- GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk
From country bites to feasting heaven in the capital, these weekend breaks are perfect for foodies
HUNGRY for a weekend break? These stays are perfect for foodies.
Whether it’s locally sourced produce in Dorset, the best Mexican food ever in London, or a seven-course tasting menu in Devon – there’s something for all food lovers at these three dining destinations.
The Eastbury, Dorset
Deputy Chief Sub-Editor Stacey Halls and husband Andy enjoyed some country bites.
THE PAD
The Eastbury is low-key fancy. A newly refurbished boutique hotel in a listed Georgian townhouse, it’s also renowned for its exceptional dining experience.
The vibe is home away from home, with sofa-filled guest lounges and a well-stocked bar featuring leopard-print carpet.
Set in the quiet market town of Sherborne, the hotel is just 45 minutes from the coast.
REFUEL
For £45 per person (or £70 with wine), the seven-course tasting menu at The Eastbury’s Seasons restaurant is something special.
We tucked into cheese brûlée, Devon crab and rump of lamb, followed by caramelised banana with salted caramel and pecan brittle.
In town, The Green has a superb weekend set menu, £27 for three courses.
We opted for pork salad with polenta, pan-fried cod, and strawberry, almond and praline mousse.
Owner and head chef Sasha trained at Michelin-star restaurants, so expect more than your usual small-town fare (Greenrestaurant.co.uk).
EXPLORE
Stock up on delicious local cold meats, pies and cheese from The Pear Tree Delicatessen & Cafe in Sherborne (Peartreedeli.co.uk), then hop in the car for a picnic on the Jurassic Coast.
With rolling countryside peppered with cute little villages as well as magnificent beaches, Dorset is gorgeous both inland and on the coast, but its most breathtaking landmark has to be Durdle Door, with its pebble beach, tropical blue waters (if you’re lucky with the weather) and chalky white cliffs.
Skip tourist trap Lulworth Cove and drive on to the seaside town of West Bay, which will be familiar to Broadchurch fans.
DON’T MISS
Sherborne Abbey, a few minutes’ walk from The Eastbury, is a glorious place to spend a rainy afternoon.
They don’t call it the cathedral of Dorset for nothing!
BOOK IT
Double rooms cost from £195 per night B&B (Theeastburyhotel.co.uk).
The LaLit, London
Writer Asari Inameti and friend Anya found foodie heaven in the capital.
THE PAD
With a slew of celeb chefs opening up shop in London, the city is one of the best foodie hubs – and the LaLiT Hotel, which is home to an impressive Indian restaurant, is the place to get your gourmet on.
Housed in a converted 19th-century school, it’s ornate and each of the 70 rooms screams luxury.
There’s also a spa and a 24/7 gym, and you can’t beat the location – look one way to see The Shard, the other to the Tower of London.
REFUEL
The LaLiT’s vast Baluchi restaurant is painted cobalt blue for serious wow factor, with glass chandeliers weighing half a ton each hanging from the ceiling.
The food is divine and portions are generous. The succulent lamb chops starter, £14.95, is huge, but save space for the tandoori prawns, £26.
For arguably the best Mexican food ever, dine at Santo Remedio, five minutes from the hotel.
The pork belly tacos, £8 for two, and chorizo quesadilla, £9, are next-level delicious.
Wash it all down with a margarita, £8, obvs (Santoremedio.co.uk).
EXPLORE
With so much on your doorstep, the best way to take it all in is to get high.
Book tickets to The Shard’s viewing platform, 72 floors up, for an awesome 360º lookout, £24.95 for adults, £19.95 for kids (Theviewfromtheshard.com).
Then swerve touristy Borough Market in favour of nearby foodie paradise Maltby Street Market, where you can find everything from gyozas and waffles to artisan gin (Maltby.st).
DON’T MISS
The hotel’s award-winning Rejuve spa offers therapies inspired by the ancient Indian wellness system Ayurveda.
Try the 45-minute pampering head, neck and shoulder massage, £70, designed to release tension.
BOOK IT
Double rooms cost from £240 a night B&B (Thelalit.com).
MOST READ IN FABULOUS
Boringdon Hall, Devon
Assistant Editor Claire Frost and partner Steve filled up on a port city break.
THE PAD
If history and atmosphere are your thing, Boringdon Hall Hotel is the place to stay.
Minutes from the hustle and bustle of Plymouth city centre, this impressive Grade-I-listed building that dates from the 10th century will make you feel like a princess as you arrive on the sweeping driveway.
As you’d expect from a five-star hotel, it’s all about the little touches – from a glass of elderflower fizz at check-in to home-made fudge on your pillow.
Rooms are vast and opulent – think soft carpets, velvet window seats, modern oval baths and designer mirrors to contrast with the lead windows and stone walls.
REFUEL
Your vantage point from the hotel’s 3 AA-rosette Gallery Restaurant, high up among the beams, allows you to gaze at the hotel’s great hall and bar below, decked out with wooden panelling.
Go à la carte or try the seven-course tasting menu for £75, but make sure you go hungry and start early – it’s a whole-evening experience.
Our fave dishes were the prettily presented Brixham crab and the out-of-this-world braised turbot with champagne sauce.
Go the whole hog and add a wine flight for £45, with a specially selected glass to go with each course.
EXPLORE
The beautiful coasts of South Devon and Cornwall are a short drive.
Or if it’s a little wintry outside, get your warm weather fix at the Eden Project’s breathtaking rainforest biome, around an hour’s drive away.
Entry costs from £26 (Edenproject.com).
DON’T MISS
Boringdon’s award-winning Gaia Spa is heaven.
Hotel guests get free entry to the pools, saunas, steam room and alfresco hot tubs – and the treatments, although spenny, are totally worth it.
We loved the Back Pure Massage, £120 for an hour, which completely sorted our aching shoulders.
Then stock up on Gaia’s dreamy skincare products, from £12, to get the spa experience at home.
BOOK IT
Double rooms cost from £160 a night B&B (Boringdonhall.co.uk).