One writer and her canine sidekick check into a Rutland hotel that caters as beautifully to dogs as it does their owners.

There is dog friendly and there is dog friendly in the hotel world and The Barnsdale in Rutland definitely falls into the properly canine-catering category. When I arrived at lunchtime on a gloomy September day, I was immediately presented with a map for local dog walks, beautifully illustrated and well described. My miniature poodle Tiffin thoroughly approved of the stroll along the banks of Rutland Water, through woods with cheerful signs assuring owners that leads were not required, past the pretty, squat church of St Michael & All Angels, Whitwell, and across farmland where late poppies nodded. Back at the hotel, our room was complete with dog bed, bowls and treats (being a picky poodle, he rejected the latter; a friend’s labrador back home was far more appreciative) and, at dinner, a kindly waiter brought Tiffin his water bowl on a tray, no less.

The Barnsdale also hosts weddings, parties, car launches, fashion shows and Christmas fairs in the neighbouring barn, an amazing space with an asymmetrical ceiling from which globes of smoky glass lightbulbs by Pooky hang and huge doors that open out into the garden. There is a Whispering Angel bar in the courtyard, a boules court, croquet and pétanque lawns and countless activities nearby, from fishing and boating on Rutland Water to farm shops and Barnsdale Gardens half a mile up the Avenue, created by Gardeners’ World presenter Geoff Hamilton.

Father’s Day is approaching, and with it, the perfect opportunity to give something special that not only celebrates that father figure, but also inspires memorable moments. If you’re looking for a gift that combines elegance, flavor, and a unique experience, consider opting for wine. In this article, we present six exceptionally selected wines that will help you conquer the most discerning palates.

SIX WINES FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE GIFT

Below, we offer a list of six wines that stand out for their quality and character. Each was chosen not only for its flavor, but also for the history and passion behind each bottle. The diversity of styles and regions will allow you to select the one that best suits your father’s tastes.

• Rioja red: Marqués de Cáceres Crianza
• White from Rueda: José Pariente Verdejo
• Cava: Gramona III Lustros
• Argentine Malbec: Catena Zapata Argentine Malbec
• Port Wine: Graham’s Six Grapes
• Rosé from Provence: Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel

Rosé from Provence: Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel

Finally, rosé is a must in this repertoire. Whispering Angel has become an international favorite. With its pale pink color and refreshing red fruit aromas, it offers vibrant acidity and a clean finish. It’s ideal for sunny days and pairs with salads or fish. As the wine press notes: “A wine that can be enjoyed both on the beach and at home.”

As spring approaches, several hotels nationwide are unveiling exclusive collaborations with beauty brands, offering guests a range of seasonal promotions designed to enhance their stay. These include luxury beauty gifts and special cocktails inspired by the brands.
The Westin Josun Seoul has launched its spring package, “Spring Escape,” which runs through June 30. Guests who book this package will receive a one-night stay in a deluxe room and a 500 milliliter bottle of “Luna” body lotion from the British luxury fragrance brand, Penhaligon’s. Additionally, guests staying in suite rooms will receive a bottle of Chateau d’Esclans Whispering Angel wine and have access to the Westin Club’s happy hour and breakfast offerings.
Rates for the package start at 496,100 won ($340.80).

In Jeju, Lotte Hotel Jeju is offering a “Beautiful Moment of Spring” package, available until April 30. This package includes a one-night stay, breakfast for two, a premium skincare set from the brand Thome valued at 430,000 won and a complimentary photo session.
Guests will be photographed by a local photographer, with one pocket-sized photo printed and framed. Additionally, those who book multiple nights can enjoy a special food offering at the hotel’s poolside cafe, including dishes like tteokbokki and deep fried black pork dipped in sweet and sour sauce, along with two soft drinks.
Marque d’Amour (L’Escape)

The world has been seemingly irreversibly shaken over the course of the last six weeks, it’s hard to keep up with manic stream of news coming from certain corners of the world.

So in contrast to those brewing storm clouds, we’re going to give you a rainbow – one of a single hue, mind you – but in these dark times, can there be a more joyous color than pink? The color of springtime, cherry blossom and, of course, rosé wine.

So when it comes to this year’s most wanted rosé, we have all the shades of pink from the palest sun-bleached seashell to deep peony.

The former generally the domain of the dry, steely, delicate-hint-of-peach wines of Provençe, the latter the red berry fruit-bombs of the southern Mediterranean.

The Provençal-style expressions are the ones that have been elevated – through the likes of Château d’Esclans’ Whispering Angel and former power couple Brangelina’s Château Miraval – into lofty tokens of refinement.

Conversely, the wild strawberry and Florida sunset shades of Spain, Portugal and Italy are – by simple kneejerk comparison – somewhat downgraded as the cheap, party option, the poor relation to the epicurean delights of Southern France.

However, does that stack up when it comes to what people really want?

When it comes to this year’s most wanted rosé, leading the charge is, of course, that pink-winged behemoth of a seraph, Whispering Angel. Beloved by the stars from the Beckhams, to Lady Gaga to Jeremy Clarkson – who managed to insult the city of Liverpool over the stuff – Whispering Angel has long held pole position. Pleasingly, despite all of its fancy associations, it’s also very affordable at $24.

… number nine gives it a good go, with the return of Château d’Esclans and their Garrus rosé. Roaring in with a critic score of 92 points and a price-point of $138.

Sushi lovers, roll up. Whether you’re a maki fan, a sashimi enthusiast, or just here for the endless nigiri, the capital has a great selection of Japanese restaurants where you can eat to your heart’s content – at an affordable price too. So, if you’re ready to soy-prise your taste buds and put your appetite to the ultimate test, let’s dive into the best all-you-can-eat sushi London has to offer. 

CLAP London  

• Location: 12-14 Basil Street, SW3 1AJ
• Best for: a lively brunch with a resident DJ

This bottomless brunch deserves a round of applause – quite literally. At CLAP London, the stylish restaurant blends unlimited Japanese indulgence with high-energy beats and free-flowing drinks in the heart of Knightsbridge. From midday to 3pm every weekend, guests can dive into a lavish spread for £65 per person, starting with an unlimited self-service sushi bar stocked with sashimi, nigiri, signature salads, and expertly crafted sushi.

Diners can then move on to an exquisite main course, before finishing with a refined selection of sharing-style desserts. And for those who like their brunch with a little extra buzz, free-flowing drinks are available from £30 per person, including prosecco, Whispering Angel rosé, and wines, or the premium package (£55 per person), which upgrades the offering to Veuve Clicquot, sake, Aperol spritzes, Nippon sangrias, and bloody marys.

I’m convinced that the same bottle of Whispering Angel and box of Lindor chocolates have been doing the rounds among my friends for two or three years now. It’s not that we don’t like them (what’s not to like?); it’s that they are such easy gifts. Every host saves them for when they’re next a guest, in an unspoken game of Pass the Provençal Rose.

Get out your favorite 1970’s Palm Beach outfit. It’s time, once again, for “Cocktails à la Palm Royale, Season 2”
The special event benefits Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County. It’s set inside La Follia, one of Palm Beach’s most breathtaking private estates. Guests can enjoy signature cocktails and live entertainment.

“We are so grateful for this amazing opportunity and are extremely appreciative to our sponsors and Mindy for making this possible,” says Julia Murphy, Chief Advancement Officer at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County.

The guest of honor is Mindy Cohn, the actress who portrayed Nathalie on the classic series “Facts of Life,” and recently starred as Ann Holiday, in the popular AppleTV series “Palm Royale.” 

The show, about Palm Beach high society, stars Cohn, Kristen Wiig, Carol Burnett, Laura Dern, and Ricky Martin. It was renewed for a second season shortly after the first season ended.

The Grand Sponsor is Kenneth C. Griffin. Additional sponsors include The Colony Hotel, Whispering Angel and Kohler. Sponsorship opportunities are still available to make a meaningful commitment to supporting Habitat for Humanity’s mission of building homes for families in need.

The 19th-century Grade I-listed Rudding Park nestles in open countryside just three miles south of Harrogate. The Mackaness family has owned it since 1972 and has developed the original country house, within 300 acres of landscaped grounds, into one of the leading hotels and leisure resorts in the UK.

Prestigious guests include former US and Soviet presidents Bill Clinton, George Bush and Mikhail Gorbachev, plus Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Reverend Jesse Jackson and the Fawlty Towers and Monty Python actor John Cleese.

Modern extensions now house 90 rooms and suites, an impressive destination spa with rooftop terrace, three restaurants, a kitchen garden, private cinema, conference and events facilities. Members and visitors can also play golf on two courses, improve their game at the Trackman Driving Range and socialise at the club house. Originally part of the forest of Knaresborough, some of the ancient oaks still grow in the parkland.

THE VIBE

After a stressful commute through Harrogate rush-hour traffic (not helped by temporary roadworks), a sense of calm descended as soon as we drove through Rudding Park’s gates. My husband and I tried to hide our less than pristine vehicle in the furthest corner of the car park, but hotel porter Chris spotted us from his golf buggy and offered us a lift with our luggage to the front door. It’s all part of the service the hotel provides for guests arriving at around 3pm check-in time.

Inside, the warm welcome continued in the airy entrance hall with a real fire flickering in the grate, eye-catching floral displays, comfy snug lounge, bold artwork and cheery reception staff. Reece chatted amiably and showed us to our room, past a rogues’ gallery of former VIP guests and through the striking library with its Insta-friendly hanging egg chair, vibrant statement sofas and armchairs, bookshelves and striped rugs.

SCOFF AND QUAFF

The wine list was impressive, with large glasses of Whispering Angel rosé for £22…

I’m too spent for bullet points. Recapping the highest scoring game in the NBA this season would take a novella.

If ever a single basketball game was a Rorschach test for an entire season, we saw it last night at Madison Square Garden.

Regardless of what thoughts, hopes, dreams and fears you had about the Knicks going into this game, they bore themselves out over the course of 53 minutes, because 48 certainly wasn’t enough.

If you went into last night believing that the Knicks were a true blue contender, not because they’re able to run roughshod over every opponent, but because they’ve finally figured out ways to win tight games, this game backed you up.

If you went into last night believing that the Knicks were a true blue contender, not because they’re able to run roughshod over every opponent, but because they’ve finally figured out ways to win tight games, this game backed you up.

If you went into last night believing that the Knicks were frauds, destined to fail in the biggest moments because they don’t have an adequate defensive backbone and haven’t yet acquired the poise under pressure that a title contender needs, this game backed you up.

If you went into last night believing that Karl-Anthony Towns is the most gifted offensive force to ever don a Knick uniform, and there is no ceiling to how good he can be with the ball in his hands, this game backed you up.

If you went into last night believing that no team employing Karl-Anthony Towns will ever win it all because his deficiencies are just too glaring and they come out at the most inopportune times, this game backed you up.

If you went into last night believing that a win on the second night of a back to back against a feisty Hawks team, no matter how they came by it, would be a fantastic sign entering the All-Star break, this game backed you up.

If you went into last night troubled by New York’s inability to put teams away when they have them down, this game backed you up.

If you thought this team had championship mettle before last night, this game backed you up.

If you thought they had a long way to go before acquiring that rarest of sports commodities, this game backed you up.

If you had your doubts, this game backed you up.

If you’re a believer, this game backed you up.

Truly, there are no wrong answers after an inexplicable and occasionally maddening win that yielded more relief than joy.

The TOWIE guys and girls might be on their way home after a trip to Bali but judging by recently released set pics we have a feeling the drama is only set to continue back on UK soil.

In the new photos from the family holiday, the likes of Harry Derbidge and Amber Turner, as well as Junaid Ahmed and Saffron Lempriere, can be seen in what can only be described as ‘tense’ scenes.

If you don’t believe us just take a look because, for quite possibly the first time ever, we don’t think we’re being over-dramatic.

Spy Amber having a cheeky glass of what we would imagine is Whispering Angel…