It's so nice to get out of London. Don't get me wrong, I love the buzzing capital, but to breathe fresh, unpolluted air, and to see lots of green really is refreshing.We (myself, the hubby and Dhillon the dog) have been lucky enough to stay in some gorgeous doggy friendly hotels around the UK. London isn't good at being dog friendly for some reason. Very few hotels allow pups. But it seems the further north of the Watford Gap you go, the more inclined people are to accept dogs.It might have something to do with being in the countryside, where EVERYONE has dogs.The Black Swan in Helmsley, Yorkshire, is a lovely little hotel, situated close enough to the City of York, without being overrun. In fact, Helmsley is one of those towns that you just know everyone knows each others names, where people are super friendly and the local supermarket manager remembers exactly what you love to buy every week.
The hotel has an old country charm about it. Pictures probably found in one of the many antique shops in the town square line the walls, sofas and cushions in the lounge area clash perfectly like you would expect in an old country house, and the staff are super friendly.The floorboards on the stairs even creek. This isn't a bad thing. It's very, very good. Almost like someone has added sound effects to make your stay even more authentically country-lovely.Dhillon approved of our room, and ran straight for the bone biscuits that greeted him. Enough space to not feel claustrophobic, as we have done in the past with small town hotels, decor which is inoffensive and lovely, and views from the window that just make you smile!
Dhillon wasn't the only one to be lavished with treats. The hotel is known around the area for its great grub. And it definitely lived up to its expectations. We had afternoon tea shortly after we arrived, in the hotel's Tea Rooms - a quaint little room with another great view of the town. To be honest, and it pains me to say it, the afternoon tea was a tad unforgettable. The sandwiches were, unfortunately, a little stale, and the scones were too big with not enough flavour. However, the lady who served us was an utter delight, who spent lots of time explaining the teas available to drink, which were, I must say, really lovely. Specially made for the hotel, she ended up giving me a big bag of five boxes, which I've happily been drinking ever since we stayed two weeks ago.
The dinner, on the other hand, was DELISH! The Gallery, the 3AA restaurant in the hotel, produces some amazing dishes, from the 8-course tasting menu to the a la carte selection, headed up by chef Patrick Bardoulet. We ordered from the a la carte, being the fussy types. I started with the beetroot, goat's curd and charcoal - fabulously rich and presented beautifully. The hubby had spicy butternut squash soup which he thoroughly enjoyed.
For main, I stuck to vegetarian, and loved every mouthful of the veggie mille-feuille which was packed full of locally grown, and perfectly cooked vegetables. The hubby had cod, which was meaty and fresh, and again presented beautifully! The dinner really was gorgeous.
The morning after, we indulged in the breakfast, often my favourite meal when staying at a lovely hotel. Fresh fruit, granola, yoghurt, eggs... everything! The wait staff, for both dinner and breakfast, were extremely helpful, friendly and attentive. Something you don't find everyday in London!
After breakie, we had the rest of the morning to shoot and outfit post (see here), and take Dhilly for a lovely long walk around Helmsley, which really is such a lovely town. The town square is so quaint, and just so pretty to look at!
The Black Swan currently have a 'Spoilt for Choice' package:
One Night Stay @ £235 and Two Nights Stay @ £450 (based upon two sharing a double or twin Classic bedroom. Room upgrades are available at a reduced rate of £20 per room per night, usually priced at £45.) The offer is running until August 31st 2015. Find out more info here.
If you have a spare weekend, you must go and stay at the Black Swan, if for nothing else but the amazing views and restaurant!
Dhillon, hubby and I were guests of the hotel, and we would like to say a HUGE thanks to all staff.