BOURNEMOUTH It’s a long-term favourite of UK travellers because of its warm microclimate and miles of sandy beaches. With a huge variety of shops, restaurants, bars and clubs, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. As well as award-winning gardens, there are also many tours that embrace the stunning coastline scenery. There’s something here for all the family. If you’re new to watersports, you could even take surfing lessons. BRIGHTON It continues to be one of the most popular seaside resorts in Britain, and it’s easy to see why. Less than an hour from London by train, Brighton is crammed with things to do. Apart from the excitement of the nightlife, with plenty of clubs, bars and restaurants, it’s also perfect for all the family. In the daytime, take a trip to its famous Royal Pavilion, a must-see attraction. Built for the Prince Regent, later King George IV, it’s one of the most extravagant palaces you are likely to see in Britain. NEWQUAY Another terrific beach destination with an array of golden, sandy beaches close to the town centre. Every summer the beaches, watersports and beautiful scenery draw the crowds to Newquay, making it one of the most popular coastal destinations in Britain. With the Blue Reef Aquarium, Holywell Bay Fun Park and Newquay Zoo all in the area, it’s a fantastic seaside resort for children and adults. BLACKPOOL There’s nowhere quite like Blackpool! Still one of the most visited family holiday destinations in Britain, Blackpool has lots of fun activities for the whole family. Take the tram along the promenade past the multitude of shops, restaurants and amusement arcades. Blackpool Tower and Ballroom are now iconic British attractions and should not be missed during your stay. And if you’re a fan of amusement parks, you must visit the famous Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the most visited theme park in Britain. ST.IVES If you prefer a quieter holiday destination, St. Ives in Cornwall is more of a traditional seaside town with pretty sea views that have inspired generations of artists. The sheltered coves and sandy beaches attract sun-worshippers and swimmers, and surfers congregate to ride the waves. Opened in 1993, the Tate St. Ives art gallery is the place to go for art-lovers, boasting an impressive collection of classic and contemporary art from around the world.
WHITBY It’s easy to see why people love Whitby, with its maze of alleyways and narrow streets running down to the quayside. This North Yorkshire town has been a port for more than a thousand years. Captain James Cook even learned his seafaring skills here. It was also the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, with the dramatic Whitby Abbey looming above the town. The Whitby Gothic weekend is now one of the most popular Gothic events in the world. WEYMOUTH With a delightful harbour, sandy beach and attractions throughout the year, Weymouth remains one of Britain’s most loved seaside towns. King George III was so impressed, he bought Gloucester lodge on the seafront for his holiday home. Events throughout the year include the International Beach Kite Festival, Carnival Day, volleyball and sailing championships, and motorcycle rallies. Situated on the Jurassic Coast - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Weymouth is perfect for long walks along the stunning coastline. PENZANCE Fast becoming known as the cultural centre of Cornwall, Penzance is the ideal place for a relaxing break by the sea. With a quaint harbour, stunning beaches, historic architecture, art galleries, and many shops, restaurants and bars, many view the town as the perfect English seaside retreat. There’s enough to savour in Penzance alone, but it would also be a great base from which to explore the rest of Cornwall. GREAT YARMOUTH For a British family vacation, Great Yarmouth could be the ideal choice. There is so much to see and do, with a huge choice of places to eat, drink and shop. There are miles of sandy beaches for those seeking a traditional English beach experience, but there are also plenty of secluded areas, if that’s more your style. With theme parks, museums, theatres, casinos and racing tracks, there are attractions to suit all tastes. ST.ANDREWS This lively Scottish university town is famous for its golf courses, but there’s plenty here for all the family. St. Andrews Botanic Gardens are internationally acclaimed and have been called a ‘hidden gem’ of Scotland. With a gorgeous beach, quaint little shops and tearooms, and historical sites, it’s a perfect retreat from city life. Seaside Towns
Porto Europe's rising star Amazing Destinations 104
The Dom Luis Bridge Porto, Portugal's second-largest city, basks in a mellow glow and its glorious geographical position at the mouth of the Douro River, flowing out to the Atlantic Ocean. Golden-roofed and historically rich, Porto has risen to the top of many travel bucket lists by mastering modern glamour and its edgy outlook with ease. By Holly Cannon Amazing Destinations 105
There’s more to the secondlargest city in Portugal than a glass of the good stuff, and its rising popularity as a must-see city break destination is why we have created this Porto city guide. Beyond enjoying a glass of the eponymous fortified wine, Porto offers innumerable attractions. Spread over attractive hills that stretch away from the calm waters of the Douro River, its medieval heart is dotted with memorable sights. You’re never far from a high-end boutique offering the latest fashions or a creamy Portuguese custard tart. Porto blends its oldest sights with a freshness other cities lack; if the ‘city of bridges’ is on your bucket list, then we have you covered. When to Visit With temperatures that rarely drop below double digits Celsius and average hours of sunshine that beat the likes of Rome even during the winter months, it’s fair to say there’s no bad time to visit Porto. However, Porto is also one of the wettest cities in southern Europe, with the highest amounts of rain falling between October and the end of January. In the summer months of July and August, peak season is in full swing. The city and its beaches see the highest number of tourists. This is because of its balmy temperatures and long hours of daylight. Straddling the summer months are two shoulder periods in late spring and early autumn, when the climate is still welcoming, but tourists are fewer on the ground. Come at the end of June, and you’ll also see the city in full party mode as it celebrates the festival of Santos Populares, which is one of the highlights of the year. PORTO Amazing Destinations 107
What to See There are more than enough sights in Porto to keep someone happily entertained for two or three days without the need to frantically rush around to check everything off a list. From leisurely boat cruises on the Douro to guided tastings of the city’s multitude of wine Cellars, Porto will soon have you enthralled. Centro Historico Porto This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been at the heart of Porto for centuries and is the perfect place to explore. Get your bearings on Avenida dos Aliados, the unofficial meeting point of Sé and Baixa (downtown. The area’s main thoroughfare is awash with historic gems. These include the Town Hall and São Bento railway station, as well as the twelfth century Sé do Porto Cathedral. One of the area’s important religious structures, it soars over the area and contains typically intricate regional tile decorations. It really is a must for any Porto visit. Ribeira Ribeira Porto’s riverside district is filled with tall, red-tiled homes overlooking the Douro. While colourful boats unload barrels of wine, the quiet, atmospheric backstreets hum with history. Go beyond the admittedly alluring bars and restaurants that line this side of the river. Hit one of the city’s most famous landmarks, the stylish ironwork of the Luis I Bridge. Its upper and lower roadways lead to the port cellars located in Vila Nova de Gaia on the opposite bank. These are a must for anyone interested in sampling the valley’s main crop. Then take a sunset cruise along the river to capture the city as its lights blink on with nightfall. Amazing Destinations 108
PORTO Amazing Destinations 109
Adega Nicalauy You’ll likely see the lines for Adega São Nicolau long before you see this mid-range restaurant in Ribeira, but don’t be put off by the wait. One of the best places to dine in an area with its fair share of mediocre kitchens, Adega has brought the authentic cuisine of the region to its culinary heights without losing any of its soul. There’s plenty of fish, not least the signature fillets of octopus, and several dishes you’ll struggle to find elsewhere, such as the richly flavored oxtail stew. Cufra Equally solid Cufra is a firm favourite with locals who fill this place out day after day in search of an afternoon tumbler of beer, a lunch of the French sandwiches for which it is best known, or an evening meal of grilled seafood. While rather plain in appearance, with a bar that can’t have changed much in decades and rows of long canteen-like tables, don’t be fooled into thinking this place isn’t up to the job—it very much is. Locals also love it. Where to stay With the majority of the city’s main sights clustered on the banks of the Douro in Ribeira or drifting up the hills alongside the funicular railway into Sé and Baixa, it’s difficult to argue against staying in one of these areas encompassing the bounds of the city’s World Heritage Site. That said, trendy Masserelos, slightly further west, is a hive of contemporary galleries and artist workshops, while Foz is the obvious location of choice for anyone looking to spend a chunk of their time on the beach. Foz Primarily drawing visitors to its pristine sand beaches, Foz sits on the northern bank of the Douro, where the river meets Portugal’s Atlantic coast. Easily reached by climbing aboard one of Porto’s clattering historic trams, the coast here is framed by a 90-yearold neoclassical pergola of Doric columns and Greek urns whose walkway throngs with locals and visitors enjoying the sea air before relaxing at one of the many beach bars the area has to offer. Things to do near Porto Porto’s location in northern Portugal is an amazing base for exploring the region. Many tours from Porto are available to the surrounding areas. One of the best regions to see is the Douro Valley, where wine tours and river cruises are available. Where to eat Porto’s proximity to the fishing grounds of the Atlantic all but guarantees excellent seafood. The authentic dishes go far beyond the realms of the ubiquitous bacalao salted cod. A mix of students, residents, and visiting gourmands lets this city offer something for everybody when it comes to cuisine. You can always find a simple lunch or a multi-course Michelin-starred extravaganzer. Pedro Lemos Heralding the up-and-coming revival of Porto’s cuisine, Pedro Lemos recently won Porto’s first Michelin star. Located on an unassuming side street in Foz, this eponymous restaurant manages to maintain a relaxed ambiance, best exemplified by the use of seasonal, locally produced ingredients and stripped-back menu descriptions. Amazing Destinations 110
PORTO Felgueiras Lighthouse Amazing Destinations 111
82 Amazing Destinations LOUNGING Amazing Destinations 112
AROUND Exploring new destinations is usually fun and exciting, but the actual traveling part can sometimes feel like a chore. Airports typically involve long lines, crowded spaces and a lot of waiting. Thankfully, air travellers can get some relief by taking advantage of airport lounges. By Martin Mason Amazing Destinations 113
It’s a calm in the middle of the storm. While traveling can be fun, most people don't love being in an airport. They're jam-packed with people, are noisy and often have limited seating. A lounge can offer the perfect hideaway from the hectic nature of the airport. You can save money on food. Most airport eateries charge high prices, so it can be cost-prohibitive to have a family drink or a meal before your flight. If you have lounge access, it's a different story. Lounges typically set food up in a way where you can help yourself as needed. They often offer free snacks and other food choices, plus drinks, including alcoholic beverages. These food and drink offerings come at no extra cost to you. An airport lounge is a good stop if you're feeling hungry before boarding the plane and don't want to overpay for a meal. It's much quieter, and most lounges have comfortable, spacious seating — and plenty of it. You can also use the Wi-Fi and power outlets, so you're all charged up before boarding the plane. Some airport lounges even have showers, which can be great if you have a layover between long flights. Think of airport lounges as your ticket to sanity. An airport is jam-packed with annoyed people paying too much for a bottle of water. It’s a family-friendly place to be. Traveling with kids takes effort, and the busy gate area can be stressful for parents and children alike. Instead of hanging out there, you can head to an airport lounge with your family. Lounges aren’t only for adults. These spaces are kid-friendly and may even have kids' rooms or other amenities available. Some lounges may admit children under a certain age for free. Your travel experience may be greatly improved. Being able to enjoy airport lounge perks can change your day and improve your entire travel experience. Knowing that you'll have a comfortable and relaxing place to go after the stress of airport security may change how you feel about your trip. For many travellers, an airport lounge experience helps to reduce anxiety and makes spending time at the airport more enjoyable. You can work while on the go. If you need to get work done before your flight, a lounge workspace can make it easier. Most airport lounges offer a variety of seating options. In addition to comfortable chairs, they may have workstations for you to sit at and work from your laptop. You can also connect to the free Wi-Fi. Some even have printers and other business equipment for you to use. Have you been thinking about visiting one but aren't sure if you'll like it? Airport lounges can make long layovers easier and perhaps make traveling more enjoyable overall. Here are a few reasons why you should consider airport lounges. What are lounges? Simply put, lounges are designated areas within an airport where certain travellers can enjoy benefits and comforts that exceed a typical airport terminal. Most airport lounges fall into one of the following categories: Airline-affiliated, Credit card-affiliated or Independent, such as Priority Pass. How do airport lounges work? Lounges give access to passengers with specific premium flight tickets, or for having certain credit cards in their wallet. You can also sometimes purchase access for a year or even just a day from independent providers.
We recommend: Priority Pass Is Priority Pass worth having? The allure of a Priority Pass lies in the promise of escaping the hustle and bustle of crowded airport terminals. With access to exclusive lounges, travellers can enjoy amenities like comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, and even shower facilities – all designed to enhance the pre-flight experience. It depends on your travel habits and preferences. If you are a frequent traveller who values comfort, exclusivity, and convenience during your airport experience, then Priority Pass is definitely worth it. However, if you are an occasional traveller, then the cost of membership should be considered. To find out more about membership plans and join go to www.prioritypass.com Priority Pass Select is a lounge access program offering its members access to over 1,200 airport partner airline lounges in more than 500 cities across 130 countries. Priority Pass memberships are available as a standalone product or as a benefit of holding a rewards credit card. To access a Priority Pass lounge when traveling, present your ID, Priority Pass membership card and your same-day boarding pass to the lounge check-in agent. The agent will verify your credentials, count the number of guests and process your visit request. If your Priority Pass membership includes a limited allotment of visits, the applicable number of visits will be deducted from your allotment. If your visit is subject to a charge, either for yourself or for your guests, the visit will be automatically billed to the credit card associated with your Priority Pass Select membership. Because Priority Pass is a lounge access program and contracts with independently-run airport lounges to provide access to its members, the exact amenities available at each lounge varies. Most lounges offer a separate space away from the terminal, comfortable seating, a selection of beverages and snacks, and complimentary wireless internet access. Some lounges include an increased food and beverage selection, or additional amenities, including sleeping areas and showers. Priority Pass offers a mobile app for both Android and iOS users. If you are a Priority Pass Select member, having the mobile app on your phone is a useful tool that can help you find a lounge nearby and get you access. There are four levels of Priority Pass membership: Priority Pass Standard, Priority Pass Standard Plus, Priority Pass Prestige, and Priority Pass Select. The first three levels (Standard, Standard Plus, and Prestige) are available through the Priority Pass website. The remaining level, Priority Pass Select, is only available through certain premium credit cards and bank account offerings. Priority Pass Standard costs £69 per year and £20 per visit. Priority Pass Standard Plus costs £189 per year and offers 10 free visits, with a £20 per visit charge thereafter. Priority Pass Prestige costs £339 per year and offers unlimited member visits, with a £20 per guest visit charge. Priority Pass Select is only available through certain premium credit cards and bank account offerings Amazing Destinations 115
Continuing our series of seasonal reviews, Day & Night is your exclusive invitation to the eclectic range of events that the Amazing Destinations team have recently attended. We’ve got a bumper offering for you in this issue covering the winter and spring. Day&Night
Featuring tWitness For The Prosecution Heliot Steak House Bantoff Aternoon Tea at the Churchill Fairgame Atelier Coupette The Last Judgement Compiled by Julie Paice. Written by Martin Mason Amazing Destinations 117
Witness For The Prosecution 1Amazing Destinations 118
Witness for the Prosecution Crime and punishment. Truth and lies. It’s no wonder Agatha Christie’s thrilling courtroom drama, which premiered in London’s West End in 1953, is still captivating audiences today. When Christie adapted her original story, she shifted the focus almost exclusively to the Old Bailey courtroom. Here, Lucy Bailey’s production has the gift of being in the main chamber of London County Hall. Big, austere and grand, it’s the perfect setting for the legal theatrics of Christie’s forensically precise plotting. Some audience members are even addressed as the jury. Leonard Vole is accused of murdering a widow to inherit her wealth. Could he convince us, the jury, of his innocence? The cast have a lot of fun with their characters and deliver a strong presence on stage, which not only helps you to feel fully immersed in the courtroom setting, but also feeds your feelings of suspicion and confusion throughout. Witness for the Prosecution is a story of justice, passion and betrayal, made all the more vivid for playing out in the atmospheric setting of a real courtroom. It all adds up to a thrilling and fun night out. www.witnesscountyhall.com Heliot Steak House Heliot steak house is located in the Hippodrome Casino immediately off Leicester Square in the bustling heart of London. Built at the turn of the 20th century, it was originally used for circus and music performances. Over the course of the last century its been a theatre, a nightclub and finally in 2013 was tastefully refurbished and re purposed as a Casino. The restaurant is located in what would be the circle seating area of your typical west end theatre (accessible by going through the main casino floor). This gives the restaurant a unique atmosphere with tables set on various tiers overlooking the main playroom of the Casino. As the name suggests, the steaks are the main attraction here and the Rib eyes we tried were of the highest quality and cooked to perfection. The range of sides here was impressive with hand cut fries that were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with truffle and parmesan giving them an indulgent twist. The mac & cheese was also satisfying, with the addition of a duck egg and black truffle making things even more decadent. The seasonal greens gave us the delusion of healthy balance. The food at Heliot Steak House is delicious. Yes, inside a casino may be a bit dark for a summer evening, but if you fancy a casual post-work dinner or a pre-theatre treat then it’s worth checking out for the fun, glamorous atmosphere. And the steaks really are some of the best we’ve had in a while. What are you waiting for! www.hippodromecasino.com/restaurant-barslounges/ Day &Night: Round up
1Amazing Destinations 120 Afternoon Tea at The Churchill
Bantof Tucked away amid the bustling streets of Soho, London, you’ll find Bantof: a quirky bar and restaurant offering delicious European inspired sharing plates and inventive cocktails. This two-level building complete with art and a private hire space evokes the spirit of old Soho – a place where late night drinking and conversation flowed. The drinks menu conjured under the supervision of mixologist Jack Scotti, is impressive, with ever-changing creations alongside house classics including a gin martini and espresso-based cocktail. Our Old fashioned’s were on the (super) strong side but beautifully crafted. The menu, devised under Chef Pierre Iskandar’s expert guidance, features an abundance of modern, seasonal sharing plates. Everything we tried was delicious including Seabass with Zucchini, sauteed spinach and lemon sauce and a Truffle burger with smashed beef patties, mixed mushrooms, japenses mayo and truffle paste. Soho can be a notoriously difficult place for a restaurant to succeed but Bantof could well become a legendary pre or post-night-out hangout, a place to stop by, soak up the style and line your stomach with some fresh and delicious sharing plates. www.bantof.com Afternoon Tea at Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill Located in Portman Square, a block behind the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street and minutes from Marylebone, lies this quintessentially British hotel. As the name suggests, this hotel was created as an ode to Sir Winston Churchill, and there are several noticeable details underlining that. Established in 1970, the hotel has 440 rooms and has been managed by the Hyatt brand since 2004. The Montagu Kitchen is the hotels main dining area that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and continues the same sophisticated yet relaxed feel found throughout the hotel. We were here for afternoon tea where guests can choose between a more traditional option, one with a glass of Champagne or an unlimited Prosecco option. A must-try is the hotel's own tea blend, 'roses in bloom', a warming, fragrant mixture of rose and roasted almond with notes of vanilla and marzipan. If you would prefer a different tea, there are plenty more excellent options, including Earl Grey, Darjeeling and many more exotic infusions. Afternoon tea here consists of elegant finger sandwiches and a lavish selection of sweet and savoury treats. We enjoyed sandwiches of Cured English Beef with baby spinach, smoked cheese and grain mustard, Smoked Salmon with soft cheese and confit lemon and Warldof Salad on beetroot bread. Our savouries selection included Spring Pea Tartelette and Chipa Cheese Bites. Scones are on hand too, featuring various jams and clotted cream, while other sweet treats and pastries were beautifully prepared and mouth watering delicious. If you are looking for a memorable and traditional afternoon tea, The Churchill’s Montagu restaurant offers welcoming staff and a refuge from all things hectic. Ask for a table overlooking the greenery of one of London’s most stylish squares, sip your tea and just relax. Afternoon Tea is served every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 2.00pm to 5pm. The Montagu Kitchen Afternoon Tea is available at £46.00 per person, add a glass of Pommery Rose Champagne for £60 per person or the Bubbly Afternoon Tea (Two hours) at £80 per person. www.hyattrestaurants.com/en/dining/uk/london/ british-restaurant-in-marylebone-the-montagukitchen-lounge
Fairgame Amazing Destinations 124
Fairgame Nestled in Canary Wharf, Fairgame is a vibrant and playful escape from the everyday. This unique arcade brilliantly marries the nostalgia of traditional fairground fun with a modern twist, creating an experience that’s both familiar and refreshingly novel. It’s essentially a private playground, for those who love fun and games and groups who want to have a good time. Some of the games you can get stuck in to are whack a mole, alley hoop, final furlong and more. One of the other ways Fairgame separates its self from a tradition kind of fair is its use of RFID technology which captures and records your scores as you play which you can also view by downloading the Fairgame app on your phone. Fairgame has partnered with several street food caterers, providing a wide range of surprisingly good food options to choose from. The food vendors include popular choices like Burger and Beyond, Rudy’s for pizza, and Dos Mas Tacos for Mexican cuisine. This range ensures that there’s something to suit every taste, from classic comfort food to more adventurous flavours. The Bumper Bar serves up ice cold beers and the best in creative cocktails like the Fizz and Floss (a gin, prosecco and candyfloss cocktai Visit Fairgame with your friends for a fun taste of nostalgia and to feel like a child again. It is like being at the fairground in the olden days but with a totally modern feel! www.wearefairgame.com Atelier Coupette Atelier Coupette is the younger sibling of the renowned, award-winning cocktail bar Coupette. Based in the heart of Soho, this is an outlet for more experimental mixology and and is billed as a place for trying exciting new drinks. In addition to the small-serve drinks, the venue serves an assortment of small plates inspired by the nouvelle cuisine of 1960s and 70s France. It has capacity for about 35 covers, and makes a clever use of space, but do be prepared to be squeezed in. Choose a table towards the back for a buzzy visit with a group of friends or pitch up at the intimate counter if you fancy a chat with the bartenders. Among the savoury drinks on the menu are Smoked Artichoke Manhattan, the Summer Truffle Negroni made with pickled truffle vermouth and the Turbo Carrot Spritz, with toasted sesame, dill and a fizzy carrot wine. Sweeter profile drinks come in the form of Koji Flan with rum, barley, amazake custard and salted coconut dulce de lech, and Cookies Tho with whiskey, Belvedere, hazelnut cookie milk, vanilla and salted chocolate chip. The food menu is divided into four sections of small plates: meat, fish, vegetarian, and vegan. Incredibly easy to navigate and choose. We selected at least one item from each category and everything was well prepared and delicious. Drop into Atelier Coupette for either a cocktail or two –ahead of dinner or the theatre, or stop for longer for some of the cleverly created plates. For a couple of cocktails each and enough food for dinner. www.coupette.co.uk/atelier-coupettesoho
The Last Judgment Nestled in the heart of London’s legal district and located on the corner of Chancery Lane, The Last Judgment is a stone’s throw away from the Royal Courts of Justice and Lincoln’s Inn Fields. The interors of this wonderful gastro pub still retains its historic past, with intricate architectural details, ornate decorations, and sumptuous velvet draping across the walls. Boasting Grade II listed status, and the original Union Bank scroll above the entrance is a little nod to its storied past and the ochre-painted ceiling and large chandeliers can’t be ignored. We were here to try the menu where dry-aged grassfed beef steaks and freshly caught Cornish day boat sole fillets are the stars of show. We opted for the steak and shared the 16 ounce 28-day dry aged Côte de Boeuf, with indulgent sides of fries, garlic and roquefort mushrooms and tenderstem broccoli with marmite butter. This is pub grub, but not as you know it. The steak was perfectly cooked and paired with a lovely recommended red wine and everything else was delicious, a real Friday night treat. The service was quick and efficient, and our waiter was very attentive and committed to ensuring we had a good evening. The Last Judgment offers a relaxed yet vinrant atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for an evening meal after work or as part of your evening out in the capital. www.thelastjudgment.co.uk Amazing Destinations 126
Amazing Destinations 161