Month: August 2025

We accept – and probably expect – the finest of fine dining experiences to come with some travel involved. The neighbouring city of Birmingham, for instance, offers some rich culinary pickings and the best meals for those special occasions deserve some time and research.

But. . . how often do we overlook what’s under our very noses?

Mallory Court Hotel & Spa has long been a beacon of refined hospitality in Leamington, and with the arrival of executive chef Stuart Deeley, its culinary star is burning brighter than ever.

The hotel’s impressive trophy cabinet speaks for its hospitality prowess – most recently bagging the gold award in the Large Hotel of the Year category at the VisitEngland Awards.

Now, having a Masterchef the Professionals winner at the helm in the kitchen is another string to its bow.

Deeley, a Midlands native, has returned to familiar soil with a bold new vision- and it’s already turning heads and tantalising palates.

My husband and I received a warm welcome by friendly front of house staff, and ushered into a cosy lounge where we enjoyed a relaxed aperitif and hors d’oeuvre to whet our appetites for the highly-anticipated experience ahead.

After soaking up the ambience for a while, we were led into The Warwick. Complemented by its refreshed contemporary aesthetic, the newly named restaurant certainly marks an exciting new chapter for the hotel.

The menu itself is a masterclass in balancing classical technique with contemporary flair. It is a celebration of seasonal British produce, Deeley’s approach deeply ingredient-driven, often letting produce from Mallory’s own gardens dictate the menu.

Diners can choose between a five-course “Taste of the Season” (£105) or a three-course à la carte (£90), both showcasing his skills and creativity.

From the moment the canapés arrive it’s clear that what he’s doing here isn’t just cooking – it’s storytelling. And every chapter is a mouthwatering delight waiting to be devoured.

If we eat with our eyes, there’s so much to feast on here. But the flavour and texture combinations more than live up to the taste expectations. The dishes reflect a chef who knows how to make British cuisine sing with global notes, as evident in our chosen starters of Chicken Liver Parfait (beetroot, relish, Oakchurch cherry and brioche) and Crispy Burford Brown Egg (barbecued leek, warm tartare sauce) and main courses of Beef Rump Cap (ox cheek, Jerusalem Artichoke and pickled pear) and Cornish Monkfish (borlotti bean cassoulet, baby courgette, brown shrimps, espelette and nduja sauce).

As desserts time came around, I enjoyed the deliciously light Somerset Strawberry and Tahitian Vanilla Mille-Feuille. And it’s Deeley’s signature Raspberry and Lemon Verbena Baked Alaska, a nostalgic nod to childhood, that is a standout example of how he blends memory with mastery. In my eyes almost too pretty to eat, hubby actually wasted no time in getting stuck in! Every delicate mouthful though, perfectly savoured.

The oak-panelled dining room offers a warm, elegant backdrop to Deeley’s vibrant plates and the whole evening offered a perfect vibe of relaxed sophistication.

The Warwick takes its name from the neighbouring historic town, steeped in centuries of heritage, nobility, and craftsmanship. The team say they draw inspiration from Warwick Castle and the region’s medieval legacy, the name evoking tradition, strength, and refined British character, while offering a dining experience that is both elegant and young in the rich history of the area.

Mission accomplished.

The sought-after chef’s return isn’t just a homecoming – it’s a culinary renaissance for Mallory Court. With The Warwick, he’s crafted a destination restaurant that’s both rooted in tradition and is yet daringly modern.

For those seeking a dining experience that’s heartfelt, inventive, and unmistakably British, this delivers in spades. We left the hotel feeling thoroughly satisfied and spoiled but I look forward to returning to sample the Taster Menu (maybe on our next special occasion as the prices for us would dictate) – because Deeley’s culinary craftsmanship certainly leaves you hungry for more.

To book visit http://www.mallory.co.uk/ or call 01926 330 214.

Inspired by Shakespeare’s classic play and the rich history of Venetian café culture, The Merchant of Venice in Leicester is worth seeking out for a truly memorable dining experience.

From the moment we arrived at their Loseby Lane restaurant the expectations were high. The warmest and most enthusiastic of welcomes greeted myself and hubby as we were invited to choose our own table and then talked through the menu.

We soon learned, in a nod to the Bard himself, that there’s even a touch of theatre in some of the drinks and dishes they serve, including my ‘opening act,’ a special signature tea – complete with blossoming flower bud. What a fun way to get this culinary show on the road.

But unlike the 16^th-century play of the same name – a complex blend of romantic comedy, intense drama and moral ambiguity, the team at The Merchant of Venice are clear on their story – quality and authentic ingredients served with lots of love and flair.

It’s fair to say it succeeds at being more than ‘just another restaurant.’ Indeed, I’d go so far as to describe it as a sensory journey through Italian flavours and literary nostalgia. Whether you’re sipping espresso or indulging in a full-course meal, it’s a place that blends storytelling with culinary artistry.

The decor is fittingly lavish and imaginative—think vintage elegance meets literary charm. It’s a top pick for any occasion, whether a romantic date, casual brunch, or a stylish coffee break.

But for most of us, rightly the so, the main act of any dining experience is the food itself. So I’m particularly pleased to report that we were not let down after the initial great impression. Our Sunday lunchtime dishes were nothing less than exceptional – hubby’s Pasta Marinara (Linguini pasta with mussels, king prawns, clams, white wine and garlic in napolitana sauce with a hint of chilli) was among the best he’s ever tasted – and he’s a harsh critic at the best of times!

Similarly, my Agnello Marcantile (lamb chop served on mashed potato with signature gravy) did not disappoint. We were also asked to try (it would be rude to refuse!) the Penne con Pollo e Funghi (Penne pasta with chicken, mushrooms and garlic in napolitana sauce with a touch of cream) which was tender and rich in flavour.

The bar had already been set high by an impressive ‘opening act’ of Polpette (Homemade traditional Italian meatballs served in napolitana sauce); some of the softest Arancini (deep fried rice balls stuffed with mozzarella cheese and served with garnish and napolitana sauce) we’d tasted and a refreshingly light and delicious Olive and Pane Italiano (mix of green and black olives marinated and served with Italian bread and garnish) to complement.

Conscious of the promise of  ‘irresistible treats’ to come, I was careful to leave some space for sweet samples. These included Tiramisu, vegan cake – which was actually more like cheesecake and proved to be the perfect choice. And a cannoli which we took home with us and enjoyed later.

The Merchant of Venice Loseby Lane branch is the newer of the two restaurants, having opened two-and-a-half years ago. The other can be found near the train station in Granby Street.

As someone who has lived in Warwickshire for many years – and worked in Stratford recently – the Shakespeare theming can run the risk of feel unoriginal – while I accept a lot less so in Leicestershire. But there’s so much more going for The Merchant of Venice and its theming, which is actually more eclectic in style. I loved that each area of the spaces across the three floors has a different feel. And there’s even two separated areas that lend themselves to private dining or events.

All in all, this place scores highly on every level – the attentive, convivial and knowledgeable staff, charming décor, relaxed and fun atmosphere (their signature cocktails are a talking point!) and its exceptional authentic menu that even the fussiest of Italian diners couldn’t fail but to be impressed by.

Visit: https://www.merchantofvenice.co/

Our lunch at The Merchant of Venice kept with the Italian theme following our visit to the city’s new Jewry Wall Museum – A Real Roman Experience. Read more about it HERE.

 

Last month marked the opening of the Jewry Wall Museum in Leicester – an attraction which blends 2nd century archaeology with 21st century technology to tell the fascinating story of everyday life in the city 2,000 years ago.

The museum – a fully refurbished Grade II-listed former college – has the remains of a Roman bath house at its heart, one of the largest civic Roman ruins in the country.

A Real Roman Experience, it turns out, is a milestone for both Leicester and Britain’s understanding of its Roman past. So when I was invited to make the short trip across the border to check it out, I was intrigued to learn more.

Our attention is immediately captured as the journey commences with an experiential immersive introduction to Roman Leicester through the eyes of ‘Marcellus’ – the son of a Roman soldier and a local woman.

The family continue to act as our virtual guides to the ancient city of Ratae Corieltauvorum as we then progress through the exhibition space which cleverly recreates the vibrant street scene of Roman Leicester through a series of interactive displays, projections and games as well as more than a hundred Roman artefacts on display – all of which were discovered in Leicester and Leicestershire. These include some of the finest Roman mosaics and wall plasters ever found in the UK, as well as jewellery, pottery, bronzework and coins.

This fascinating new museum is a revelation to anyone – like me – who was ignorant to the significance of Leicester’s place in 2,000 years of British Roman history. Thanks to archaeological discoveries and world-class interactive technology, the Jewry Wall Museum has gone a long way to successfully addressing this, by creating an experience that’s both deeply immersive and genuinely educational.

Timed admission to The Jewry Wall Museum – A Real Roman Experience is just £12.50 for adults and £6.25 for under 15s or £32 for a family ticket of two adults and two children, so is the perfect addition to your summer holidays bucket list without feeling the pinch. But it’s a great stop-off for anyone who, like me, enjoys learning more about the history and culture of the areas they visit. And better still, each entry ticket includes a Roman Explorer Pass, allowing unlimited visits for 12 months. There’s also the option of purchasing a combined ticket, offering access to both the Jewry Wall Museum and the city’s King Richard III Visitor Centre at a discounted price.

And there’s a lovely café with views looking out onto the imposing backdrop of the Jewry Wall ruins, which I was amazed to learn is the tallest surviving section of Roman masonry in Britain. Dating back to around AD 160, it is a key part of a public bathhouse complex.

There’s also a cute little shop for that must-have memento to take home.

If you’re into your museums or local history, be sure to check this place out. It deserves its place high on your list of things to do while visiting the city. Even if you’re a local, you might be surprised by just how much you learn!