Fashion, trends and lifestyle in the City _ June 2007
This chic, modern restaurant in a handsome listed building has swiftly bagged a clutch of awards since opening in 2004. Chef James Graham champions regional produce and despite a classic French training, he's not afraid to experiment - like a tartare of mackerel with salmon, caviar and horseradish cream. Great for a relaxed lunch and knock-out gastro-dinners. 1 London Street, Fairford, Gloucestershire, 01285 712 200 www.allium.uk.net
This 15th-century building has space for just 32 people in a simple dining room with exposed beams, whitewashed walls and a large fireplace. It's a mom-and-pop operation with Graham Garrett in the kitchen and wife Jackie out front. He won a Michelin star in 2004 and attracts foodies from London and the Continent as well as locals. His Modern European cooking may be rustic or luxurious but it's strictly seasonal. 28 High Street, Biddesden, Kent, 01580 291 341
A sparky new restaurant with rooms brings new life to this sleepy Cotswold town and it's popular with locals as well as weekenders. There's nothing twee about the slick bar and confident modern menu in the dining room - casual for lunch, more polished in the evening. The rooms are comfortable and sexy, blending modern hi-tech luxury with original architectural features. 20 High Street, The Green, Broadway, Worcestershire, 01386 853 555, www.russellsofbroadway.com
This 15th-century coaching inn is a must for weekenders needing atmosphere, excellent food and glamorous bedrooms. All 10 rooms are different - choose a four-poster with antiques, a king-size sleigh bed and open fireplace, New York chic, or even African tribal excess with carved wood and faux furs. There's a restaurant, bar and private dining with al fresco seating in the courtyard and patio. It's very English - children tolerated, dogs welcome. 104 High Street, Bildeston, Ipswich, Suffolk, 01449 740 510 www.thebildestoncrown.co.uk
This lively bar and smart fish restaurant is a brilliant addition to the picturesque seaside town of Leigh. An old boatyard has been transformed with plate glass, swanky interiors with a nautical feel using shiny steel and polished wood, a first-rate music system and reliable modern cooking. Outside, a broad deck reaches out over the water with stunning south-facing views over the Thames estuary. 8/13 High Street, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, 01702 475 588, www.theboatyardrestaurant.co.uk
New owners with an impressive track record have turned around this landmark property, creating a boutique hotel with 12 smart rooms, a lounge bar and a restaurant with good English cooking. Traceable ingredients press all the right buttons for today's customers: Malborough Estate venison, Looe Bay spider crab, local beef and just-picked vegetables. 1 Church Street, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, 01225 868 686
Like an exotic parakeet in a London park, Tina Pemberton's Norfolk restaurant embraces the cooking styles of Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Pacific Rim. Her speciality is fish and she creates bespoke menus for guests in the open plan kitchen with a backdrop of trees and water features. Cheerful, modern décor for a laid-back Californian atmosphere and two guest rooms with garden views of lawns, mature trees and the swimming pool. Carbrook Road, Ovington, Norfolk, 01953 882 706, www.broveylair.com
Leave the Big Smoke without hassle at airports. Discover rustic inns and restaurants with great food, country walks, deserted beaches and bags of fresh air - all within easy reach of London. Vroom vroom.
Allium has no accommodation so try a cosy b&b with Suzie Paton at Milton Farm (www.milton-farm.co.uk) or with the Spurway family at Hathaway, just walking distance from the centre of Fairford (email: lizian.spurway@
btinternet.com)
Visit St Mary's Church in Fairford dating back to 1479 with 28 magnificent windows of medieval stained glass. Then take a long lazy walk through the meadows and along the riverbank.
You'll be amazed by the range and depth at Bennett's Fine Wines particularly Bordeaux and Burgundy. Rare Champagnes, cognac, whisky and cigars too. Unmissable. High Street, Chipping Camden, Glos. 01386 840 329, www.bennettsfinewines.com
The award-winning Hollow Trees Farm Shop is unpretentious and packed with locally-reared meat and poultry, fruit and veg from their own fields, plus honey, cheese, cut flowers and homemade chutney and relish. Semer, near Ipswich, Suffolk, 01449 741 247, www.hollowtrees.co.uk
Cambridge vegetarians love Rainbow Café as do Jews, Muslims and other faiths with strict rules about food. Joyously run by chef and owner, Sharon Meijland, the café is opposite King's College Chapel and it's great fun. 9a King's Parade, Cambridge, 01223 321 551, www.rainbowcafe.co.uk
The Bridge Tea Rooms are quaintly ramshackle with Victorian interiors, lots of pictures, books and endearing clutter plus very pretty waitresses. 24a Bridge Street, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, 01225 865 537
Don't miss the tiny Saxon Church in Bradford on Avon, almost 1000 years old. It's austere, serene and strangely holy, a welcome antidote to the working week.