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1 week ago | 
countryandtownhouse.com | Ellie Smith
Sometimes the spa is the star attraction of a UK staycation, other times the setting is the draw – an idyllic seaside town, perhaps, or acres of rolling countryside. More and more, though, it’s the food that’s luring us to hotels. Back in the day, restaurants with rooms were simply a convenient place to crash for the night, but a string of buzzy openings have heralded a new era for the concept.
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1 week ago | 
countryandtownhouse.com | Ellie Smith
This week, it was announced that Tom Kerridge is closing his Chelsea pub The Butcher’s Tap & Grill. However, in just a few weeks his restaurant group will be launching a new venue in its place: The Chalk Freehouse, a sister pub to The Hand and Flowers in Marlow helmed by chef Tom De Keyser. The Chalk Freehouse: A New Gastropub Is Coming To ChelseaSet to open its doors on 16 June 2025, The Chalk Freehouse will be housed in a two-storey Victorian property just round the corner from the King’s Road.
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1 week ago | 
countryandtownhouse.com | Ellie Smith
Bob Bob Ricard is famous for its ‘press for champagne’ buttons, but this month things will look a little different at the London eatery. Following the release of Wes Anderson’s latest film, The Phoenician Scheme, the restaurant’s private dining room has undergone a cinematic transformation, transforming into Marseille Bob’s – a homage to the bar featured in the movie.
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1 week ago | 
countryandtownhouse.com | Ellie Smith
Summer is always an exciting month for new foodie openings in London, and this June is looking particularly promising. The team behind cult favourite Bistro Freddie has gone west for its latest launch, while The White Lotus star Theo James is making his first foray into the world of restaurants. There are a few exciting French arrivals on the cards too, including the hotly anticipated first London outpost of Parisian smash burger joint Dumbo.
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1 week ago | 
countryandtownhouse.com | Ellie Smith
Unsplash Unsplash Every summer since 2006, farms across the UK have opened their doors to the public for a behind-the-scenes look at how our food is produced. Over the years, the event has become a key fixture on the farming calendar, offering the chance to showcase the crucial work farmers do – and educate people on the importance of growing food sustainably while also caring for the environment. Ahead of the 19th edition of the event on 8 June 2025, here’s everything you need to know. What...
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2 weeks ago | 
countryandtownhouse.com | Ellie Smith
If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate a special occasion without spending hours cooking or hiring out a whole venue, private dining can be the perfect middle ground. Not only do you get to enjoy chef-prepared fare, it means you’re separated from the hustle and bustle of the restaurant and can properly get stuck into conversation with your fellow diners.
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2 weeks ago | 
countryandtownhouse.com | Ellie Smith
Getty Images Getty Images Tinned fish was one of the biggest trends of 2023, taking over TikTok’s recipe section as well as infiltrating the world of interiors (AKA #sardinecore). But it seems the craze is going nowhere, with Google Trends reporting a record high in searches for sardines. You can do a lot with a tin of the humble oily fish, from popping them on the BBQ to enjoying them simply with a slice of toast. In 2025, though, it’s all about sardine pasta. Chefs have long been including...
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2 weeks ago | 
countryandtownhouse.com | Ellie Smith
Unsplash Unsplash There’s nothing like biting into a juicy strawberry in the sunshine – and it looks like there will be plenty of opportunities for that this summer. Berry lovers may have noticed the UK’s supermarket shelves are filled with giant versions of the beloved red fruit, but why are British strawberries getting bigger? Giant Strawberries Have Arrived In The UK Supermarkets are reporting an abundance of supersized strawberries, which are approximately 20 percent larger than average,...
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3 weeks ago | 
countryandtownhouse.com | Ellie Smith
Unsplash Unsplash From spicy margaritas to gochujang bloody marys, bartenders are no stranger to fiery cocktails. But what about chilli-infused wine? Say hello to TikTok’s latest quirky drinks trend, which sees people dropping frozen jalapenos into their Sauvignon Blanc. Will Jalapeno Wine Take Off? Jalapeno wine isn’t an entirely new trend: in summer 2022, chilli-infused rose took off on TikTok. But now it’s white grapes, specifically Sauvignon Blanc, that are getting the spicy treatment....
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3 weeks ago | 
countryandtownhouse.com | Ellie Smith
Home to a heated swimming pool and boasting views of the city skyline, The Berkeley’s rooftop is legendary. For the majority of the year, it’s reserved for hotel guests, but during the summer the space opens up to the public. This May, the bar is back, and it’s looking more chic than ever thanks to an Italian makeover. Capri in the City: What To Expect At The Berkeley’s Rooftop BarCapri in the City is The Berkeley’s new summer pop-up, designed to bring a taste of la dolce vita to Knightsbridge.
