Culinary LOVE Tour 2023
A Pauline Parry Good Gracious Tour to England
Eat Drink & Be Merry! A Culinary Adventure in London & UK's West Country
Pauline Parry‘s love of food began in 1971 at a bistro in the English town of Shepton Mallet. Four decades on, the founder and CEO of Los Angeles’ culinary and events company, Good Gracious! Events is going back to her British roots and inviting her foodie friends to join her on an extraordinary culinary journey.
Curated by independent travel company ECT Travel, this bespoke tour includes stays in London, Bath, Somerset, and Gloucestershire – destinations whose vibrant food cultures are at the heart of Pauline’s culinary love story.
Offering a menu of specialist wine tastings, culinary masterclasses, afternoon teas, leisurely lunches and sumptuous dinners, accompanied by visits to cheese makers, cider brewers, Royal castles, Bishops’ Palaces, pampering spas and even a trans-Atlantic ocean liner, this is a delicious, British-flavoured feast for gourmets and bon vivants.
This tour is fully booked
London! Then onto...
Bath & The Cotswolds
Somerset ...where it all began!
Finale in Gloucestershire
Amazing Food, Culinary Experiences
...and delicious libations
What people say
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The man who can dominate a London dinner-table can dominate the world.
– Oscar Wilde
How much is it?
What's Included
A Deeper Dive
In London 3 nights B&B
Chesterfield Hotel Mayfair 35 Charles St, London W1J 5EB
Located in the beating heart of Mayfair, close to the chic shops of Bond Street and some of the capital’s top royal spots including The Royal Academy, the Royal Parks and Buckingham Palace, The Chesterfield Mayfair exudes quintessentially British charm.
There is a bedroom to suit every mood from bold and exotic to cosy and whimsical, but whichever style you choose you can be sure of a fabulous Savoir bed, luxury toiletries, complimentary Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities, 24-hour room service, air conditioning, bottled Belu water and ladies and gents slippers.
The cosy Terrace Bar serves some of London’s most innovative cocktails and pairings, while the breakfast honey comes from the hotel’s own roof-top hives.
In Bath, Somerset 3 nights B&B
5* Gainsborough Spa Hotel, Beau Street, Bath BA1 1QY
Occupying two Grade II listed buildings with elegant Georgian and Victorian facades, The Gainsborough Hotel is located in the very centre of this UNESCO World Heritage city. At the heart of the hotel is Spa Village Bath, fed by the natural thermal springs that have made Bath a wellness and leisure destination for over 2,000 years.
Hotel guests have access to the Bath House with its three natural thermal baths and relaxation terrace from 8-10am and 7-9pm daily. Treatments can be pre-booked by emailing Spa Concierge: spavillage@thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk
The bedrooms are custom furnished, subtly referencing period details while also including all the modern comforts and conveniences you would expect from a 21st century hotel such as luxurious linens, Elemis toiletries, complimentary Wi-Fi, HD television, tea/Nespresso-making facilities, and heated bathroom floors.
The chic, modern Gainsborough Bar offers a stellar collection of Champagnes, artisan gins, Martinis, fine wines and local ales.
In the Cotswolds 4 nights B&B
Charlton House Hotel 2 nights with dinner on 30th April
Set in the middle of the Somerset’s beautiful Mendip hills, Charlton House is a classic English country house hotel. The bedrooms are individually designed and feature cosy beds, armchairs and tea and coffee making facilities. These home-from-home comforts combine with luxurious hotel treats including a Moroccan-themed rejuvenating spa, health club, and all-weather tennis court.
The hotel’s Maxine’s Restaurant is renowned for its food and prides itself on its expertly crafted menus created from the finest locally sourced produce.
Thornbury Castle Hotel 2 nights with dinner on Tuesday 2 May
Set in a grand Tudor castle, once inhabited by King Henry VIII and his second wife Anne Boleyn, Thornbury Castle Hotel combines 500-year-old architecture with sumptuous modern facilities. Opulent, old-world bedrooms boast period features such as carved ceilings and arrow-slit windows, as well as walk-in showers, flat screen televisions, luxury toiletries, tea and coffee making facilities and a mini bar. If the weather is good, then head outside to explore the Kitchen & Herb Garden which supplies much of the produce for the hotel restaurant, the Rose Garden, Privy Garden and Labyrinth which at this time of year will be blooming with tulips.
Your first night here includes a private dinner in The Baron’s Sitting Room, a warm, wood-panelled room infused with centuries of history. The hotel’s talented food team is led by Executive Chef Carl Cleghorn and Food & Beverage Manager Frederic Bellard.
Day One - Monday 24th April
Arrive at London Heathrow and transfer to your hotel, The Chesterfield Mayfair, 35 Charles St, London W1J 5EB. Check-in time is from 2pm. Your ECT Tour Manager, Mr Josef Scheerder will be there to meet you and assist with check-in. Josef will be accompanying you throughout the tour.
15:00/16:00 - Afternoon tea with a glass of champagne hosted in the hotel’s Library
19:00 - A London pub dinner at The Footman, hosted in the Lounge on the 2nd floor. Three-course set menu with two glasses of wine red/ white per person.
Day Two - Tuesday 25th April
Breakfast at the hotel
09:15-14:00 – Coach transfer to the ‘Sauce by Langham’ cookery school for a Masterclass focused on British heritage dishes.
What’s included:
- A glass of Champagne on arrival
- Crisps & nuts served through the class
- Two course class taught by a Langham Chef
- Recipe pack from the day
- Lunch served in the Conservatory with ½ bottle of house wine person
- Apron/tote
14:15(approx.) – Return to the hotel by coach for a leisurely afternoon
17:30/18:00 – Coach transfer to the Langham Hotel for a Gusbourne English Sparkling Wine Tasting in the Green Room at the Wigmore with crisps and nuts, followed by a dinner of sharing platters, dessert and two glasses of red/white wine per person.
Day Three - Wednesday 26th April
Breakfast at the hotel
This a free day for you to enjoy London shopping and sightseeing. (We can arrange private guides for one/two hour walking tours focused to particular passions or interests. Please get in touch with us.)
19:00/19:30 – Coach transfer to restaurant ‘Caractere’ for a three-course set menu with two glasses of red/white wine per person plus canapes, petit fours and tea/coffee.
Return to your hotel by coach
Day Four - Thursday 27th April
Morning - Breakfast at the hotel, check out and depart by coach to Bath. You will stop en route for a visit to Windsor Castle.
Early afternoon – Arrive at The Gainsborough Hotel Bath Spa 5*, check in and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. The Roman Baths is 100 yards from The Gainsborough Bath Spa, while Bath Abbey is 200 yards from the hotel. Or you might prefer to experience Spa Village which is open to hotel guests between 08:00-10:00 and 19:00-21:00 daily. If you would like to pre-book or arrange treatments please email Spa Concierge: spavillage@thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk
18:00 – Three-course fish and chip supper with two glasses of red/white wine per person at the Scallop Shell Restaurant a short walk from the hotel.
Day Five - Friday 28th April
Morning – Breakfast at the hotel and a morning at leisure to enjoy the Spa Village or explore Bath.
12:30 - Private two- course lunch with two glasses or red/white wine per person in the Montague Bar at the Royal Crescent Hotel, a short walk from The Gainsborough.
15:00/15:30 - A local guide will meet you at the Royal Crescent Hotel for a 1 ½ hour guided walking tour of Bath finishing at the Gainsborough Hotel. Alternatively, you can make your own way back to the hotel, or browse Bath’s many shops.
19:30 - Private six-course tasting menu with two glasses of red/white wine per person at the Michelin starred Olive Tree Restaurant, a short walk from the hotel.
Day Six - Saturday 29th April
Morning – Breakfast at the hotel and some free time to relax before departing by coach with a local guide for a walk along the Cotswold Way. This approximately 1 hour 15-minute walk follows trails and farm tracks from Bath Racecourse and Kelston Roundhill and offers sweeping panoramic views of the area. Sturdy footwear is recommended as the route has ascents and descents and may be muddy. Your walk finishes at the award-winning local cheese farm The Bath Soft Cheese Co for a tasting and lunch in the café with a glass of wine, cider or a soft drink.
Afternoon – Return to the hotel by coach and some free time
19:00 - Private ‘Farewell to Bath’ drinks reception at the hotel, followed by a private three-course dinner with two glasses of red/white wine per person in the Somerset Room.
Day Seven - Sunday 30th April
Breakfast at the hotel, check out and depart for Somerset
11:30 - Arrive at The Newt in Bruton for a tour of the vegetable garden and cider tasting, followed by a two or three-course lunch with two glasses of wine red/white per person introduced by a chef in the Garden Café.
Afternoon – Depart by coach for the Charlton House Hotel, Shepton Mallet. Check in and enjoy some free time. The hotel’s spa facilities are available to use. There are also two golf courses close by – please let us know if you would like us to arrange a session.
Early evening - Welcome champagne cocktail followed by a three-course dinner at the hotel with two glasses of red/white wine per person
Day Eight - Monday 1st May
Breakfast at the hotel
Mid-morning - A local guide will meet you at the hotel and you will depart by coach for a walking tour exploring the magic and mysticism of Glastonbury.
Lunch will be at a local pub lunch with a glass of wine
Afternoon – Return to the hotel by coach
18:30 – Depart by coach for a short journey to Wells for a three-course dinner with two glasses of red/white wine per person in the atmospheric Long Gallery in the Bishops Palace. Canapes and a glass of champagne will be served on arrival. If the weather is warm, this will be on the terrace overlooking the gardens. If not, you will be in the medieval entrance hall which has an open fire.
Return to the hotel by coach
Day Nine - Tuesday 2nd May
Breakfast at the hotel, check out and depart by coach for Thornbury Castle Hotel, stopping en route at Westfield Farm, Chew Magna for a cider tasting and talk on making Wilding Cider.
Light lunch of locally sourced bread/ cheese/ charcuterie with a glass of cider or wine, followed by a dessert will be served in the stone barn.
Afternoon - Arrive at Thornbury Castle Hotel and check in
Early evening - A tasting of exotically named, locally-crafted gins
19:00 – A pre-dinner glass of ‘Thornbury Castle Kir’ cocktail with a selection of three canapes, followed by a three-course set dinner, and two glasses of red/white wine per person chosen from the Banquet Menu, in The Barons Sitting Room.
Day 10 - Wednesday 3rd May
Breakfast at the hotel
Mid-morning – Depart by coach for Westonbirt Arboretum for a gentle walk, followed by a light pub lunch at the Cat & Custard Pot Inn
Early afternoon – Return by coach to the hotel
17:00 – Depart by coach for an evening on the SS Great Britain. The evening begins with a tour of the decks with ‘Mr Brunel’, followed by a glass of champagne and canapes. A three-course dinner with two glasses of red/white wine per person will be served in the First Class Dining Saloon.
Return to the hotel by coach
Day 11 - Thursday 4th May
Breakfast at the hotel, check out and depart for the airport - or choose to stay on in London for King Charles lll Coronation
/Tour ends/
Tips
Included:
- Gratuities for all lunches/ afternoon tea and dinner bookings are included within the programme.
- Gratuities for waiting/ serving staff hotels/pubs/restaurants/ venues are included within the programme.
Not included:
- Gratuity for Josef Scheerder (your Tour Manager) suggested fee of £50 per person, in total
- Gratuity for tour guides, suggested fee of £40 in total.
- Gratuity for private driver, suggested fee of £50 in total.
- Gratuity for coach driver, suggested fee of £50 per driver per day in total.
Additional fees not included
- Extra drinks/foods ordered not included in the menu descriptions per booking
- Any foods, snacks, beverages in hotel rooms
- Additional private driver transfers we arrange for you
- Any spa treatments at hotels
Arrival to UK
- Check-in at the Chesterfield is 2pm - address is 35 Charles St, London W1J 5EB
- Arriving from Heathrow, a London taxi journey takes approximately just over an hour (depending on time of day) and cost is in region of £90
- You may also travel on the Underground. There is a direct service from London Heathrow on the Piccadilly Line – the closest station is Green Park, a 10 -15 minute walk from the hotel
Guide Price for Walking Tours in London
- Winston Churchill’s London & The Churchill War Rooms private tour
- The Crown, a Royal London Walk
On booking, please confirm your interest - as a price guide these tours are each £350 for up to six
Coronation of King Charles lll
You may wish to extend your stay and experience the Coronation of King Charles III - we can offer you accommodation at the perfectly placed Chesterfield Hotel in Mayfair. This will be a very busy weekend in London so if you wish to take up this offer, please book here
To confirm your booking you must make a deposit payment of £2,500pp - by 1st November, final balance is due 60 days before the departure date.
Before you book
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