Europe and Middle East

Exclusive guide to the best holiday destinations in Europe and Middle East. independent reviews from award-winning travel writers

Anthea Gerrie reviews Roba Bar and Restaurant in newly trendy Paddington. 

ROBA BAR AND RESTAURANT. Paddington’s delicious new foodie destination.

With the redevelopment of Paddington imminent, the area is starting to spawn interesting new dining destinations after years as a bit of a gastro-desert. One of the first to jump on the bandwagon is the Norfolk Towers Hotel steps from the station, which has replaced their basement pub with a shiny new ground-floor eatery.

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Andy Mossack reviews Las Colinas Golf and Country Club and finds a golfing haven of peace and luxury on the Costa Blanca

Las Colinas Golf and Country Club. Discover a wonderful family owned development.

I think I’ve fallen in love. Ever since I picked up Aloha at Las Colinas Golf and Country Club she has been looking straight at me with those piercing eyes, her nails sharp as talons, gripping my arm like she’s never letting go. Her head cocked to one side trying to decide if I am worth the effort or not.

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Las Colinas Golf Club

Las Colinas Golf Club. Enjoy great golf near Torrevieja

Sam the assistant pro at Las Colinas Golf and Country Club is feeling particularly confident as we walk to the first tee. He’s “nailed a few memorable rounds this week” and adding another journalist scalp to his growing trophy cabinet would be a welcome addition it seems.

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Andy Mossack reviews Librije's Zusje, the Waldorf Astoria's two star Michelin restaurant in Amsterdam. Sidney Schutte

Librije’s Zusje. 2 Michelin Star Masterpiece. (Now called Spectrum)

I will say this right from the off. Sidney Schutte is a genius. Anyone who can deliver a 2 Michelin Star service from a tiny galley on a moving canal boat deserves every bit of credit there is. This is not to say of course, that Sidney is any less gifted in his kitchen at Librije’s Zusje his 2 Michelin star restaurant at the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, because frankly that goes without saying.

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GAW Res night table view

Galvin at Windows

Years before Galvin at Windows, the Hilton Park Lane has been one of the iconic London landmarks ever since its opening in 1963. I remember spending more than a few nights pretending I was actually living the life of a playboy down in Trader Vic’s. Those were the days.

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Andy Mossack discovers a Madeira Reinvented. A beautiful reinvigorated island that wants to prove it can appeal to everyone.

Madeira Reinvented. Discover a beautiful island that appeals to everyone.

Half way through a half day catamaran cruise and I’m having a silent moment. It’s not every day you get to see Atlantic dolphins in the wild, and right now, I’m not just seeing them, I’m surrounded by them. This is a somewhat different Madeira experience to one I was expecting, and if this is Madeira Reinvented then give me much more of the same please.

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