As summer unfolds, with its warm breezes and long, sunny days, there’s no better time to escape the daily grind and immerse yourself in relaxation and indulgence. Whether you’re yearning for a peaceful seaside retreat or an epicurean adventure in a bustling city, our carefully curated Summer Restaurant and Spa Hotel Round-Up is your guide to the season’s most irresistible destinations. From rejuvenating spa treatments that soothe the soul to exquisite dining experiences that will make your taste buds dance with joy, these top picks offer the ultimate in luxury, comfort, and culinary excellence. Prepare to discover the perfect havens where you can unwind, refresh, and savour every precious moment of the summer.

Rocksalt Folkestone: A Culinary Gem by the Sea

Imagine dining at a place where every dish is a testament to the rich bounty of Kent. At Rocksalt Folkestone, the menus are a celebration of local ingredients, sourced from nearby trawlers and farms. The seasonal a la carte menu features the freshest fish and the finest meats, all meticulously prepared to highlight the natural flavours of Kent and the Southeast.

This summer, Rocksalt has unveiled an exciting new addition—a stunning rooftop garden and wine bar that offers breathtaking sea views and a relaxed BBQ setting. Here, you can indulge in a vast selection of sparkling and still wines, with offerings from renowned Kentish vineyards like Gusbourne and Simpsons, as well as classic old-world producers from across Europe. Pair your wine with Rocksalt’s new upstairs-exclusive food menu, featuring exquisite Maldon oysters served in four unique ways, or try their innovative takes on French classics with the ‘Rock Monsieur’ and ‘Rock Madame.’ Under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Marcin Szelag and Head Chef Akos Mate, Rocksalt continues to be a beacon of culinary creativity and excellence.

W: Rocksalt Folkestone

The Ferry House: A Rustic Retreat for You and Your Furry Friend

For those seeking a luxurious country escape that caters to both you and your canine companion, The Ferry House in Harty, Kent, is the perfect destination. This boutique hotel and 2AA Rosette restaurant offer a dog-friendly experience like no other. With four of the eleven individually styled rooms welcoming dogs, you and your pet can enjoy the beauty of the Swale estuary and the surrounding coastal trails.

Your furry friend will be pampered with a welcome pack that includes treats, toys, a cosy bed, and more. The Ferry House has also introduced a delicious dog menu, ensuring your pup is as well-fed as you are. After dining on seasonal dishes from the restaurant’s a la carte menu, take advantage of the hotel’s new dog exercise paddock, where your dog can run and play in a safe, private environment. This thoughtful touch ensures that both you and your pet enjoy a restful and rejuvenating stay.

W: The Ferry House

Trelawne Beach House: A Cornish Coastal Paradise

If your summer dreams include a luxurious stay in a beachside haven, look no further than Trelawne Beach House, part of the Cornish Collection. This stunning five-bedroom property on Plaidy Beach offers an unparalleled coastal experience. With room for up to 14 guests, it’s the perfect getaway for large families or groups of friends looking to create unforgettable memories.

Wake up to the sound of waves and enjoy the breathtaking ocean views from one of the three balcony-accessible bedrooms. The master bedroom’s vaulted bay window provides a panoramic view of the sea, making it an ideal spot for relaxation. The open-plan kitchen, dining, and living areas are perfect for socializing, while the large patio overlooking Looe Bay invites you to bask in the sun or take a stroll down to the beach. For the more adventurous, nearby coastal trails and the bustling town of Looe offer plenty of opportunities for exploration.

W: Cornish Collection

The Victoria Hotel, Sidmouth: Seaside Luxury in Devon

For a quintessentially British seaside experience, The Victoria Hotel in Sidmouth is a must-visit. This 4-star spa hotel offers some of the most luxurious rooms with stunning views of Lyme Bay and the UNESCO Jurassic Coast. Each room is uniquely decorated, many with French windows opening onto private balconies, offering a serene and elegant escape.

The hotel’s Source Spa & Wellness is a sanctuary of tranquillity, where you can indulge in luxurious treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate. Whether you’re in the mood for a calming massage, a revitalizing facial, or a soothing soak in the spa bath, you’ll find everything you need for a blissful escape in this top-rated Devon spa.

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W: Source Spa & Wellness

Bamboo Mat Stratford: A Peruvian-Japanese Fusion Delight

Step into the vibrant world of Bamboo Mat Stratford, where the flavours of Japan and Peru come together in a culinary fusion that’s as exciting as it is delicious. Located in East Village, near Westfield Shopping Centre, this restaurant is a feast for the senses. Designed by Peruvian interior designer Sebastian Salas, the space is as captivating as the menu.

From the open kitchen where sushi chefs create masterpieces to the outdoor terrace perfect for summer cocktails, Bamboo Mat offers a dining experience like no other. Try the new sharing dishes, such as Maldon Oysters and Nikkei Sushi platters, or savour the classics like Crispy Philadelphia Maki. And with a Happy Hour offering complimentary small plates with each cocktail, your evenings are set to be both delicious and fun.

My Bamboo-Mat Experience

Sushi dreams came true at Bamboo-Mat Stratford in East Village! Nestled near Westfield, this place is a slice of Peru in London, designed by the genius Sebastian Salas. From their vibrant terrace to the mesmerizing open kitchen, every corner spells perfection!

The food journey highlights started with Gambas Frites and Cancha who stole the show! This was followed by a spinach salad that had us saying “More, please!” Then came the main course – Chicken Teriyaki and Chicken Anticucho, bursting with flavours that hit all the right spots!

But oh, the sushi! Crispy Philadelphia Maki and Mango Maki made our taste buds dance with joy! And let’s not forget their Chicha Morada and Mojito – pure refreshment magic!

Bamboo-Mat, you’ve won our hearts and our stomachs! Can’t wait for the next food adventure here!

W: Bamboo-Mat Stratford Restaurant

CELLAR AT Kindred: Where Culinary Magic Meets Community

Nestled in the heart of Hammersmith, Cellar at Kindred is more than just a restaurant—it’s a community hub where food, culture, and connection come together. Housed in the historic Bradmore House, this café, restaurant, and bar offer a warm, inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy seasonal dishes crafted by award-winning chef Andrew Clarke.

From the wood-fired pizzettes to the vibrant power bowls, the menu at the Cellar is designed to spark conversation and delight the palate. Pair your meal with a selection of under-the-radar Central European wines or a handcrafted cocktail, and enjoy the lively ambience that makes Kindred a must-visit destination.

My Kindred at the Cellar Experience

I was invited to review the Cellar at Kindred, and let me tell you, it was an absolute delight!

At Kindred, you can indulge in four fabulous offerings: coworking spaces, a vibrant cultural program, the Cellar at Kindred (their exquisite restaurant and bar), and their exclusive private hire options, all designed with socializing and gathering in mind.

The menus at the Cellar reflect a commitment to generous, seasonal cooking that sparks conversation. Their chefs draw inspiration from afar, with dishes like pizzettes from the pizza oven and fragrant Power Bowls, all grounded in local produce. Highlights include meat from HG Walter, just up the road, and a brunch spread that is second to none, featuring Breakfast Muffins, Shakshuka, and more, served until 3 pm.

Dining from the all-day menu was an absolute treat. The food was delicious, and the hospitality was warm and friendly.

• Starters: Muhammara & Flat Bread: A spiced dip made with red peppers, pul biber chilli, and molasses (vg) Buttermilk Fried Chick Served with curry leaf mayo and gherkins
• Mains: Grilled Suffolk Texel Lamb Leg Steak: Featuring garlic & rosemary, charred calçot, spiced tomato ezme sauce, and mint yoghurt (gf) Kindred Beef Burger: A double grass-fed beef patty with bibb lettuce, red onions, pickles, American cheese, and fries (gf on request)
• Sides: Kindred Spiced Fries (vg), Cornish New Potatoes: With tahini yoghurt and salsa verde (vg) (gf), Spring Greens & Tender Stem Broccoli: Served with vegan lemon gremolata butter (vg)
• Drinks: Lively Spritz, Cherry Collins, Pomegranate & Bergamot Cosmo, Street Market Daiquiri
• Desserts: Berry & Cherry Pavlova: Topped with cherry & vanilla syrup and fresh berries (v) (gf) Sorbet by Ice Cream Union: Choose from Lime, Champagne, or Mandarin (vg) (gf)

From start to finish, the Cellar at Kindred was a culinary experience I won’t soon forget: luxurious flavours, exceptional service, and a stunning setting.

W: Cellar at Kindred

Riviera London: A Taste of the South of France

Transport yourself to the sun-drenched shores of the Côte d’Azur without leaving London at Riviera, a luxury restaurant inspired by the South of France. Located in St. James’s, this dining destination blends artistic design with authentic Mediterranean flavours, offering a chic and sophisticated setting for any occasion.

Whether you’re enjoying the vibrant main dining room, the artist-inspired ambience of the lounge, or the laid-back terrace, Riviera offers a culinary experience that is both elegant and memorable. Indulge in dishes like Truffle and Cheese Gnocchi, succulent Baby Chicken Breast, and the decadent Crème Brûlée with Lavender Shortbread. With a carefully curated wine list and cocktails that capture the essence of the Mediterranean, Riviera is the perfect place to celebrate the flavours of summer.

My Riviera Experience

I was transported to The French Riviera at St James’s luxury restaurant, ‘Riviera’, and they did not disappoint. The restaurant’s beautiful warm decor and ambiance reminded me of my time vacationing in the South of France. Riviera London is the perfect fine dining spot for a date night, a business meeting, or a gathering with family and friends. The DJ kept the energy alive with a collection of songs to suit the mood.

We tried their set menu, and it was delicious.

• Hors D’oeuvres: Nicoise salad burst with flavour Lobster Brioche that made my taste buds dance Truffle & Goat Cheese Stuffed Courgette Flower in Tempura – tasty and elegant Breadbasket and Homemade Butter that opened my taste buds
• Les Pâtes / Pastas: Truffle and Cheese Gnocchi with incredible flavours
• Les Viandes / Meats: Baby Chicken Breast – succulent and flavoursome
• Accompaniment / Sides: Sautéed Broccoli with Confit Onion and Chili Mashed Potatoes
• Dessert: Crème Brulee & Lavender Shortbread

Drink highlights: Peach Caviar La Vidaubanaise

What a beautiful experience at Riviera. Highly recommended!

W: Riviera London

This summer, treat yourself to the ultimate escape—whether it’s a luxurious spa retreat, a coastal adventure, or a gourmet dining experience. Each of these destinations offers something unique, ensuring that your summer is filled with relaxation, indulgence, and unforgettable memories. Don’t wait—start planning your summer getaway today!

The Bannatyne Health Club chain is now in its 20th year and the group places a strong emphasis on wellbeing and exercise, forming a central part of living a healthy lifestyle for its members. Charlton House Hotel and Spa is part of the Bannatyne Group of health clubs and hotels known UK wide. One of 47 Bannatyne Spa locations, Charlton House Hotel and Spa is set within beautiful luscious grounds and includes all of the features a country house has to offer. Two minutes away by car is Kilver Court designer outlet shops, and locally are some fabulous award winning gardens. Just 30 minutes’ drive is the location for the major music festival attraction – Glastonbury.

History, Style and Character

Stepping back in time the Charlton House Hotel and Spa style and character is reminiscent of the Victorian era and 1500s, but with some modern extensions and additions for your comfort. Roger and Monty Saul, the founders of Mulberry, once owned Charlton House Hotel and Spa and the hotel’s shabby-chic decor is indicative of the Mulberry era.

Beautiful heavy drapes adorn the windows throughout, and deep leather Chesterfield sofas and Persian rugs helped to create a stylish and chic atmosphere.  The conservatory features even more stunning drapes and pretty pink cushions and the walls are a warm shade of terracotta.  The artwork on the walls is a combination of nautical prints and pictures of the hotel’s drainage system, dating back to 1900, providing interesting facts!

The Charlton House Hotel and Spa Experience

We decided to take the fast train from Paddington Station straight into Castle Cary, followed by a scenic country lane 10 min drive to the idyllic Charlton House Hotel and Spa. I knew we were in for a treat as we were warmly greeted upon arrival; it was impressive, they were expecting us!  The allocated room was simply stunning with a real key access, on the ground floor with its own private courtyard. The room decor had a Tudor feel with further heavy drapes, traditional wooden floors adorned with warm cosy rugs and soft luxurious soft furnishings. The bathroom was in a separate room, it had a large sunken bath, a washroom style waterfall shower, and luxurious toiletries and skin care by Elemis, a good excuse for a long soak.  A large inviting bed perfect to end the evening after a day full of dreams. At the end of the bed was a comfortable sofa, table and flat screen television, perfect for relaxing.

The Bannatyne Charlton House Hotel and Spa has partnered with the luxurious brand Elemis, who recently awarded the spa their Pampering and Wellbeing Experience of the Year Bronze award. The spa offers a fantastic menu of treatments to detox, de-stress and invigorate. The treatments are designed to target wellbeing concerns, muscle pain, stress relief, relaxation and balance. The spa also offers a variety of spa maintenance treatments such as OPI gel manicures and pedicures and many more.

The Spa Experience

Two lovely spa therapists who provided us with robes greeted us and flip-flops, greeted us. The spa has a Moroccan theme and true to its theme the decor was indeed authentic Moroccan in nature, it was similar to a Moroccan Riad.  The atmosphere commands you to relax, de-stress, be prepared and achieve rejuvenation. They offered us a glass of iced lemon infused water; perfect to prepare our bodies for our treatments and hydration. The spa facilities include treatment rooms, a Finnish sauna, crystal steam room, experience showers, ice fountain, aroma infused laconium and my personal favourite a large hydrotherapy pool, with the most romantic outdoor hot tub. We truly enjoyed the entire spa, it was such a treat, and we felt thoroughly spoilt.

The Elemis Spa Treatments

The spa therapist was friendly and very knowledgeable and the chosen treatments were Targeted Toning Tighter and Salt Scrub by Elemis. The treatment was a powerful blend of massage and detoxifying clay for toning and to help improve circulation. The treatment started with a body brush, salt scrub and stimulating very intense massage designed to target my particular areas of concern, my thighs and arms. The therapist gave me an abdominal massage in a clockwise direction to help stimulate the detox process, she then finished with a treatment mask, which had cooling effect and accelerated the toning and tightening effect. I was encased in a cling film type wrap and covered with a blanket to keep me warm. Following the treatment I felt rejuvenated and detoxed, a great start to the New Year.

Dinner

We were greeted by the host for the night and given recommendations for food and wine. Charlton House Hotel and Spa offer a superb selection of wines and a crafted menu using the finest locally sourced produce. We had worked up an appetite during the day from the spa experience, so were eager to order.

We were served customary bread and butter (also offering gluten free options). We chose our starters; Gravadlax of Salmon, mixed leaves, horseradish cream and toasted rye bread, it was succulent, light and flavoursome. Charcuterie selection, which included Cornish coppa, smoked duck, Cumbrian ham, pickles and chutney, this gave a tasty fusion of flavours. For our main course we decided on the slow cooked brisket of beef in ale with delicious soft creamed mashed potatoes, this was a divine warming Winter dish, the beef was tender and seasoned to perfection, my friend had pan-roasted salmon, “Pink Fir Apple” potatoes, Romanesco broccoli with pancetta cream, you can tell when fish is fresh it and this was fresh, the pancetta cream was the perfect accompaniment, the dish was light but filling. We found space for dessert, which was New York vanilla cheesecake with red berries compote and a crème fraiche sorbet, my friend decided on the selection of South West cheeses. Each and every dish we chose had all the right textures and flavours for an enjoyable memorable dining experience.

The conclusion

The Charlton House Hotel and Spa experience was as expected a perfect combination to ensure complete relaxation, a wonderful culinary experience and a de-stress in a tranquil spa. The Victorian vintage feel and knowledgeable staff combined to create the most perfect stay.

Charlton House Hotel and Spa is a ‘must’ to escape to the country for business, or as a retreat or a romantic getaway with the person you love. Take a stroll in the grounds of the house to take in the country air. Charlton House Hotel and Spa is one of the top wedding venues in England to make your special day truly wonderful. Charlton House Hotel and Spa is a breath-taking setting for your special day and offers the opportunity to enjoy full use of the beautiful hotel and spa facilities.

Charlton House Hotel and Spa will definitely leave a lasting memory that will stay with you for years to come.

W: Charlton House Hotel and Spa
E: Enquiries
A: Shepton Mallet, nr Glastonbury, Somerset, BA4 4PR
T: 01749 342008