Flybe / July 2019

27 / 116

JULY 2019 / Flight Time / 27
Take-off / Hotels
After a two-year revamp,
the family-owned, five-
star Athenaeum Hotel and
Residences, on London’s
Piccadilly, has unveiled 135
bedrooms and 11 suites, all repurposed
with the aim of maximising the hotel’s
extraordinary aspect across historic Green
Park. Attention has been paid to every last
detail, with textiles carefully sourced and,
in some cases, specially made from classic
herringbone weaves and linen-lined
wardrobes, to silk-clad furniture, plush
velvet cushions and bespoke carpets
– all showcasing the very best of British
craftsmanship.
Athenaeum bedrooms now include
intuitive technology and modern
amenities such as ‘intelligent’ TOTO toilets,
Nespresso machines, LG smart TVs (hung
from copper rails to generate additional
storage space), bespoke Bose charging
docks and UK- and EU-compatible plugs
and USB sockets.
Adjacent to the hotel are 18 stunning,
one-bedroom Residences with king-size
beds, fully-equipped kitchens, washing
machines and maid service – perfect
for families, long-stay guests or those
who prefer a little more privacy. Families
are well catered for with a children’s
concierge to provide family-friendly tips
The newly-renovated Victorian
Padstow Harbour Hotel perches
above the small fishing port
of Padstow – a picturesque
harbour town famous for
seafood. The 58-bedroom hotel
features stylish new décor and
relaxed all-day dining; all with
postcard-perfect views of the
Camel Estuary and Padstow
Harbour.
For eating and drinking, the
FORT FOR HIRE
Spitbank Fort, one of two
Napoleonic boutique hotels
based off the coast of
Portsmouth, is now available
for exclusive use only so guests
can enjoy the ultimate private
island experience in the UK.
With a dedicated fort
captain, executive head
chef and a fully-staffed
crew, the iconic Fort offers
bespoke service and quirky
accommodation for adults
only. Its nine spacious suites
include panoramic sea views.
Guests can sample a
delicious menu, enjoy the
delights of its Victory bar and
the roof terrace complete with
hot pool, firepit, sauna and
sun deck. The wine cave offers
cheese and wine pairings and
a variety of rums to taste.
on what to do in
London, plus inter-
connecting rooms
and children’s
menus.
Guests can dine at Galvin at The
Athenaeum, the hotel’s main restaurant,
led by Michelin-starred chefs Chris and
Jeff Galvin. The brothers have compiled a
series of delicious British seasonal menus,
inspired by fresh produce from farmers
across the UK. Dishes include Dressed
Portland Crab with Hampshire Watercress;
Haunch of Highland Venison with Quince,
Black Cabbage & Chestnuts; and
Strawberry Panna Cotta with Shortbread
& Basil.
The Bar is an intimate space with a
prized whisky collection, extensive wine
menu and a bespoke cocktail list created
by award-winning barman Giovanni
Castorina. There is also a good choice of
tasty bar snacks which are served until
11pm.
Guests at The Athenaeum have use
of The View, an exclusive, 10th-floor
residents’ lounge offering panoramic
views over London’s skyline. There is also
a private 24-hour gym and a REN spa
offering a range of holistic treatments,
including facials and massages.
Park view
hotel’s Kitchen, Bar & Terrace
offers casual, all-day dining
– with those enviable views –
and al-fresco terrace dining.
Food is light, seasonal and
locally-sourced, to showcase
the region’s flavours. Signature
dishes include Harbour Fish
Pie, Seafood Burger, Tempura
Prawns, Home-cured Smoked
Salmon and divine desserts.
There’s an extensive drinks
menu, featuring eclectic
wines, exclusive cocktails, local
craft beers and a selection of
locally-made gins; perfect for
sipping on the terrace, whilst
drinking in the view.
For those wanting to get
outdoors and enjoy this
wonderful corner of Cornwall,
there are fishing and boating
trips, outstanding cycling, and
surfing at some of Europe’s
best surf beaches (with surf
schools), all close by,
The hotel can prepare a
picnic to take with you, or
arrange bike hire.
Padstow
perfect