is a pop-up eatery in a safari tent with festoon lighting, wooden tables and fire pits.
Set in 90 acres of sprawling gardens, the hotel has a tempting heated outdoor pool, opulent rooms featuring hunting, tweed and floral fabrics, four posters, antiques and period features.
■From £209 per night, B&B ellenboroughpark.com
HARROGATE
This elegant Yorkshire spa town is home to the 48-room Hotel du Vin. As the name suggests it offers fine wines and superb food, served in a lovely
French bistro-style room with leather
Chesterfield banquettes and walls covered with colourful artworks.
Outdoors, food and drinks are served on the heated terrace. Some rooms have exposed beams, roll-top baths at the end of huge beds and massive drench showers.
■■From £65 per night, room only. hotelduvin.com
LAKE DISTRICT
You can’t fault the Lake District for sensational scenery and The Yan is no exception.
The “bistro with beds” is one of the best places to eat, with everything made from scratch, even the ketchup.
It sits on a 17th century former farm just outside Grasmere and has seven modern rooms with incredible views.
The three-tiered terrace is a fabulous suntrap and has beautiful views of the fells.
■■Rooms from £130 per night, room only. theyan.co.uk
CAMBRIDGE
The city’s rooftops feel close enough to touch from the top of The Varsity Hotel & Spa. This funky hotel is quite the institution in this historic location.
The sprawling roof area on the sixth floor, with artificial grass, lounges and a huge bar, is the perfect spot for drinking in the views of St John’s College spires, Jesus Green and punts plying the River Cam.
The 44 rooms are relaxing with nods to the cultural heritage of the city through artworks, feature walls, parquet flooring and freestanding baths.
■■From £145 per night, room only. thevarsityhotel.co.uk
NORTHUMBERLAND
With the North Pennines on its doorstep, the Lord Crewe Arms in Blanchland is a historic gem of a hotel, built in 1165. Its 21 elegant rooms have been sympathetically revamped, featuring contemporary furniture that blends beautifully with original features. It’s surrounded by acres of stunning moors, rivers and woods. The Back Garden Bar Bait overlooks a sprawling lawn and sweeping views across the moors. Menu includes delicious pies and scones.
■■Rooms from £199 per night, B&B. lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk
LONDON
Holmes Hotel in London’s Marylebone has a ‘secret’ roof terrace. Overlooking the area’s terracotta rooftops, this discreet
‘garden’ has artificial grass, low cafe-style tables lit by small lamps and trailing plants. The 118-room hotel gives a nod to Sherlock Holmes with antiques such as sewing machines, irons and wall coverings featuring old-fashioned pipes, plus leather sofas.
The Mediterranean menu includes bites such as beef carpaccio with foie gras and truffle, and smoked burrata with Belgium endive.
■■From £154 per night, B&B. holmeshotel.com
CORNWALL
Nestling on the hillside and overlooking the golden sands of Mawgan Porth, The Scarlet’s alfresco dining on the terrace gives you the chance to take in one of Cornwall’s most spectacular views. Eat from the menu made up of locally sourced ingredients as you watch the surfers ride into shore. Of course, oysters are on the menu as are aged sirloin and fishcakes. The 37 rooms are set across five levels of this sensational location which has clifftop hot tubs and an indoor pool. ■■Rooms from £245, B&B. scarlethotel.co.uk
SUFFOLK
The Brudenell Hotel in pretty Aldeburgh has a stonking terrace stretching the width of the hotel. It has panoramic views out to sea and is a top spot for sun worshippers.
Nibble on incredible seafood against the soundtrack of waves breaking on the shore. Choices range from light bites such as devilled whitebait and Pinney’s oysters to the catch of the day.
The 44-room hotel has super airy rooms with muted colours and hints of bright colours in soft furnishings and artworks. Most have views over the sea and countryside.
■■Rooms from £140 per night, B&B. brudenellhotel.co.uk.