Quinoa Salad Quinoa Salad

A fresh and vibrant salad made with fluffy quinoa, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light lemon vinaigrette.

The Timble Inn

The Timble Inn

Timble, LS21 2N, Harrogate, United Kingdom

Pub • Steak • Vegan • British


"This was a celebratory dinner as my two grown up children both have their birthdays in December, and we were able to have a family meal together at this lovely restaurant. The weather was filthy. Dense fog on the drive their accompanied by what Peter Kay would call ‘that fine rain that soaks you through’. Mercifully on this evening before Christmas Eve there was no other traffic on the narrow lanes that form the way there. Once inside, there is a warm welcoming glow and friendly greetings. We had a cosy table for 5 in an alcove in the main bar. The restaurant wasn’t overly busy, but there was a gentle buzz to the atmosphere. Service was prompt, but they ran out of alcohol free beer after the first one. Bit short sighted that, in the run up to Christmas, and given the location of the pub most patrons will need to get there by car. To the food, the starters seemed to be universally well received by all of us. Mine was superb, and the roast cauliflower and cauliflower purée to accompany perfectly prepared scallops was judged just right. There was a lot going on with the garnish too, but everything was done with a light touch. Two of our number opted for the ‘Christmas lunch’ and the feedback, it was ok but not exceptional. The turkey was dry, and the roast potatoes tasted like they had been hanging around for a while. This is not unusual for pub grub, but the Trimble Inn bills itself on a higher plane that that, with prices to match, so must go into the category of ‘could do better’. I opted for the steak, which was perfectly cooked and accompanied by the reliable fare of fries, mushroom, tomato and onion rings. It was very tasty, but didn’t justify a price of £33 for a 7oz steak. It was very good, but £25 would have been a more appropriate price for food like this. The service was excellent, and we even had a wireless buzzer on the table which enabled us to call for the waiting team, and the bill when we were ready. So all in all it had been a good evening, we left happy, but with slight mixed feelings about the quality of some of the food. All credit to the restaurant for having a full vegetarian menu, and the opportunity to mix and match between this and the main one. None of us is a vegetarian but it is good to have the choice when a Christmas meat-fest is in prospect."

The Polo At The Westbury Mayfair

The Polo At The Westbury Mayfair

37 Conduit Street, London I-W1S 2YF, United Kingdom, W1S 2YP

Salad • Drinks • Burgers • European


"An invitation to sample a newly launched gin and tonic menu at The Polo Bar at The Westbury Hotel presented an excellent opportunity to discover a fine place to have a drink. Created by Tanqueray mixologist Tim Homewood and Polo Bar manager Elias Yiallouris, the new G&Ts are part of a “Botanical Brew Experience” collaboration between Tangueray No. TEN gin and Fever Tree tonic water. All feature the quadruple distilled gin and the premium tonic along with an intriguing array of fresh ingredients. Here’s a look at the menu: Blue Lady Tea and Grapefruit Peel served with Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic – the exotic floral and citrus notes of Blue Lady Tea are lifted with zesty Grapefruit Peel, a refreshing thirst quencher; Fennel and star anise seed served with Fever Tree Classic – native to China, the liquorice aromas of Star Anise combine with the sweet, warm flavours of Fennel Seed for an oriental twist; Blackberry and hibiscus tea and lemon peel served with Fever Tree Lemon Tonic – Cleopatra’s drink of choice, ruby red Hibiscus tea is paired with fruity blackberries for a divine blend of sweet and sour; Cinnamon, clove and vanilla served with Fever Tree Classic – warming and uplifting, the soft, creamy flavours of vanilla are spiced up with aromatic cloves and cinnamon; Rosebuds served with Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic – reminiscent of an English garden on a summer’s day, the delicate notes of rose are given a rich, dry edge with the addition of elderflower essence; Pink pepper and orange peel served with Fever Tree Classic – the kick of spiced pink pepper is sweetened with a citrus orange peel, and garnished with an orange twist. I was pleased to be invited to the bar for a tasting and did my best to work my way through this drinks list “tough job but …” right? and especially liked that cinnamon and clove number and thought the pepper and orange peel mix to be a particularly fantastic ensemble. Priced at £15 each, all were refreshing and worth a taste. New cocktails or not, I found The Polo Bar to be an exceptional venue for quality sips. Bar snacks were ace loved the foie gras and the panko crusted prawns! and service was delightful and prompt. Upscale and low key, the bar is conveniently centred between Bond Street, Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus stations yet removed just enough from the fray to allow for decompression. With Art Deco inspired designer interiors with Swarovski and Fendi details, it’s a swish spot to keep in mind whether you’re mingling to impress or simply hoping to unwind in high style. And this just in … another reason to drop in for a drinky drink … earlier this month The Polo Bar won Best Mixology at the 2014 London Club and Bar Awards."