A WORK OF 'GENIUS'

It has to be said...reviewing hotels and restaurants is one of life's more pleasant assignments. But we won't hear a word said against any of the lovely writers and editors who have turned up unannounced at Bespoke Hotels across the UK and Caribbean during the last year, pen and notebook in hand, and pronounced their verdicts.

THE HORSE AND GROOM

Initial feedback from the journalist who reviewed the restaurant at The Horse and Groom in Charlton, Wiltshire suggests that the final piece could be positive!! He emailed to say, 'The meal was a work of genius. I've eated meals costing five times the price and been less saitsifed. Every plaudit directed at the place is justified.'

TEN MANCHESTER STREET

So December’s In Style magazine liked the Cocktail Masterclass at Ten Manchester Street Hotel, while Wedding magazine reported, ‘For a touch of city chic, look no further. Located in super stylish Marylebone, for the ultimate romantic experience check into the Grand Suite at Ten Manchester Street.’

THE FROGMILL

The Cheltonian Magazine described the fireplace in the ‘comfy lounge area’ of The Frogmill Hotel as ‘the ultimate place to spend a winter’s evening', and the menu in Adam’s Pantry – the hotel’s restaurant – as ‘superb, with a perfect mix of quintessential British food’.

THE TALBOT INN

The Travel Editor reviewed The Talbot Inn, Ripley and said this inn is ‘ideal for that relaxing weekend away. Refurbished yet still holding its original coaching charm, it’s the little luxuries that make this hotel feel like a home away from home.’

JAKE'S

Someone from Tatler got a decent gig too.....heading off to Jamaica to take a peek at Jake’s Hotel, and concluding, ‘Jakes is exactly what you want when you hit the reggae island – a little pocket of quirky, eccentric sandiness. Dougie, the barman, makes a wicked rum and coke. The spa workout massages leave you as liquid as melted butter. Then there’s a boat to take you to the Pelican Bar – a wooden shack on stilts in the middle of the ocean.’

THE BERMONDSEY SQUARE HOTEL

Back home, meanwhile, GQ Magazine discovered Bermondsey Street and pronounced it ‘the coolest road in the capital’, with ‘hip hotels, recherché restaurants, go-to gastro pubs and a new White Cube gallery’. Our very own Bermondsey Square Hotel was described as ‘super-stylish boutique hotel’.