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Five Foodie Escapes from BBB

Two things we all love are delicious tastes and the chance to escape from everyday life. So here we present to you five gems of places to experience both these things. Whatever you budget, near or far, we have some great suggestions of trips to tickle those tastebuds…

First up we head to legendary hotel La Residencia in the stunning village of Deia, Mallorca. Now owned by iconic hospitality group Belmond, this incredible property is situated in glorious landscape between the Tramuntana Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. With breathtaking views, the hotel grounds abound with sweet-scented citrus trees and ancient olive groves, capturing the essence of Mallorca.

Guests can dine on sensational cuisine at the hotel’s impressive El Olivio restaurant. The separate Tasting, A La Carte and Vegetarian menus are each complimented by wine pairings made by the sommelier from award winning wines from the hotel cellar. For a more casual meal, Cafe Miro offers diners the best in regional cuisine, from mountain cheeses to paella, with a mountain backdrop and amidst the private collection of 33 original Juan Miro paintings.

There is a private dining spot, a short walk down a mountain path, with indescribable sea views and unsurpassable romance. Dining by candlelight with live guitar music and sunset vistas, this is the perfect spot for any special occasion. The hotel’s art collection, spread throughout the hotel, also acts as a guide for the ‘Art & Dine’ menu, where guests can move locations between courses, admiring the works and history of the property alongside specially crafted cocktails and food to match.

There are a handful of other world-class restaurants close by, including Es Raco d’es Teix with its impressive 7-course tasting menu and beautiful landscape setting, and Sebastian, whose excellent food and perfect service make it a favourite for many. For those on a tighter budget, the area is also full of local restaurants, cafes and shops, abundant with mountain cheeses, local olive oil, regional specialities and of course, stunning views in every direction.

Crossing back to the UK, we head to Seaside Boarding House on the beautiful Jurassic Coast. A relaxed property with a restaurant, 9 bedrooms and stunning sea views, we’re big fans. Run by an ex-manager of the Groucho Club, Seaside Boarding House offers excellent hospitality but remains welcoming and warm. The restaurant naturally specialises in the fresh seafood and local land produce on its doorstep, choosing the best ingredients to cover everything from a poached egg to a six-course banquet. In their own words, “We like a well-dressed table, but we don’t stand on any ceremony; if you want one course, three puddings, to work your way through the whole menu alphabetically or topographically, that’s fine. Our view is that dinner takes as long as you need it to.” This is exactly our kind of place and whether it’s a weekend getaway or a seaside private dining special occasion, we think you’ll love it too.

There is also an epic seafood restaurant just 5 minutes’ walk away called Hive Beach Cafe. Located right on the beach at Burton Bradstock, with panoramic views to Lyme Bay and Chesil Beach, it’s a great spot to enjoy fresh, local seafood, homemade cakes or just a cup of tea. They also have their own micro bakery, ensuring all breads and cakes are fresh and delicious!

Venturing further afield now, we head to FAENA in Miami. Voted Best Hotel in the World for the second year running by Conde Nast Traveler readers, this property is a Forbes Five Star Luxury Resort, the first hotel ever to achieve this accolade within its first year. Aside from the beautiful rooms, which you can see on the hotel website there are several exciting dining options…. Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann is an Argentine grill from the legendary chef famous for his live-fire cooking. The open-fire kitchen uses the best local ingredients and a gaucho’s touch to transform traditional rustic recipes into sophisticated, elegant dishes.

Pao by Pail Qui is an award-winning modern Asian restaurant with stunning ocean views, serving fusion cuisine with Filipino, Spanish, Japanese and French influences.

Mexico City has always been a hot destination, but for foodies, we can’t stop raving about Pujol, hailed as the best restaurant in the city. Blending classic culinary techniques with the best fresh ingredients and contemporary flavour combinations, Pujol is a must-visit (but you need to book!)

They have various dining options… There are two Tasting Menus, Corn or Sea, each with 7 courses. There is also a beautiful private dining room, suitable for 9-14 guests, also with the tasting Menu but where the main course is served family style. Then there is the impressive Taco Bar with its mouth-watering 10-course menu, each dish selected by the chef! They cater for cocktails and drinks receptions on the Terrace and offer catering services. So for business or pleasure, this is a really fantastic option. For the visually inclined, their Instagram really is a thing of wonder too!

But we can’t always travel so far, as much as we would like to – time and money restraints often mean we need to seek our joys closer to home. Therefore, our last recommendation is a casual, lesser-known gem in London. Sometimes you need even an hour’s respite, to get back to nature and nurture the soul with some delicious food.  Frizzante at Hackney City Farm does all this. Styled on the typical Italian agriturismo, where the meat, vegetables, oils and wine used in the cooking are produced on the farm, this is a great example of farm to fork dining (any ingredients they can’t produce are sourced from small and local suppliers and the wine, some biodynamic, is from Italian suppliers). Locally roasted coffee, community vegetable box schemes and independent fresh fish suppliers are more of the reasons we love Frizzante.

Whether you’re after a coffee and cake, a quick lunch, Sunday Roast or a romantic dinner, they do everything. They also host private and special events with talks, themed evenings and lots more. When the buzz of the BBB phone gets too much, we also love going to visit the pigs, chickens and other farm life open to visitors. It’s great for kids too (although those looking for a quieter visit would do well to avoid weekends!). Easily accessible just off Hackney Road, it’s surprisingly quiet and really is a tonic for the stressed London soul. All details and opening times can be found here.

If you’d like to visit any of these places, drop us a line on info@thebbbook.com and we’d be happy to help.

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BBB’s Guide to the alternative Summer Season

The British Summer Season brings to mind lazy afternoons, strawberries, tennis balls, stripy socks and of course, an incredible selection of hats, but here at BBB we also like to celebrate the slightly less obvious choices of (hopefully sunny) fun. Whilst we all love the classics like Ascot, Henley, Wimbledon and Edinburgh, there are a host of other events that are already in our diaries. Here are a few of our favourite alternative calendar events, big and small, to get on your radar…
First up, it’s the time of Summer Solstice and Midsummer this weekend! The Summer Solstice marks the longest day of the year and for centuries, this day has been celebrated by cultures in a variety of ways. At Stonehenge, visitors from all around the world gather to watch the sun rise above the stones. The most important day of the year at this iconic historical site, it’s an ad hoc celebration that brings together thousands of people, from England’s New Age Tribes (neo-druids, neo-pagans, Wiccans) to ordinary families, tourists, travellers and party people. This really is something special to behold (as many flocked to see at dawn this morning). This weekend sees a host of Swedish Midsummer celebrations too, not to be missed!
London is home to one of the UK’s biggest, most diverse Pride celebrations, with events throughout June and July and the colourful parade itself on 6th July. In a world where unity is more vital than ever, this is a celebration of diversity and a vital home for every part of London’s LGBT+ community (and beyond). The wide variety of events span across performance, art, cinema and clubs, spanning established London venues and pop-ups alike. The parade sets off from Portland Place at noon, moving down Oxford Circus, along Regent Street to Piccadilly Circus and on down to Whitehall, ending around 5.30pm (with myriad parties after of course!) The streets are full of revellers but if you prefer a solid base, grandstand tickets are also available for the best views of the incredible floats and performers.
Another arguably even bigger event is Brighton Pride. Street parties, the huge parade and a wealth of performances across Brighton and Hove make this perhaps the most popular celebration in Britain, with huge fundraising elements to give back to the community and work for a brighter future. The whole range of tickets can be booked in advance (and they sell out, so be quick!)
Manchester also has big Pride celebrations, with an official weekend at the end of August with various free and ticketed parties, performances and events. Ariana Grande headlines this years event, a poignant booking for both her and the city. Whichever city you decide, BBB has excellent hotel recommendations and special rates, get in touch for info!
Manchester International Festival runs from 4-21 July and is a breathtaking showcase of innovative talent and culture. Over 18 extraordinary days, the city is host to world premieres, special events and unique performances from international and local names. A celebratory atmosphere radiates throughout the city from the freely accessible programme of live music and DJ sets, as well as pop-up events, independent food stands and much more. There’s much that makes Manchester International Festival exceptional. It proudly premieres progressive, experimental new work, using cutting-edge technology every other year, and 2019 is no exception. Highlights on the programme include Yoko Ono, David Lynch, Janelle Monae, Anna Calvi, Supper Clubs, Interactive exhibitions and many more. Full information can be found on the festival website – for somewhere to stay during your trip, just ask us!
Whilst we’re big fans of the international sister festival, today we’re highlighting Edinburgh Fringe. Throughout most of August, the city comes alive with over 50,000 performances from the classic to the bizarre, the serious to comedy. From big names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists looking to build their careers, the festival caters for everyone and includes theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, cabaret, children’s shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions and events. Our hot pick for Fringe 2019 is Parakeet at Summerhall. Based around an isolated teenager in Margate who forms a band and finds her voice with the help of a gang of exotic birds, the show is about ‘finding your flock and ruffling feathers.’ Written by Brigitte Aphrodite with music by Quiet Boy, you don’t want to miss this! ‘Imagine the Mighty Boosh crossed with the best episode of Girls. Prepare to cry and laugh several times over. You’ll leave a better person’ (Elle for their previous production, My Beautiful Black Dog).
The Jane Austen Festival is 10 days celebrating all things Austen, spread across locations in the beautiful Georgian city of Bath. So if literary delights are your thing, this is the place for you. The festival abounds in workshops, readings, walking tours, afternoon teas, supper clubs and of course, balls! Tickets are priced per event (general sale from 1st July) with special access and deals for ‘Festival Friends’ available now. The full programme is online already.
For Londoners looking for something more low-key, we love the Film4 Summer Screen series at Somerset House. London’s largest open air cinema experience with excellent surround sound, it’s spread across 14 summer evenings and offers entertainment in a beautiful setting with a range of luxury extras…. New for 2019, you can now select from a range of seating options, meaning no more numb bottoms! Visitors are welcome to bring picnics, blankets and cushions, but those seeking a little more comfort can also book beanbags and director chairs! Not only that, but you can also pre-book your hamper or even a 3-course dinner at the Bryn Williams restaurant! Date night packages, with drinks, chocolate and popcorn, and sharer bundles of treats for friends are also available. With an excellent programme including Before Sunrise & Before Sunset (Double Bill), Clueless and Reservoir Dogs, we’re booking now! Full info available here.
Last but certainly not least, this weekend sees the return of the legendary Art Car Boot Fair in Kings Cross. The event will bring together over 120 artists at Lewis Cubitt Square – a beautiful new civic space designed by Laurie Olin and right next to Coal Drops Yard. For the uninitiated, the Art Car Boot Fair is a curated contemporary art event where a fantastic line-up of artists are invited to create artworks especially for the day and to show up in person to sell them at astonishingly low prices. Some art world star sporting and super bargains are the order of the day! The theme for 2019 theme is love – love for the planet, love for each other and, of course, love of art. Also on the agenda are mystery prizes, raffles, pass the art parcel, the art of dating and the Secret Midsummer Art Casino! You might even get lucky and get artwork personalised directly by the artists or even your portrait painted! If you’re an art fan without the mega budget, this is a wonderful opportunity to invest, as well as enjoy a host of cool performances and an array of food and drinks stalls. Advance ticket holders only between 1-2pm, then tickets on the door after 2pm. Tickets available here.
Need a luxury car to get you to the event? Need a tip for an expert dry cleaner after a big day out, a nanny to look after little ones or anything else to make the most of the Summer Season? Just reach out to us at info@thebbbook.com, we’re always happy to help and there’s no cost for our introductions or advice! Don’t forget also that BBB have a range of expert contacts who can also source tickets for sold out theatre shows, Wimbledon, football or whatever else you or your principle may need. Just contact Alex Popoff at alex@thebbbook.com for all ticketing enquiries.
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BBB’s Europe Food Tips for Summer 2019

Summer is a time for travel, whether it’s island hopping, beach lounging or city exploring, and one of the joys of visiting new places is discovering their food and drink culture. What’s better than an Aperol in the sunshine, some antipasti with a view or fresh street food from a hidden gem trader a local tipped you off about? Whether it’s a swanky bar or a delicious treat for pennies, we have scoured Europe to bring you some hot tips of tasty treats and places you should try, next time you’re in the neighbourhood…
We’re often asked about Ibiza, and the island truly is brimming with great places to try. If you have children in tow, a lovely place for lunch is La Paloma, a bohemian oasis of calm surrounded by citrus trees. The food is fabulous, unpretentious but elegant, and there’s a small playground for little ones to explore whilst adults sit back and relax. Seafood fans should try Cala Salada for an impressive array of fresh fish dishes and huge paella pans. Reasonably priced and with a relaxed atmosphere, this restaurant is popular with locals and as such, in high season gets very busy, so we recommend getting the bus or arriving early to secure a parking spot.
Regulars to the island will have seen local delicacy ‘Flao’ on menus everywhere – like a drier version of a baked cheesecake and usually flavoured with mint and/ or aniseed, it’s definitely worth tasting. For a more sophisticated menu, try El Chiringuito . Situated on a beautiful sandy beach in an elegantly refined setting, this stunning restaurant has upmarket dishes, including whole fish and oysters, but is relaxed, friendly and sociable. Children will love it too, due to the extensive and thoughtful children’s menu, and parents can relax watching younger visitors enjoy the beach.
Palermo, Sicily, is a food lover’s paradise. There are far too many places to mention, we could do a blog on Palermo alone, but a gem that’s sure to whet your appetite is Bisso Bistrot – popular with locals and friendly to the wallet, this little restaurant is great for those with special dietary needs too, with vegan and gluten free options and a chef that loves to please diners. It’s a modern but chilled out location too, definitely one to check out! Or if you’re looking for something a bit different, try Eat With Fulvio – this friendly Supper Club is great for solo travellers or those wishing to meet new people, plus Fulvio is an excellent host, the food it fantastic and you can even learn from this local about shopping for and preparing the best Sicilian ingredients.
When thirsty in Athens, the hottest cocktail bar right now is The Clumsies, which currently proudly sits at number 7 on the World’s Best Bars List. For dinner we’d recommend Cookoovaya, where innovative chefs use fresh, seasonal ingredients to make Greek cuisine in a friendly setting.
Paris is always in our hearts and as all food lovers know, the scene there is sublime. A highlight for Sunday mornings is a wander through Marche Raspail, an open air food market popular year-round, offering everything from fresh produce to rotisserie chicken and patisserie. Bar Josephine at the Lutetia Hotel is an Art Deco haven, a beautiful frescoed setting where tuxedoed mixologists create stunning cocktails for some of the chicest clientele in Paris.
Next time you’re in Manchester, we highly recommend heading to the Asia Bar at The Ivy Spinningfields, where Asian ingredients are used by expert mixologists to create deliciously different cocktails. A favourite from the menu is the Smoked Plum Boulevardier (a smoky twist on a classic – Kishinamien umeshu mum sake, Hibiki Harmony, Kamm & Son’s English Aperitivo and plum bitters) – delicious!
Gothenburg is gaining in popularity for city breaks, perhaps due in part to its laid back atmosphere and lovely canal ways. The Lindholmen Street Food & Design Market is open every Saturday from 12-5pm and has a wonderful array of street food stalls that sit alongside contemporary arts and crafts sellers, making it a great place for a wander and a casual lunch. Try everything from fresh fish to gourmet burgers, local beers to an ever changing list of specials.
Lisbon has been a star destination for a while and is still going strong. Perfect for weekends away, there is so much to discover here. Lovers of food markets should head to Mercado da Ribiera Time Out where visitors can graze on a variety of Portuguese specialities and international dishes, all prepared freshly (hot tips are ‘Monte Mar’ and ‘Henrique Sa Pessoa’). Serious foodies should book well in advance at previously mentioned chef Pessoa’s flagship restaurant Alma, a Michelin-starred hotspot with tasting menus, an incredible drinks list and excellent people watching!
We’re always on the lookout for new places so for any questions, to share your hot tips or if you’d like to discuss putting together an itinerary, please contact us at info@thebbbook.com.
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