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January hospitality hotspot round-up

Dry January at The American Bar 

Despite being best known for their classic dry martinis and excellent wine list, the historic American Bar at The Stafford London have turned their attentions to a selection of non-alcoholic concoctions this January. Head Bartender Benoit Provost and his talented team have created three takes on classic cocktails, including a FreepolitanAtopia Spiced Citrus, cranberry juice and orange and lime clarified; a French 99Atopia Spiced Citrus, lemon sherbet, kombucha and lemon clarified; and a Dry NegroniAtopia Spiced Citrus, alcohol free vermouth and bitters. There will also be five house classics including Amazonia, which combines Atopia Spiced Citrus with passion fruit, orange, pineapple and blackberry juices, basil leaves and sparkling lemon; and The Morning Dew, a mix of Strawberry sherbet, Atopia Wild Blossom, lime clarified and ginger ale. Each drink is priced at £12.50 and will be available throughout January.

Mindful Chef – Healthy eating made easy

Mindful Chef, the UK’s favourite healthy recipe box delivery service (source: Trustpilot), believes that January is the perfect time to reseat after a month of indulgence. Its low carb recipe boxes provide people with the tools needed to cook and enjoy delicious nutritionally-balanced meals that help make them feel healthier and happier. This January Mindful Chef boasts 96 delicious, nourishing recipes on its menu, each carefully crafted by MC chefs. In addition to its ‘from scratch’ recipes, Mindful Chef now offers 16 healthy frozen meals, ideal for those who are time poor. With options for all lifestyles, Mindful Chef offers flexibility to its customers via one-person, two-person and family boxes, as well as catering for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, flexitarian, vegetarian and pescatarian diets.

A mindful new year at Petersham Nurseries 

Treat your guts this January with the launch of Petersham Nurseries’ new menu that has been carefully constructed to optimise gut and liver health. ‘The Gut’ is a three-course set menu priced at £25pp and has been created in collaboration with acclaimed nutritionist Hannah Richards. Each dish has a wealth of health benefits and has been designed to reinvigorate the microbiome and enhance the functioning of digestive and immune systems after the indulgence of the festive period – like a healing wild mushroom broth with Jerusalem artichokes and a purple potato and chickpea tagine with lemon and olives.

Vegan paella party at Arros QD 

For those looking to cut down on their meat consumption this January but still indulge in dinner cooked by a three Michelin-starred chef, look no further than Arros QD’s Vegetables paella. Cooked over an eight-metre flame and served directly in the giant paella pan it’s cooked in; this lighter version of a traditional paella is both gluten free and vegan – and available for only £18pp.

Healthy cakes and shakes at EllaMia, St Martins Lane hotel 

Alongside its usual range of artisan coffees and teas, luxury coffee shop EllaMia will be serving a range of protein shakes with flavours including Mixed berries and honey and Peanut butter and banana – perfect for those pursuing a new year’s health kick. The dusky pink café and eatery will also have a selection of healthier sweet treats on offer that are suitable for vegans. The light, plant-based pastries include a raw salted caramel ganache slice and a raw fig, rosewater and berry slice.

Vegetarian Japanese food at Pacific 

Alongside its popular seafood-based fare, Pacific’s selection of vegetarian dishes makes it a great place to head for those wanting to cut down on their meat this January. The colourful selection of vegan-friendly plates includes Mushroom and spinach ohitashi (£8), Simmered winter squash (£7) and a Vegetable toban served on a sizzling hot plate (£12). Otherwise, it will also be serving its rice-less, turnip-wrapped Bondi rolls (£11) that are ideal for cutting down on carbs without compromising flavour.

Plant-based Portuguese at Volta do Mar 

Volta do Mar is a celebration of Portuguese cuisine with a broad menu that uses flavours, ingredients and inspiration from all over the world. Included in this diverse offering is an excellent selection of vegan dishes, including a Portuguese ‘Tronchuda’ Cabbage Feijoada (£15)– a vegan version of a traditional Portuguese bean stew – and an Aubergine goan curry with cashew yoghurt (£9), which is served inside a hollowed out round aubergine. To round it all off, its Grilled pineapple with chilli and coconut sorbet (£7) is both delicious and vegan.

A vegan and vegetarian fiesta at Iberica 

Iberica is challenging the preconception that Spanish cuisine is all about meat and cheese with its brilliant plant-based Spanish plates. Dishes include vegan editions of classics like Patatas bravas (£6.50) and more adventurous creations like its Beef tomato salmorejo (£8.50) – a thick tomato soup served with black olives, caperberries, raspberry and beetroot granita. There is also a range of vegetarian desserts, including Churros con chocolate (£6.50) and a plate called Textures of chocolate (£8), which consists of chocolate ganache, sponge, ice crea­­­­­­m, meringue and crumble served with peanut cream and apricot purée.

Ceviche bowls at Venezuelan hotspot SABROSO 

This January, why not stop by SABROSO for a healthy and nourishing lunch or dinner on the go? Recently launched Venezuelan restaurant SABROSO, have created their very own twist on the poke bowl – the ceviche bowl- made with cured tuna or salmon and topped with vibrant and colourful garnishes from fresh mango salsa to fried plantain. The bowls are completely customisable and vegan and gluten-free options are also available. SABROSO also serve a range of fresh juices to round off your healthy-eating plan perfectly.

Celebrate Dry January with Cobra Zero 

Following the launch of Cobra Beer’s new visual brand identity in April 2019, the brand has recently announced that Cobra Zero, the 0% alcohol offering and final product to join the new branding, has been relaunched, complete with a new liquid. Expertly brewed Cobra Zero is the perfect non-alcohol drink keep T-Total throughout Dry January.

Brewed in the Netherlands, Cobra Zero is created using the finest barley, malt and hops with reduced carbonation and 0% ABV, resulting in a delicate and malty taste with sweet and citrus flavours. A versatile liquid that can easily pair with spicy food, fish and meat alike, Cobra Zero is Brewed Smooth For All Food.

‘Nature Healing’ retreat at Vila Monte Farm House 

A timeless property that embraces a Boho-chic spirit with luxury amenities, Vila Monte is the epitome of a classic farm house. Located in the Algarve on the frontier between the mountains and the ocean, guests are invited to experience pure immersion, self-exploration and rejuvenation with Vila Monte’s wellness retreats. Each participant will receive a one to one session with one of the hotel’s wellness curators as well as experience an exclusive menu at À Terra offering an abundance of super foods, locally sourced products and vegan and gluten free meals. A range of retreats are on offer, such as the ‘Nature Healing’ retreat which encourages participants to connect deeply and directly with the spirits of nature as a source of energy, peace and guidance. Guests will voyage into the Non-Ordinary world to learn and practice techniques whilst venturing aspects of their archetypical self. Activities include yoga, meditation, nature walks, personal journaling, flower essence healing and shamanic voyaging.

Dates: 28 January – 2 February

Prices:

Individual – 3 nights for €762.00 | 5 nights for €1,290.00

With a guest – 3 nights for €618.00 | 5 nights for €1,050.00

Nourishing New Year at Boringdon Hall 

Devonshire luxury hotel Boringdon Hall has launched its ‘Nourishing New Year’ package – a two-night health and wellness focused stay providing the perfect opportunity to renew, reset and replenish ahead of 2020. Guests are invited to book a long-weekend or mid-week escape where they can relax at the enchanted property, embarking on strolls around the idyllic landscape of Dartmoor, visiting the award-winning Gaia Spa and indulging in Head Chef Scott Paton’s spectacular vegan tasting menu at the 3AA Rosette Gallery Restaurant. With Boringdon Hall also stocking the beauty and wellness brand Gaia Skincare, the ‘Nourishing New Year’ package is the latest addition to the property’s wellbeing offering.

Hailed as the ultimate staycation destination in the South West, the magnificent 16th century country manor house will provide guests with an unforgettable start to the new year.

This exclusive package is available for guests from January – 29th February 2020.