6 of the best… Yurts and Bell Tents

For the ultimate in camping (or rather ‘glamping’) choose one of these luxury yurts and bell tents for a memorable night under canvas…

Lake Yurt, Poundsgate, Devon

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Perched on the edge of a small lake, surrounded by woodland, sits this pretty and traditional Mongolian yurt. Perfect for couples or a family, it can sleep up to 5 (it has a double bed and futon). The yurt comes with a well-equipped kitchen, woodburner and cosy interiors to keep you warm, plus laterns and candles for romantic lighting (there’s no electricity). The site contains one other yurt but you’re guaranteed privacy and a peaceful stay. Dartmoor National Park is close-by for walking, horse-riding, and cycling.

Bath Bell Tents, Timsbury, Somerset

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This is the bell tent that comes to you! The owners will pitch up the tent at the location of your choice within one hour from Bath. The luxury tent comes fully equipped with everything you need for a unique stay including comfy airbeds, bedding, rugs, throws, cushions, solar-powered lights and a lovely tealight chandelier. If there’s a large group of you, you can book the full four sleeping tents and create your own bell tent camp!

Bluebell Yurt, Goonhavern, Cornwall

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This cute little yurt has been lovingly furnished with beautiful rustic wooden furniture, a well-stocked cupboard and fridge, plus flat screen TV. Enjoy breakfast or warm evenings sitting on your private decking area complete with barbeque, or stroll around the camp which boasts an outdoor heated swimming pool, garden and children’s play area. The ‘Woodshed’ contains the camp’s communal kitchen, washing machines and shower facilities. Sleeps up to 4 in a double bed plus two single futons.

Coracle Yurt, Lyme Regis, Dorset

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This special yurt, set within its own private woodland clearing, is for couples or singles only (no kids allowed in this one!). Complete with double bed, luxury bedding, electric blanket, log-burning stove, heated towel rail, reindeer skins and electricity sockets (if you really can’t do without your phone or tablet). The Coracle Yurt, by Crafty Camping, also has its own private decking area with hammock, barbeque and outdoor seating/dining area. Apparently the piping hot tree showers are something to be experienced, particularly in the rain! Try one of the wood craft courses run by Crafty Camping, go trout fishing or explore the Jussaric Coast. This area is also a foodie’s dream with River Cottage Canteen and the Mark Hix Restaurant in the nearby area.

The Wren’s Nest at The Fire Pit, Dereham, Norfolk

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Not technically a yurt or bell tent, this is a ‘bender tent’, beautifully handmade using locally harvested hazel branches. Ignore the unassuming exterior because this really does provide the ‘wow factor’ once you step inside, including an unexpected mezzanine level! With cosy seating and woodburning fire, this two-storey tent sleeps 6-8 people in its double bed, single bed, pull-out sofa bed and triple bunk bed. Extra pitches around the tent can be booked if you want to create your own mini festival. A barbeque, communal fire pit, hot water facilities, natural play area and double decker bus (yes, really) complete the unique experience. A gourmet coffee bar is promised for this year…

Acacia Yurt, Axebridge, Somerset

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This Moroccan-style yurt is glamorously decorated with throws, wall-hangings, cushions and rugs. The yurt comes complete with a log-burning stove, seating/dining area, a double bed and two sofa beds (it sleeps up to four), and all cooking equipment and crockery etc to prepare simple meals on your camping stove or on the outside barbeque. Sip your morning coffee outside your yurt and enjoy the view over Cheddar Gorge, or huddle around the campfire at night sampling the local cider and produce from the neighbouring farm shop.

For the latest prices, availability and booking, click on the hyperlinks or search via www.holidaylettings.co.uk

 

Get ready for Spring at Gladwins Farm Cottages, Suffolk

Looking for the perfect family holiday for this Spring? Eco-friendly, dog friendly and family friendly, a getaway at Gladwins Farm Cottages is more than just a countryside retreat…

Set within 22-acres of beautiful countryside in Suffolk, just a short drive from London and a stone’s throw from the coast, Gladwins Farm comprises nine tastefully renovated cottages suitable for couples and families.

With beautiful surroundings and facilities aplenty, you can relax and unwind in your very own rural retreat. With dogs welcome, the family pooch need not miss out on a holiday too!

Gladwins Farm, Suffolk (1)

Accommodation

The retreat includes nine cottages of various sizes sleeping 2 to 8. All the accommodation at Gladwins Farm has been refurbished to a high standard and decked out with all the latest mod cons including White Company linen, ipod docks and Nespresso machines. Some of the cottages boast their own private hot tubs.

Everything is provided for babies and children, including a selection of toys on request.

Gladwins Farm, Suffolk (3)

Facilities

Beyond the cottages is an indoor swimming pool, games room, indoor and outdoor play areas, a tennis court, farm animals to feed and woodland walking trails. Also on site is a beauty spa and a small shop selling local food and delicious ready meals for easy catering.

Gladwins Farm has won awards for its eco-credentials and all the electricity powering the cottages and heating the pool is supplied by solar power, while the heating is run off a biomass wood-chip boiler.

Gladwins Farm, Suffolk (4)

In the surrounding area

You can really get back to nature at Gladwins Farm – go on a woodland walk or take a bike ride around the countryside. Or for a day out, Gladwins Farm is located just 15 minutes from Colchester, the oldest recorded town with its castle and historical sites. Colchester Zoo is also nearby, as well as Hedingham Castle, historic Lavenham and the Essex coast.

  • ‘Good’ credentials:
    The installation of 210 solar photovoltaic panels which enables Gladwins Farm to product all its own power over the year
  • Installation of a biomass wood chip boiler – this system heats the farm’s cottages as well as the indoor pool, with much of the wood chip material coming from our own grounds. with the remainder bought locally
  • Fair Trade tea and coffee is provided
  • Investment in energy efficient lighting, heating and white goods has helped cut energy consumption significantly and, by using locally sourced food and services wherever possible, the farm has extended its green principles to the wider community, benefitting the local economy as well as the environment
  • The farm provides on-site recycling for waste materials and facilities for the composting of organic kitchen waste through a local service partner

 

Recommended for… Families with children of all ages, groups looking for a rural retreat, couples who love the countryside, dog-owners who like to take their pooch on holiday with them.

Be aware that… Peak holiday times might be busy with families and children so if you’re looking for a romantic Easter or summer holiday break, this might not be the place. The farm is also short distance from shops, pubs and restaurants so a car is advised.

Price and availability: Prices start from as little as £30pppn and you can choose from a 3, 4 or 7 night break. For further details plus contact and booking, visit www.gladwinsfarm.co.uk

Gladwins Farm, Suffolk (2)

Christmas down on The Farm House, Devon

If you’re looking for a last minute Christmas getaway, spend it down on The Farm House in Devon. As an extra Christmas gift, bookings at this self-catering holiday cottage come with a 20% discount!

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This magnificent 17th century house, set on East Devon’s South Farm and located on the edge of the Blackdown Hill Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is ready to welcome you for a memorable Christmas with family or friends.

With stunning views and plenty of facilities to keep you entertained, you can celebrate the festive season in style – or just escape from it all in your own luxury hideaway.

Accommodation and facilities

The Farm House sleeps up to 10 people with its master bedroom (with en-suite), two double rooms, and two twin rooms. The house also has three bathrooms, a conservatory (perfect for Christmas morning coffees), well-equipped country cottage kitchen (with large Aga oven for that all-important roast), large enclosed garden, and living area with 40″ Sky TV, DVD player, wifi and stereo system for your Christmas entertainment

And it’s worth braving the chilly nights for a dip in the private hot tub with your festive bubbly!

Around South Farm

The Farm House is the main self-catering cottage on South Farm which also boasts four smaller self-catering cottages – perfect if your gathering ‘overspills’ from the main house. The site offers all guests use of shared facilities including the children’s play area plus games barn stocked with table tennis, badminton, toys, books and board games. Adults can make full use of the sauna, spa and gym, tennis court, or even solar-heated swimming pool (or perhaps not in winter!).

The surrounding fields and open spaces, home to badgers, buzzards and other wildlife, make a great location for a Boxing Day walk.

Price and availability

Book now to save 20% on your Christmas booking. Seven nights costs from £2,233 (a saving of £446). Stays are usually Friday to Friday but departures on Saturday 27th December can be arranged (please contact host to discuss).

For further details plus contact and booking, visit The Farm House listing on the HomeAway website.

 

New Norfolk films inspire a coastal jaunt

Visit Norfolk has launched a new series of YouTube videos showcasing the best of the East Anglian county.

At Goodtrippers, our favourite films are ‘Coast’, ‘Natural World’ and ‘Adventure’ – but you can also find out more about this beautiful, wild and grand county in further films including ‘Family Fun’, ‘Food and Drink’, ‘Festivals and Culture’ and ‘Heritage and History’.

Take a walk along the Norfolk coast

The Norfolk coast is perfect walking country. Norfolk has more than 90 miles of superb coast and beaches, with huge expanses of pristine sand, tidal creeks and saltmarshes. Much of the North Norfolk coastline is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, dotted with nature reserves protecting bird life and saltmarsh habitat. (Check out our review of Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s visitor centre cafe at Cley Marshes)

Quaint harbour towns such as Wells-next-the-Sea and Blakeney are great places to stop for pub lunches or fresh seafood snacks. You could also try the cafe Cookies Crab Shop in the village of Saltmarsh for good value seafood (it’s a favourite eaterie of Norfolk native Stephen Fry!).

A new Coastal Path extension from West Runton to Sea Palling opens this December. This is part of the ‘Deep History Coast’, named for the amazing pre-pre-pre-historic finds, including a 600,000 year old mammoth and 900,000 year old human footprints, the oldest known evidence of man outside the Rift Valley in Africa.

This new path extension takes in the seaside town of Cromer so grab a bite to eat in Galton’s No 1 Cromer fish and chip restaurant (recently named the 6th best place to eat by the sea, by The Times). A new roof terrace dining area is planned for 2015 making even more of the great view of Cromer Pier.

To view more of the Visit Norfolk videos, visit their YouTube channel (video courtesy of www.visitnorfolk.co.uk)

Cromer pier, Norfolk

 

Enjoy spectacular autumn colour at England’s Treasure Houses

Canopies of red and gold, the rustle of leaves underfoot, cool fresh air…a brisk walk in the English countryside is good for the soul during autumn and winter. Here are some grand locations for your next autumn outing…

Woburn Abbey Deer Park (c) His Grace the Duke of Bedford and The Trustees of the Bedford Estates
Woburn Abbey Deer Park (c) His Grace the Duke of Bedford and The Trustees of the Bedford Estates

Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire

At Woburn Abbey you can stroll through the tranquil Abbey Gardens landscaped by the brilliant Humphry Repton. A walk can take you through approximately 30 acres of serene formal and natural garden environments: from manicured lawns and colourful flower beds, to peaceful woodland glades and ponds teeming with life.

Discover the bog garden, a recent addition with it carnivorous plants, the romance of the Doric Temple which was carefully restored last year and watch the recreation work in progress on the rockery and grotto.

Hatfield House, Hertfordshire

Hatfield House forms the centre-piece of the largest private estate in Hertfordshire, with the woodlands covering an extensive spread across the county.  The woodland ranges from the traditional coppice to areas of conifer broadleaved mixtures. This diverse habitat attracts a rich array of bird, mammal and insect life that you can spot during your stroll.

Holkham Hall, Norfolk

In this grand coastal estate, see the spectacular arboretum with its unusual and rare specimen trees resplendent in their autumn foliage. On 19 October, the estate is running Autumn Tours of the Private Gardens (book in advance, T: 01328 710227).

Chatsworth, Derbyshire

Having evolved over more than 450 years, the 105 acre Chatsworth garden continues to change today. There is plenty to discover at every turn, including the ninth installation of Beyond Limits, Sotheby’s annual exhibition of contemporary sculpture in the garden at Chatsworth (until 26 October). The Kitchen Garden is still producing good crops of plums, pears and apples to harvest.

Castle Howard, Yorkshire

One of the Yorkshire’s finest stately homes – take a stroll through Ray Wood to enjoy the season’s striking autumn colour from the many shrubs and trees, and huge array of ripened fruit and berries. Then make your way to the ornamental kitchen garden – Castle Howard Potager – for the autumn vegetable garden harvest.

All of these locations are part of the Treasure Houses of England group – 10 of the country’s most magnificent palaces, houses and castles. Alongside the places mentioned above, the group also includes Beaulieu, Blenheim Palace, Burghley House, Harewood and Leeds Castle.

For more information, including opening hours and contact details for the locations listed, visit www.treasurehouses.co.uk

Autumn Colours - Treasure Houses of England

 

5 of the best wild swimming spots

From hidden rivers, natural pools and secret coves, guest blogger Daniel Start, author of the best-selling book Wild Swimming, shares his five favourite places for a natural outdoor swim… (and if you like this, don’t forget to enter our competition to win all the books!)

There is something slightly naughty, a little bit scary and wonderfully invigorating about wild swimming. We swim regularly in the Avon just upstream of Bath and often see kingfisher and otter tracks. It always feels a bit renegade stripping off in the meadow and plunging in, while walkers look on somewhat startled.

People have been bathing in rivers for eons. From the holy wells and river baptisms of Celtic Pagan and early Christian times, through to Wordsworth and Coleridge frolicking in Lake District waterfalls, there has always been a strong tradition of wild water swimming in Britain. The health and psychological benefits of dipping in natural waters have also been long known. George Bernard Shaw, Benjamin Britten, Charles Darwin and Florence Nightingale were all advocates of regular cold baths to strengthen the mental constitution and physical state.

Bobbing along with a frog-eye view these are places to commune with nature, seek inspiration, and be humbled by the immensity and wonder of the natural world. They are also a place of fun, adventure and good times. So we invite you lay out the picnic rug, jump on the tree swing and plunge in. Welcome to a fresh world of holiday adventures, romantic escapades and family days out.

Best for… skinny dipping: Sharrah Pool, River Dart, Dartmoor

Sharrah is the largest and best pool on this wild and wonderful river stretch in the forested Dart Valley nature reserve. It’s also the birth place of Charles Kingsley, author of The Water Babies, so no better place to return to your natural state. You might also explore Bellpool Island just downstream, and upstream are the Mel Pools, a range of smaller pools, including a few good chutes if you have an inner tube. Descend to river from Holne and bear left along a good path for 40 mins to find this long narrow pool.

Skinny dipping in Sharrah Pool © www.wildswimming.co.uk
Skinny dipping in Sharrah Pool © www.wildswimming.co.uk

Best for… picnics: River Waveney, Bungay, Suffolk

The River Waveney was the favourite river of Roger Deakin, forefather of the wild swimming movement. I love the two miles loop around Outney Common, starting and returning from Bungay. This town is one of Suffolk’s most independent little places, with quirky cafes, food stores and craft shops, so it’s the perfect place to stock-up on picnic supplies. It even has its own river meadows at the bottom of Bridge Street, perfect for a picnic and quick dip if you don’t fancy the walk. There’s also a riverside campsite with canoe hire (www.outneymeadow.co.uk, T: 01986 892338).

River Waveney (by Daniel Start)
River Waveney (by Daniel Start)

Best for… canoes/boats: Anchor Inn, River Ouse, Sussex

This remote riverside pub, down a dead end lane, is in a bucolic position on the River Ouse. They have a fleet of rowing boats available for hire and you can swim and boat for up to two miles upstream through fields as far as Isfield. Continue to Barcombe village, turn right then right again, (Anchor Inn, BN8 5BS, T: 01273 400414) or walk upstream a mile from Barcombe Mills, another popular swimming spot.

canoeing on River Ouse, Sussex (c) www.wildswimming.co.uk
canoeing on River Ouse, Sussex (c) www.wildswimming.co.uk

Best for… pubs: Galleny Force, Stonethwaite, Lake District

Two sets of pools and cascades, with grassy knolls and ancient rowan trees. Fun for plunging, snorkelling and picnics. Upstream is Blackmoss Pot a brilliant place for jumps. But the best bit is the wonderful Langstrath Country Inn (CA12 5XG, T: 01768 7 77239) where you can warm up with an open fire and superb food. They even have rooms with white linen sheets, what could be more luxurious after a hard days wild swimming?

Galleny Force, Lake District (by Daniel Start)
Galleny Force, Lake District (by Daniel Start)

Best for… jumping: Faerie Pools, Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye, Scotland

The famous ‘Allt Coir a Mhadaidh’ pools and waterfalls are tinged with jade hues from the volcanic gabbro rocks. The mystical peaks of the Black Cuillin mountains tower over and they are embued with legend and fairy tales. You can swim through the underwater arch between pools and there’s also a high jump into one. The water is so clear you sometimes think there is no water at all, so you better double check first! From Sligachan Hotel (A87) follow A863 / B8009 and turn left (signed Glen Brittle) just before Carbost. After four miles find ‘Fairy Pool’ car park on your left.

Faeire Pools, Isle of Skye (by Daniel Start)
Faeire Pools, Isle of Skye (by Daniel Start)

*WIN the full set of Wild Swimming books*

If that’s whetted your appetite for some outdoor adventures (or if you just like browsing through beautiful books while cosying up indoors!) don’t forget to enter our fantastic competition to win the full set of Wild Things books, worth almost £150. You have until 5pm on 6 October 2014 to be in with a chance of winning nine inspiring books including Wild Swimming (UK, France and Italy editions), Hidden Beaches, Wild Running, Lost Lanes and more – See full details and how to enter

5 wild books

Feast at Malaysia Night, London

From laksa to satay, roti canai to beef rendang, we can’t get enough of Malaysian cuisine with its melting pot of influences, so it’s great news to hear that the Malaysia Night food festival is back!

Now in its fifth year, the free festival, organised by Malaysia Kitchen, will be taking over London’s Trafalgar Square on Friday 26 September. From noon until 10pm, you can feast to your heart’s content on Malaysian dishes from twenty restaurants and street food eateries. Live entertainment including songs in Malay by Bonnie Freechyld and performances by traditional Malaysian dancers will also be bringing a piece of this corner of SE Asia to the capital.

Malaysia Night, Trafalgar Square London

Interactive cookery demos and food market

Enjoy interactive cookery workshops with Malaysian chef, Norman Musa. Watch cookery demonstrations by BBC Masterchef Champion 2014 Ping Coombes and Masterchef Champion 2011 Dhruv Baker alongside Caroline Mili Artiss, TV chef and one of the original Youtube chefs.

Inspired by some authentic recipes, you can then shop at the Malaysian food market selling everything you need to recreate those mouth-watering dishes at home. (We’re told the infamous durian fruit will be on sale – try it if you dare…!).

Visitor info: Entry is FREE; 12noon to 10pm (live entertainment from 5pm), Friday 26 September 2014.

Where: Trafalgar Square, London (nearest stations – Charing Cross, Leicester Square, Picadilly Circus)

For more information visit: www.malaysiakitchen.co.uk

Restaurants appearing at Malaysia Night

  • Resta Sambal Shiok
  • Puji Puji
  • Rasa Sayang
  • Uncle Lim’s Café
  • Azi’s Kitchen & Catering
  • Satay House
  • Pak Awie
  • Bonda Café
  • Pelangi
  • Makan Café
  • Malaysia Corner
  • Malaysia Deli
  • Kerisik
  • Tukdin
  • Pan Chai
  • Bunga Raya
  • Penang Laksa Co.
  • Roti King
  • C&R Restaurant
  • Mangosteen

 

Malaysia Night

 

Rubbish in a new light at Totally Thames festival, London

Salvaged art and river clear-ups, inspiring free events at the inaugural Totally Thames festival

For the whole of September, over 100 events will take place along the 42 miles of London’s River Thames. The Totally Thames season is full of great events for all ages – from river races, floating cinema, cultural crawls, archeology talks, exhibitions, tall ships, guided walks….the list is endless! Goodtrippers has picked out a few eco-friendly events to get you started…

‘River Works’, an exhibition by Jacques Limousin (5 – 7 Sept)

French sculptor and architect Jacques Limousin has long been fascinated with the flotsam and jetsom that washes up on the shores of our rivers. His years spent scouring the banks of the River Thames, picking up Mediaeval German beer mugs, Roman coins and random pieces of glass, metal, brick and bones have now been turned into witty and unexpected pieces of art. See the results at this free exhibition – you’ll never see rubbish in the same light again!

Date/Time/Location: FREE – 10am – 5pm daily, 5-7 Sept 2014. The Crystal, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1GB

The Big Thames Tidy, picture by Jenna Foxton
The Big Thames Tidy, picture by Jenna Foxton

The Big Thames Tidy (31 Aug – 1 Sept)

Don your rubber gloves and wellies this coming weekend and help clean up the River Thames! Well, not exactly the whole river but The Big Thames Tidy with Thames 21, part of London’s Totally Thames festival, aims to bring together volunteers of all ages in one of the biggest events of its kind. Help clear litter and tidy up the Thames banks with other like-minded river lovers. You’ll also get a chance to hear more about the history and ecology of London’s famous river in this two-day event.

Date/Time/Location: FREE – 10.30am – 1pm, 31 Aug-1 Sept 2014. No need to book, just meet at Gabriel’s Wharf foreshore via the steps to Gabriel’s Wharf, London SE1 9PH

Cleaner Thames Challenge (1 Sept)

The Isle of Dogs is one of the most littered parts of the River Thames with plastic bags and other debris posing a real threat to bird and marine wildlife – so help out by joining in with a big litter clean-up at this free event! No need to book, just bring suitable clothing and footwear, plus lots of enthusiasm!

Date/Time/Location: FREE – 11am – 1.30pm, 1 Sept 2014. Meet at Newcastle Draw Dock, Isle of Dogs, London E14 3BW

For more information about all of the events during the Totally Thames season visit www.totallythames.org

Best of British at the Urban Food Fest, London

Shoreditch’s favourite street food market is back and celebrating the best of British…

Foodies should add this to their diaries for Saturday 30th August – ‘Do not eat breakfast, skip lunch, head to Urban Food Fest in London!’. The food market’s ‘Viva Britannia’ theme is promising a gluttony of British dishes which you’ll really want to leave room for, so turn up hungry!

Urban Food Fest, Viva Britannia (3)

Some of the artisan street food on offer will be chipolata and Kentish plum huffkin, sausage bubble and squeak, English goat’s cheese and honey toasties, and old-fashioned British collar bacon heritage bread. Vegetarians and vegans can also rejoice as ‘V Corner’ remains offering British veggie and vegan dishes.

If that doesn’t fill you up, move onto pudding with a choice of apple cobnuts, Gypsy tarts and English filled doughnuts.

The street food market will also feature a bar serving specially created British cocktails including the ‘Queen Lizzie Special’, Somerset craft cider from Orchard Pig, premium craft beers, English wine, prosecco, champagne and thirst-quenching soft drinks.

Visitor info:

Free Entry

The Urban Food Fest takes place at Euro Car Parks, 162-175 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6HU.

5pm – midnight every Saturday until 25 October (‘Viva Britannia’ is only on 30th August).

For more information visit www.urbanfoodfest.com

Urban Food Fest, Viva Britannia (4)

Putting the green into gourmet at T.E.D Restaurant, London

We’re very pleased to welcome our newest guest blogger Jane Cook of award-winning eco-friendly food/travel/lifestyle blog HungryCityHippy (recently named the Guardian’s sustainable blog of the week)! On a recent weekend in London, Jane tried out the new T.E.D restaurant in King’s Cross…

TED restaurant, Kings Cross, London

“Think. Eat. Drink”

T.E.D is an acronym for ‘Think. Eat Drink’; it’s also the name of the consultancy team behind the restaurant, and should tell you a lot about what the founders of this special place are trying to achieve. Restaurant entrepreneur Jamie Grainger-Smith and his team are behind it all, whose brilliant brains have also brought us the likes of Fifteen (with Jamie Oliver), and other eco-friendly restaurants including The Waterhouse. They have a vision to drive the food and drinks industry to create forward-thinking and environmentally aware businesses that are commercially successful, and T.E.D Restaurant is living, breathing proof that it’s an idea that works.

Smart-casual

Situated in the increasingly up-and-coming area of Kings Cross, if I had to describe T.E.D’s interior, I’d say it’s got the elusive ‘smart-casual’ dichotomy absolutely nailed. Bright, modern and airy, the white walls act as a perfect canvas for the splashes of colour found throughout, and vases of fresh, delicate meadow flowers adorn every corner. The black and white signage outside is contemporary yet classic, and the tan leather booth in which our party of four were seated was cosy and intimate without being crowded. In truth, I loved it all.

Eating and drinking at T.E.D is special

The regularly-changing menu at T.E.D is centred around sustainable British produce, with a focus on seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. One of the signature dishes is Somerset beef tartare, hand-chopped and served with toasted sourdough bread and a single, free range, egg yolk. Of course, in any ethically-driven restaurant, vegetarian food is going to be a big deal too, and on my visit I tucked in to a beautifully balanced main of fresh pappardelle served with chilli, broccoli and anchovies. Other menu highlights included diver-caught plaice, cockles & girolles, and a lovely, cheesy courgette risotto with ricotta and courgette flower.

A drinks list to-die-for

The wine list here is bursting with biodynamic and carbon-neutral bottles, and there are a couple of organic beers on offer too. If cocktails are more your bag, the list is eclectic and imaginative. I’m never one for dessert, so when I visited, I ordered a ‘Black Forest Flip’ to finish my meal – a pretty lilac-coloured drink made from Martell VS Cognac, Black Forest syrup, free range egg and fresh cream. It was a decadent and delicious treat, something all cocktails should be, but sadly so few ever are.

T.E.D Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Monday- Saturday, and 12-4pm on Sunday. Two courses with wine for two, approximately £75.

For more information and booking visit www.tedrestaurants.co.uk

‘Good’ credentials:

  • Use ethical and responsibly-sourced ingredients
  • Sustainably sourced fixtures and fittings used throughout the restaurant including salvaged furniture
  • Hand-picked contractors built the restaurant were selected based on their eco-sensitive practices
  • Part of the T.E.D consultancy, a wider network within the food industry whose aim is to eat, drink and think more ethically

 

About the author: Jane is a lifestyle blogger from Cardiff with a focus on the ethical and eco-friendly. Her blog HungryCityHippy covers restaurant reviews, travel, beauty and environmental awareness and is based mainly in the cities of Cardiff and London. Catch more of her on Twitter @HungryCityHippy.