MISS HOLLY P
A BIT OF ME . A BIT OF FOOD . A BIT OF WINE
Cocktails Piccadilly, London

HIDE Set Lunch Menu

London, the city of endless surprises, doesn’t just have a rich history and a buzzing culture; it’s also a playground for food enthusiasts like me. Recently, I had an amazing lunch at Hide Restaurant, right in the heart of Piccadilly. Let me tell you, it was an experience that turned dining into an art. With one Michelin star to its name, Hide offered not just a meal but a journey through elegance, aesthetics, and exceptional gastronomy.

The Ambience, Cool Vibes and Artistic Decor

From the moment I stepped into Hide, I was captivated by its aesthetic charm. The restaurant exudes an air of sophistication, with a décor that seamlessly blends classic and contemporary elements. But what truly caught my eye was the stunning carved wooden staircase that spirals gracefully, connecting the various levels of the restaurant. It leads upwards to private dining rooms and downwards to an underground cocktail bar, promising an array of experiences within the same venue. Even the restrooms at Hide hold an element of luxury, with Le Labo toiletries that add an exquisite touch to the overall experience. Attention to detail is clearly a hallmark of this establishment.

An Exceptional Dining Experience

The highlight of my visit, of course, was of course the food. Hide’s set lunch menu, priced at £54 for three courses, and presented a delightful range of options. To begin, I opted for the Burrata with Caramelized Figs and Pistachio Pesto. The combination of creamy burrata and the sweetness of caramelized figs, with the nutty richness of pistachio pesto, was a true testament to the chef’s artistry. My friend chose the Lamb Tartare, a fresh and flavourful dish enhanced by the addition of mint and broad beans. Sharing this starter was a wise decision, as it allowed us to savour a variety of flavours in one course. Moving on to the main course, I had the pleasure of indulging in Poached Cod. The delicate flavours of the perfectly cooked fish were complemented by a symphony of accompanying elements. My friend savoured the Veal, which was equally impressive in its preparation and presentation. To end our culinary journey on a sweet note, we both opted for the Peach Melba Sundae, a dessert that embodied the essence of summer. The fruity, creamy indulgence was the ideal conclusion to a sumptuous meal. Hide’s wine list is extensive, with options ranging from £60 to £500 per bottle. A sommelier guided us in selecting wines that perfectly matched our meal preferences and budget. This thoughtful service ensured that we enjoyed wines that enhanced our dining experience without breaking the bank.

 

Sippin’ on Dreams

After our exquisite meal, we descended into the underground cocktail bar, where I enjoyed one of the finest martinis of my life. The skilful mixology and attention to detail carried through into the bar, reaffirming that Hide’s commitment to excellence extends beyond its dining room.

 

In conclusion, my visit to Hide Restaurant was nothing short of extraordinary. It offered not just a meal but a symphony of sensations – from the captivating décor to the impeccable service, and, of course, the outstanding cuisine. So, if you’re in London and seeking an unforgettable dining experience, Hide is a destination that promises to leave a lasting impression. It’s a place where culinary artistry and aesthetic perfection come together to create an evening you’ll cherish for years to come.

beauty

Hestia Aesthetics- Anti Wrinkle Injections

After a lot of heartbreak and trauma this year I really wanted to do something to make myself feel better. Anti wrinkle injections AKA Botox is something I had considered for a while and after the final nail in the coffin with my ex and an extra large dose of worries and frowning, I felt a bit ropey and weathered and it gave me the push I needed to book myself in for 1 area of botox. Now I’m not saying this is for everyone, nor am I telling you to go and do it, I just wanna share my personal experience and my personal thoughts on the results. 

So Botox anti wrinkle injections are a treatment where an injectable solution is administered and this takes up to 14 days to activate and it basically ‘freezes’ the muscle movement, smoothing lines and preventing future lines from forming. Results do vary from person to person and last from 2-6 months. Reactions are highly unlikely but if on the rare occasion this did happen, the skin would likely react then and there so help is on hand and it would likely be a localized reaction. I only mention this as it is something on instagram I was asked multiple times and I know is a concern to many of you.

I didn’t know where to go for my treatment as the cosmetic sector is now such a competitive market with more and more people offering this treatment but after doing a bit of research Hestia Aesthetics just stood out for me. The team of Costas and Lauren have an extensive medical career and full aesthetics training, the language on the website really stood out to me as it seemed less daunting and more approachable than other places- I mean, lets face it, this stuff is a bit daunting, confusing and can be really intimidating too. 

I booked my appointment online for 1 area and paid a £30 deposit, the total treatment price is £180. The area I wanted to go for is the forehead as this is definitely the area for me where life takes its toll! We came to the agreement that I would help get the word out as this is very new business they would do me a package so I had a little more in other areas too! 

I visited the clinic on a Sunday morning. I arrived with no makeup on and a little nervous. I was invited into the room and greeted by the guys, they are a lovely team, so friendly and put me straight at ease. The appointment starts with a consultation when you will be asked about the treatment you have selected and the desired results, you will then be talked through how it works and a little about the anatomy of what you are having done. Once you are both happy with the selection you will move over onto the bed and you will be marked up, this is done with a liner and is to make sure you have your botox applied evenly, then once done, they will inject. I promise, this does not hurt, unless you have an incredibly low pain threshold. Some of the injections I could barely feel!

After the treatment you are left with a little redness but totally manageable and I would really recommend having his done when you have no plans as you don’t wanna be putting makeup on for up to 24 hours ideally. 

The areas which I had done were the forehead and a brow lift. You can also have amongst other areas- crows feet, frown line, bunny lines, hooded eyes, tear trough, dimpled chin, marionette lines, smile lines, underarm. The team also do a range of other treatments too including filler and cannula treatments.

So… the results! Obviously what we all want to know about! So you’re appointment includes a 2-week follow up appointment to check the results and includes a top up if required! Costas on my follow up appointment also gave me a little extra in my frown lines, smile lines and bunny lines to share with you guys.

 

Lifting my brows before and after full activation

For me; I will never look back, after having botox I have gone through such a traumatic event in my life and normally that would take its toll in my face, honestly, I look fresh as a daisy! My skin looks smooth, polished and healthy and I just feel so much more confident in myself even though the changes are subtle. My requested result was the desire to have a ‘freshen up’ that is exactly what I got, I look natural and not over enhanced but I feel the BEST I have felt in years!! 

Lauren and Costas are so friendly and knowledgeable and would be so happy to talk you through anything if you are considering a treatment. 

The clinic is highly professional, sterile and clean but still feels extremely relaxing and it is based at Rowan House in Hethersett. 

I can not rate my experience enough, I’m so pleased, honestly I feel the most confident I’ve ever felt in myself and that feels wonderful. Thanks so much guys for making me feel like me again!

 

If you would like more info or to book, click here

 

Thanks for reading, H x

blog

Gyre and Gimble Bar and Distillery

Have you heard of Gyre and Gimble? Gyre and Gimble is a cocktail bar, gin academy, distillery and now has its own house brand of gins and spirits. Situated above The Strangers Tavern and right by the historic Strangers Hall, Gyre and Gimble takes is name as a nod to the weird and wonderful world of Alice in Wonderland author Lewis Carrol and with the ‘strangers’ location, it seemed a fitting title! Curiouser and curiouser!

Duo team Craig and Rory have transformed the former Gin Palace (which also had a brief stint being called Door Eighteen) into one of the newest hot spots on the Norwich cocktail scene. With exposed brick, botanical accents from draping plants and industrial fixtures the décor is perfectly fitting to the trends we are leaning towards and will suit all tastes and styles. The team are currently operating an offer of ‘Drink out to help out’ with a selection of £5 cocktails every Wednesday evening and serving up grazing platters to enjoy while you drink. Their cocktail menus have a host of different drinks, they have the largest spirit selection on offer in the city and they are always working on new drinks to surprise and delight. Look out for the next menu launch which is focused around sustainability and no waste

There is an on-site ‘Gin Academy’ which you can book to enjoy a gin making experience where you will learn about the history of gin, the process of how to make and the chance to design, create and take home a bottle of your very own gin! The session last’s for 2.5 hours and you will enjoy cocktail tastings during your distiller for a day experience and all of this is £85. A great treat and lovely gift too.

With all of this at their fingertips and with the teams knowledge and expertise they have now branched out and developed their very own brand of gin and very special it is too! They have developed 3 blends and have a strong mission of sustainability at the heart of their brand, with bottles being 95% recycled glass (most have a max of 60%), wax seals so no plastic lids or seals, and recycled paper labels, the journey of the development is about as green as it gets.

The 3 different blends are all inspired by Lewis Carrol….

Callooh Callay Coastal Gin- 45%- blended with samphire, seaweed and Norfolk Lavender. The most gorgeous illustrated walrus and carpenter logo label and a percentage of sales go to Friends of Horsey seal protection charity. Inspired name from The Jaberwocky

Nohow- This is a classic London Dry coming in at 42.5%, with notes of aromatic pink pepper, citrus and spices, Nohow is named with a nod those crazy twins Tweedledee and Tweedledum

Queen of Hearts Cherry Gin- 40%- A cherry gin which a rich and layered deep taste of cherries throughout. The colour and label is inspired by the famous Alice in Wonderland character, The Queen of Hearts.

These are all available to buy now and available in the bar by the glass!

All the labels of the gin are bold and bright colours with strong typeface and illustration logos, which are reminiscent of the ever growing world of craft beer.

 

So what are you waiting for? Go and visit Gyre and Gimble! You can eat, drink, chill and create!

 

Thanks for reading,

 

H x

blog

Girly East Anglia Staycation

In the current climate when travelling is so uncertain and loaded with potential issues staying a little closer to home has been the best option.

Whenever I get time off work I always want to get as far away from home as possible (usually by plane) and that leaves lots of places super close to home left unvisited!

Being a bit of bargain hunter and with so many businesses offering great deals at the moment to entice customers back in, I managed to plan a luxury, jam packed itinerary for some great prices!

We started our adventure in Cambridge on Tuesday! Cambridge- stunning architecture, great shops, lovely food, punting, history, museums and culture! There’s a lot to offer!

We parked at The Grand Arcade which until the end of October is £1 per hour! So super cheap in the shopping heart of Cambridge for the whole day! The Grand Arcade is such a lovely, modern shopping centre with a huge selection of shops. We were really lucky to have picked a gorgeous sunny day so walking around was so pleasant. Outside you’ll find the market square which has daily market from 10am-4pm selling a huge range of goods and food and then arts and crafts on Sundays!

Coffee is always a must when you’ve had a little road trip and I had read and heard endless rave reviews about Bould Brothers Coffee! These guys now have 2 locations in Cambridge due to their success and I can vouch it is bloody nice coffee AND the team are REALLY nice! Great to see them using Strangers coffee which is local to Norwich.

 

Cambridge is hugely famous for punting; punting is a guided river tour of Cambridge by water, you can do it in groups, privately or have a go at chauffeuring the punt yourself! We went with the AMAZING Let’s Go Punting who kindly gifted me the experience for my first time with my mum! We had a shared punt which is divided by clear Perspex screens to keep people distanced safely with new Covid measures. I absolutely loved the experience, being on the water is so tranquil, the knowledgeable chauffeurs regale you with facts and information about your surroundings on the tours, all whilst your eyes feast on the backdrop of architectural grandeur of the iconic colleges. You glide under historic bridges, surrounded by wildlife and absorb all the beauty Cambridge has to offer. I can’t wait to visit again when it’s chilly and wrap up warm with a hot drink and see the colours of a new season. This experience was so special with my mum but would be great for a date or a group trip (up to 6) and I saw lots of doggies enjoying the punting on my travels too!

As a real foodie I always do my research of where I’m going to eat when I go away. I don’t like to visit chains and want to know we won’t be disappointed (yes I  am a control freak), after a few recommendations I decided on Six which is located on the sixth floor of the very trendy Varsity Hotel and Spa and to my delight when I booked on their website they had extended the Eat Out To Help Out concept and offered 50% off food up to £10 per person! We requested an outside table which is on an a terrace with panoramic views over the rooftops of Cambridge and hanging colourful flowers overhead as you look up to the sky, there is also a retractable cover to protect when required from the elements so your experience is never interrupted!

They have such a gorgeous bar in this restaurant and a huge range of gin and cocktails that I would love to sample but I didn’t because my mum was driving and I didn’t wanna be an annoying drunk on the way to Newmarket!

There is a truly varied menu with something for everyone, we shared the scallop and smoked salmon starters then I had baked cod and mum went for the king prawn and chorizo skewers, we each had a soft drink and an alcoholic drink and after discount the bill was £73.50.

On the very top floor there is another large roof terrace space with a bar where you can soak up the sun or wrap up under the stars. I would definitely love to stay here!

Our day in Cambridge had come to an end so we hopped in the car and took the journey down to Bedford Lodge Hotel and Spa in Newmarket. We booked their ‘Gourmet Getaway’ offer, which for £220 which included room, usage of the leisure centre (not the spa which is separate), £30 per head towards an evening meal in the award-winning Squires restaurant, a bottle of house red or white wine and breakfast the following morning.

It’s a beautiful and impressive venue with lots of racing memorabilia around to earmark its location and history. The hotel public areas are well maintained and very clean and so was our room. We booked a twin room and due to Covid restrictions it was still nice to see the inclusion of robes, Molton Brown toiletries and lovely tea and coffee facilities as I know some places have decided to remove these amenities for safety but I feel that would definitely have impacted the feel of the stay (please note if you want to use leisure facilities you need to take towels from the room and the showers are not open). The weather was just lovely so we went and sat outside for some drinks and the atmosphere was great as there was lots of people and a lovely buzz!

 

We had wine, champagne and cocktails and just had a giggle until our meal in the restaurant. I carried on my fishy theme and had a prawn cocktail and lobster mac ‘n’ cheese, the food was really lovely and the restaurant has a modern décor with dimmed ambient lighting which creates a nice mood. We finished the evening off with an espresso martini outside before hitting the hay.

Go to sleep full and wake up for more food, that’s what it’s all about right?

These days there is almost an awkwardness to know what’s what and in a hotel with a continental and cooked breakfast option its a bit like “Ooooh, what am I allowed?” So, I’m sure this will be the situation in most places, the continental options are available to order and you can have as many as you choose- like a buffet, then you have the cooked breakfast option of which you choose one. It was a lovely breakfast. Great coffee, my fave oat milk too! They have a signature green ‘Bedford Lodge Smoothie’ which was fresh and contained wheatgrass for a pick me up. We shared some Baron Bigod cheese and ham charcuterie off the ‘continental’ menu and I had the Bedford Lodge Full English and mum went for the sourdough toast with avocado and poached eggs. Breakfast was exceptional as was the service and it’s always a pleasure to see a venue sourcing as many local ingredients as possible.

The spa at Bedford Lodge is in a separate building to the main hotel and unfortunately is not open Mondays and Tuesdays so we couldn’t use it but we did go and have a look around before heading off on Wednesday morning. This is a PROPER spa, finished to an extremely high standard, lovely main areas in the hydro pool, an extensive treatment list, a lovely seating area where you can enjoy light bites and beverages and the staff were so welcoming and accommodating despite only looking around. They open evenings too for twilight deals so if this sounds up your street have a look at their offering here.

The ‘Gourmet Getaway’ deal is only on for September but do keep a look out as given the world at the moment; businesses are definitely having to adapt with deals for a new clientele.

From Newmarket we moved onto Bury St Edmunds, Bury is a short and simple drive from Newmarket and is a beautiful town rich in history with a lovely shopping centre.

We parked at Ram’s Meadow which set us back only £2.30 for the whole day in a large open air car park so one to remember if you plan a visit.

We headed straight from there to the beautiful Abbey Gardens ‘the abbey was once one of the richest and most powerful Benedictine monasteries in England. Its remains are extensive and include the complete 14th century Great Gate and Norman Tower, as well as the impressive ruins and altered west front of the immense church.

The relics of the martyred Anglo-Saxon king St Edmund, whose remains were moved to this site in 903, and his shrine became a place of pilgrimage. The abbey itself was founded in 1020 and grew in power and wealth up until its suppression in 1539.’

When I was a little girl I wanted to be an archaeologist so ruins are always a huge treat for me! The gardens are kept immaculate by volunteers and they were in the process of changing over to the winter plants!

Even after a long walk we were still full from breakfast so we tried to get as many steps in as possible before our lunch which was booked for 2 at the gorgeous Angel. We explored the grounds of the cathedral and found a nature reserve walk with lovely little goats! We then headed to The Arc shopping centre and rummaged through the sales and got some bargains then on the way down to lunch we hit every charity shop too!  I managed to get a lush black Hugo Boss blazer for £9.99! The Angel is a hotel and has a bar and restaurant and is a stunning and huge ivy covered building in the heart of Bury. The Angel are still extending their Eat Out to Help Out too for September which was a bonus when booking but we were still so full we couldn’t manage a full meal which also meant no Lottie’s waffles after either!! The restaurant is just stunning though, I adore the decor with different touches of modern art and the colour palette in this room. We just had soft drinks and shared a lovely antipasti board for 2 which was just enough! The perfect end to a lovely 2 days!

blog

Welcome to the #FoodSavvy challenge!!

So as we embark on a new month, I have taken on a brand new challenge! Along side the support of Hubbub and Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils I have been given the opportunity to share with you my experience and journey in becoming more #FoodSavvy!

In Norfolk and Suffolk alone we waste 113,000 tonnes of food waste which costs the average household an extra £810 per year and the tax payer just in these 2 counties an extra £12.6m per year!!! That’s hugely alarming right?? I’m really excited to be given the opportunity to get involved in hopefully learning new ways to reduce this personally in my household and also raise awareness to my surrounding counties and further afield!

So, if you’ve been following me a while, I like to think; and I hope you’ll agree, I’m pretty savvy anyway and from my personal financial situation over the last few years, I’ve taught myself to become more #FoodSavvy and am really excited to see what new ideas I can take on board to drive this even further in my life! I’m a genuine lover of food and it sickens me to see food go to waste, so I always try to keep it creative in the kitchen and let nothing avoidable go in the bin but I know there’s still more to do!

This week, from tomorrow, Monday, I’ll be carrying on as normal and at the end of the week I’ll be doing my baseline measurement to see what waste I’m producing in my household on a normal week, before we put in to place some of the useful provided tools to aid in this months challenge!! I’m actually off for a few days from Monday morning on my holidays to France, so I’ll be getting my folks back at my home to save their avoidable food waste along with logging roughly any food that I waste abroad Monday to Thursday, all of this you can keep track of on my instagram stories! I’ve always been a lunch prepper, I’ve been using food recycling at home for some time and i consciously make the efforts to minimize a single use plastics in my life but even as a conscious person I know the results will alarm me when so many things on offer to us have not undergone the same thoughtful and sustainable journey we would want in an ideal world. After this week is done and we measure what’s ‘normal’ for me and my household, then we’ll start the reduction measurements from week 2! Food waste and the volume of single use plastics used world wide is a huge issue and I invite you this month to join the challenge and become more #FoodSavvy with me, from Norfolk, Suffolk and beyond!