Category: England

Copper and Ink – an English Gem and a Journey to Remember

There’s so much of the world to see and share that I often forget to tell you about the gems in my own incredible home city. London is most definitely home, and it’s a city that sprawls, so few travellers make it to some of the best bits (in my humble opinion) that require just a bit more exploration.

Copper and Ink is a restaurant in the stunning once-village of Blackheath. If you’re a foodie traveller and want to see some ‘real England’ on a trip to London, then I couldn’t recommend a visit to Blackheath, and this establishment, more. Whilst definitely being part of the London sprawl, Blackheath manages to maintain that village feel, and has numerous lovely pubs in which to enjoy a great British pint.

A view into Blackheath village, including the fabulous Hare & Billet pub

If you’re up for making your journey to Blackheath a real adventure, then a Thames Clipper trip from Westminster Pier to Greenwich will show you numerous of the best sites in town (think Tower Bridge, Tower of London, The Shard etc.) before depositing you for a glorious walk alongside the Cutty Sark, up through Greenwich Park (best view in the city), past the Royal Observatory, and straight to the famous heath itself. If I could only do one thing on a visit to London then this journey would be it for me.

A Thames Clipper cruising the river close to Greenwich
The view from Greenwich Park

Copper and Ink itself is the establishment of flamboyant former-Masterchef contestant Tony Rodd and his partner, Becky. What they have created is a restaurant delivering the high-end, quality food you’d find at some of London’s more famous institutions, but in a relaxed neighbourhood setting. Not only are the food, wine and service divine, but the prices are far more reasonable than those you’d find an an equivalent restaurant in the heart of the city.

The seasonal, monthly-changing tasting menu and accompanying wine flight are really not to be missed. At just £70 for both at the time of writing, this is serious quality for the price. The five courses are creative and use locally sourced ingredients from independent suppliers, the wines provide a wonderful complement to the food, and if you’re fortunate enough to be seated downstairs then you can also enjoy the theatre of the open kitchen.

Potato ragu, braised leaks, crispy potato strings, crème fraiche and winter truffle
Espresso panna cotta, coffee & chocolate sponge, and dulche de leche ice-cream

All of this splendour is a 20 minute direct-train journey away from Central London (just use your Oyster or contactless card) when you’re ready for a quick journey to bed with your full stomach and happy heart.

London is so much more than the standard tourist trail so do get out and see the glory of what some of us are fortunate enough to call home. And if this is home for you, then make sure Copper and Ink is on your to-visit list.

Beautiful Buxton

The last thing I expected to find on a grey, drizzly Derbyshire day was seasonal cheer in the form of a poinsettia filled hot house. But that’s exactly what I found in the beautiful Buxton Pavilion Gardens. Not just the often seen red poinsettia here either, but stunning pink and cream varieties too.

The Pavilion Gardens are just one of the many splendid Victorian buildings to be found in the spa town of Buxton, the highest market town in England. The Devonshire Dome and the Opera House are amongst the other impressive buildings in the town, and if the restoration of The Crescent is ever completed then it will be truly stunning.

But of course, while in Derbyshire a region food speciality was required and after a walk around the town, the warm interior of No. 6 The Square (a notable building in its own right) was a welcome sight. I was almost tempted by the cakes and tarts in the display cabinet but the more unusual Homemade Derbyshire Tea Loaf with Sage Derby Cheese was screaming to be tried!

I grew up in a home with northern parents, so cheese with fruit cake and with other fruit based treats is the norm for me, something southern friends often find most odd! But I’ve never tried Sage Derby cheese before and it was a delicious discovery, particularly paired with the heavily spiced tea loaf.

If you’ve never tried the cheese and fruitcake combo before I’d highly recommend giving it a whirl, and that you try this particular local variation if you find yourself in Derbyshire.