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The popular Metro Bar in Birmingham

Metro Bar & Grill - Birmingham

The popular Metro Bar in Birmingham


by Karen Jones

It has long been a popular meeting place for either a drink or a meal; whether you are in the city for business, heading to the theatre or enjoying shopping trip with friends, the Metro bar and grill offers something for everyone.

Here they have a wonderfully stylish bar with plenty of seating and standing room for those who meet here just for a drink, and we love the wall of floor to ceiling mirrors, which successfully gives an illusion of even more space. The place was buzzing with people enjoying drinks as we ordered pre dinners drinks and mulled over the menu. From the starter selection we chose the salmon and crab cake served with saffron spiced mayonnaise; the caramelised red onion tart with homemade goats curd; Cashel blue cheese soufflé with watercress and grape mustard dressing and the chicken and mango salad.

The fishcake was very light and the portion was just right for a starter. I thoroughly enjoyed it, the blue cheese soufflé was also declared to be very tasty. The chicken and mango salad was very good and I am sure would be very popular with those ladies who lunch. To accompany our meal we chose wine from their comprehensive wine list, from old world classics to new world sensations, there is an excellent choice.

For main course we chose the slow cooked pork belly with bubble and squeak; butternut squash and sage risotto; chargrilled chicken and bacon Caesar salad; and the steamed seabass and fruits de mer served with charlotte potatoes, fennel and a Vermouth sauce. The Vermouth sauce took us back in time, so it was only right that we should continue the retro theme and order something distinctly 1970s from the great selection of puddings: black forest gateau in a glass. This was a modern twist on an old classic and was very good. My partner’s poached pear with vanilla panna cotta was also given the thumbs up.

We enjoyed our evening here, I think next time we come here we really must try one of their special cocktails.

The popular Metro Bar in Birmingham

CHRISTMAS MENU

Camembert, cranberry & walnut tart

Chicken & game terrine,  spiced apple chutney

Roasted winter vegetable soup,  herbed creme fraiche

King prawn fritters, avocado  & sweet pepper relish

Roasted pave of Warwickshire turkey, Brussels sprouts & bacon, roasted potatoes

Braised blade of Herefordshire beef, curly kale, mushroom pudding & parsnip puree

Fillet of salmon wrapped in oak  smoked salmon, crispy potato cake,  lemon & parsley sauce

Fettuccini, slow cooked tomatoes, baked courgettes & pecorino cheese

all served with seasonal vegetables

Baked chocolate tart, poached clementines

Lemon curd cheesecake,  blueberry ice cream

Iced Christmas pudding parfait,  brandy creme anglaise

Selection of cheeses,  biscuits & chutney
£2 supplement

2 Courses £23.50   3 Courses £27.50

Festive Fizz! - Add a  Winter Berry Bellini for 4.50

Metro Bar & Grill

73 Cornwall Street, Birmingham B3 2DF

Tel: 0121 200 1911

www.metrobarandgrill.co.uk

 

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The Beeches gets a facelift

The Beeches gets a facelift

by Karen Jones

Whether you want a relaxed weekend brunch with the newspapers or a fabulous evening meal with friends, The Beeches in Hampton-in-Arden offers a great choice of dishes in relaxed surroundings. But when Touchbase went to visit, it was the attention to detail that was noted. Karen Jones, editor, describes why.

Sometimes, the little things can make a big difference. Whether it’s a thoughtful touch or a quick smile, these extras can turn a reasonable evening out into a great one.

It’s what the staff at Beeches appear to pride themselves on. This bar and grill, just outside Solihull, understands what customers need.

Many regulars would agree.

The Beeches gets a facelift

Iain and Katrina, who run The Beeches with such flair, have devised a formula that works so well in this contemporary, modern and stylish bar and grill.

Iain ensures that his busy kitchen provides food for his restaurant of the highest quality, while Katrina, who runs front of house, ensures that the service is friendly, unobtrusive and very efficient.

Dining here has always been a treat as the restaurant’s large windows overlook the rolling countryside, which on a clear day is just lovely. Now it has undergone a refurbishment that has enhanced it further.

Popular for brunch as well as lunch, and dinner, The Beeches is a lovely destination for friends, families and even for a romantic dinner for two.

This is just the perfect place to enjoy a lazy weekend brunch. Choose from a traditional English or Irish smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, Eggs Benedict, poached eggs or omelette, and relax in the squishy sofas with the newspapers and supplements. Sounds like bliss.

It was not brunch we came to sample this time, though, it was dinner. Relaxing with drinks, we took a look at the menu as we caught up with each other’s news.

The Beeches gets a facelift

When there’s gossip to catch up on, it can be difficult to concentrate on the menu, but we were all hungry, too, so the chat was as much on what we could choose as anything else.

Two of us decided to order some Bites, a choice of 11 tempting options that are made to be shared. I love this way of eating; not only does it give you the opportunity to try new flavours, but it is a lovely way to share food with a friend.

We decided to choose the three Bites for two to share and were spoilt for choice, but finally plumped for crab and coriander fritters, spicy warm chorizo and chicken satay.

I’m sure whatever we had chosen would have been fabulous, but we were more than happy with our platter. The fritters were very light, the satay, with its delicate peanut sauce, was just perfect, while spicy warm chorizo was superb.

The Beeches gets a facelift

One of our companions chose the caramelised red onion tart, which was served with roasted cherry vine tomatoes and grilled mozzarella, while the fourth opted for yet another excellent starter of chilli fried soft shell crab, served with a sesame and spring onion salad.

Perfectly judged sizes for starters, they were also described as incredibly tasty. The dishes had set the scene for the main event – and the benchmark was understandably set high.

There was enough choice for the main courses, from substantial salads to Herefordshire beef Wellington, from pork chop to steaks, to make us really ponder over our choices.

It struck us that not only did the choices available sound inviting and homely, many featured great local produce.

In the end, we chose the pan fried pork tenderloin served with roasted beetroot, sautéed new potatoes and crème fraîche; poached haddock with saffron Hollandaise, Bombay potatoes and poached egg; shredded duck served with pancakes, cucumber, spring onion and hoisin sauce; and fillet steak served with green peppercorn sauce.

Each dish was executed perfectly and praise was lavished on all meals, but I have to single out the fillet steak, which melted in the mouth and was utterly delicious. After such a delightful meal, we were quite full but we were very tempted by the pudding menu. It didn’t take much persuading to try them.

It was a wise choice to relent because they proved to be a fabulous finale. Not only did they look incredible, they tasted fantastic and not a single morsel was left. The caramelised lemon tart with raspberry sorbet was a triumph, while the comforting sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream was a homely treat.

The white chocolate crème brûlée with ginger shortbread and cheese selection with a wonderful fig and grape chutney and water biscuits completed our choices. They, too, were magnificent.

I mentioned earlier that the little details counted. Service was excellent throughout, but small touches such as putting extra ice to go with our drinks in a glass on the table, really show attention to detail.

A combination of stellar food and superlative service meant it won’t take us too long to return there for another evening out. We suggest that you don’t leave it too long, either.

Opening Times Lunch served Monday to Friday: Noon-2.30pm Brunch served Saturday & Sunday:  11am- 3pm

Dinner every day: 6.30pm-9.30pm For further information, or to make a reservation, call: 01675 442277 Marsh Lane, Hampton-in-Arden, Solihull, B92 0AH www.thebeecheshampton.co.uk

 

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Superb food from The Granville at Barford

Superb food from The Granville at Barford

Superb food from The Granville at Barford


by Karen Jones

With the whiff of autumn in the air and long, dark nights ahead, it is great to look forward to fabulous meals in cosy, bistro pubs.

If our recent experience of The Granville at Barford is anything to go by, then we will be back for more in the forthcoming months.

The very talented head chef here is Lewis Baldwin, formerly of The Bluebell in Henley-in-Arden, he is producing terrific food here.

The Granville is a very stylish village pub, boasting pale walls, wood and black marble tables, fresh flowers on the tables and lots of candles and twinkly lights, all creating a very cosy atmosphere.

Set in the village of Barford, just a short distance from Stratford-upon-Avon, the pub attracts locals and visitors alike, who have warmed to the genial atmosphere, friendly service and regularly changing specials board.

Using locally sourced ingredients when he can, Lewis, a creative and passionate chef, uses his personal talent and flair to adapt the menu to the changing seasons.

In the summer, the Granville was the place to enjoy fabulous al-fresco dining in the spacious patio garden, but as the colder temperatures envelop us, we can move inside and unwind with friends on the leather sofas in the lounge.

The new autumn menu offers a selection of deliciously warming dishes that are like a food blanket, as well as fresher, lighter bites that remind us that summer was not so long ago.

To start, the first in our party opted for a butternut squash soup, which was as smooth as silk. Rich and creamy, it was perfect for the cool evening, and as it was served with rustic bread, it could have been a meal on its own.

A lighter starter was the dressed crab salad, which was a delight to look at and equally delightful to taste. Light and full of fresh flavours, it was served with finely diced cucumber, Granny Smith’s apple and green pepper, and finished with a delicate mayonnaise and lemon juice. Delicious.

For dramatic appeal, I recommend the pan fried scallops, which were served on a black slate platter. Seasoned with curry salt powder and served with cumin oil, cumin raisins, cauliflower purée, pickled cauliflower and coriander cress, this dish was an absolute joy.

Grilled goats cheese crostini served with red pepper jam and rocket salad was the final starter for our party. This holy trinity of flavours was superb: the wonderfully sweet and sticky red pepper jam was the perfect complement to the zingy cheese, while the rocket cut through with its peppery overtones.

For main course we ordered the monkfish, which was baked with clams and white wine and served with saffron potato and Savoy cabbage. The fish and shellfish were packed with flavour and were incredibly succulent.

Staying with fish, we also chose the sea bass, which was served with truffle oil mash, baby carrots, lobster ravioli, seared scallops, wilted spinach and parsley cress. It sounded very busy, but it was actually a very clever combination of ingredients that worked fantastically well together.

The vegetarian in our party went for comfort food, ordering the roasted butternut squash and mascarpone risotto. The hint of sweetness from the squash purée was enhanced by mild shallots and hint of garlic. It was finished with Parmesan cheese, which added a real richness, we would order this again it was delicious.

The fourth member of our party opted for a hearty homemade steak and ale pie from the standard menu. Actually, there was nothing standard about it. Brimming with meltingly soft braising steak and cooked with Hook Norton Ale, this was the very essence of comfort food. Served with parsnips, carrots, swede and new potatoes, this was excellent.

If substantial meals are what you are after, then perhaps you should also try the home made burgers or beer battered fish and hand cut chips, which also feature on the standard menu.

Comfort food always calls for dessert and we suspected we would have another sensational selection of dishes to satisfy our collective sweet tooth.

For a real chocolate hit, we can recommend the warm chocolate brownie, caramel doughnut and honeycomb ice cream. Sweet, gooey, rich and lightly doughy, this was rib-sticking stuff.

We also ordered a lemon crème brûlée with delicious lemon curd and candied zest. It was accompanied by a buttery and crumbly homemade shortbread biscuit. Perfect.

A home made pear and almond tart and rum and raisin ice cream and a selection of artisan cheeses with pear and sultana chutney and grapes completed this superb meal.

The food here is imaginative and superbly prepared. Fans of game should note that The Granville is hosting a Game Fair Week between October 24th and 29th, when there will be plenty of venison, wood pigeon and rabbit on the menu.

Lewis has to be congratulated for heading up a great kitchen and producing such fantastic dishes that feed the eye as well as the soul. It won’t be long before we return and sample more of his wonderful dishes in front of that inviting fire.

52, Wellesbourne Rd, Barford, Warwickshire, CV35 8DS

Tel: 01926 624236

E-mail to info@granvillebarford.co.uk
Find us on Facebook! Free Wi Fi

GAME FAIR WEEK

24th - 29th October 2011

Superb food from The Granville at Barford

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Freshest food and fabulous atmosphere at the Ferry

The Ferry

by Karen Jones

Pubs have long been part of the community, but The Ferry at Alveston is doing what it can to bring the locals together with its special nights, says Karen Jones

There is nothing better than a pub that sits at the heart of the community. The Ferry in the lovely rural setting of Alveston is just that.

A friendly, comfortable dining pub, just a short drive from Stratford-upon-Avon, The Ferry is obviously an important part of this small village.

Just a quick look on the walls and you can see promotions for Steak & Game Nights, as well as Fish and Chip Night. Owner Patrick Grimes works hard to ensure that nothing is ever boring.

Since Patrick took over The Ferry has built a reputation as a destination pub; somewhere you can expect not only a decent beer or glass of wine, but a plate of excellent food.

Head chef Ian Evans shares Patrick’s passion for fresh home-cooked dishes of an excellent quality and always looks to use seasonal, locally sourced produce.

His enticing specials are created daily and the great “pub classics”, as well as ever-changing daily menu, have kept visitors and residents of the village coming back for more.

He prides himself on using the freshest of ingredients and he surprised me when he revealed that even the fish is delivered daily, to guarantee the best beer battered fish and chips for his pub classics menu.

When we arrived one Friday evening, it was already very busy, but we managed to find a table in the window, from where we could enjoy the view.

Despite the number of customers, the service was still attentive and the friendly staff were always pleased to help or offer advice.

Because of the ever-changing menus, it’s always a treat to see what’s on offer – you will never get bored of eating here.

The Ferry

The starters offered a tempting array of dishes, from steamed clams in bloody Mary sauce to home cured salmon with warm blinis and lemon and black pepper crème fraîche.

We opted for the home cured salmon and the ham hock and parsley terrine.

Regular readers will know how much we enjoy sharing platters and The Ferry offers a wonderful dish that comprises Parma ham, chorizo, salami, Roquefort, mozzarella, olives, sundried tomato, marinated artichokes and peppadew peppers.

Its reputation for preparing stunning food was already confirmed with the starters. Each dish was fresh and full of flavour. We could easily have had another set of starters.

The great pub classics come highly recommended, what with homemade Ferry burger, home roast honeyed ham, rump steak, sticky BBQ ribs or the fish pie on offer.

One of my dining companions chose the fish pie and we were amazed to see such a wide selection of fish: red snapper, scallops, salmon, Pollock, cold water cod and prawns were all there, served with a white sauce and a delicious creamy potato.

We also chose the seared breast of duck, served with Dauphinoise potatoes, spiced red cabbage, caramelised pears and juniper jus; pan fried fillets of red snapper, creamed peas, pancetta and shallot tagliatelle; and steak, which was served with a pepper sauce, hand cut chips and fried mushrooms.

After two delicious courses there is always that fleeting moment when you ask one another:  “Do we order a dessert?”

It’s pretty much a rhetorical question, of course, and it didn’t take long for two of us to make our decision once we saw the puddings being served at a neighbouring table.

One of the party chose the mango, passion fruit and banana Eton mess, which is a delightful twist on the traditional Eton mess served with berries. It is apparently a favourite dessert in the pub; it was not hard to see why.

Our second sweet-toothed companion opted for lemon posset, which was decorated with candied lemon and was accompanied by shortbread. This was magnificent, the lemon was sharp and it was an excellent finish to the meal.

If you are just calling by for a drink, The Ferry has a range of quality cask ales, including Young’s Bitter and Sharps Doom Bar, and a selection of guest ales such as Old Speckled Hen, Bombardier and Old Hooky.

If you are a Guinness drinker the black stuff served here is in a “Glass of its Own”. The pub received an award from a Guinness Quality Executive for serving top quality Guinness. We believe the regulars who insist it’s possibly the best Guinness in the area!

But whether it’s a quick pint or a fabulous home-cooked meal, you can’t help but feel relaxed. Patrick has devised a successful formula and combined with the talents of head chef Ian Evans this is pub food at its best.

Ferry Lane, Alveston, Stratford upon Avon CV37 7QX  Tel: 01789 269 883  www.theferryalveston.co.uk

Christmas at the Ferry

Starters

Festive Soup of the Day

Ham Hock & Parsley Terrine, Spiced Cranberry Relish, Toasted Brioche

Trio of Salmon, Hot & Cold Smoked Salmon Roulade, Home Cured Horseradish Salmon, Watercress Pancakes, Wholegrain Mustard & Citrus Yogurt

Warm Goats Cheese & Caramelised Red Onion, Toasted Rosemary Focaccia Bread, Roasted Beetroot & Balsamic Salad

Seared Breast of Pigeon, Marinated Artichoke, Pickled Walnuts & Crisp  Pancetta Salad

Mains

Pan Fried Breast of Duck,  Apple Fondant Potato, Peppered Kale, Blackcurrant Jus

Braised Blade of Beef, Confit Garlic Mash, Honey & Thyme Roast Root Vegetables

Vegetarian Wellington of Chestnut  Shallots & Redcurrants, Nutmeg Spinach  & Dauphinoise potato

Roast Partridge & Pears, Spiced Red Cabbage, Thyme Potatoes & Redcurrant Jus

Seared Sea Bream, Crushed New Potatoes, Saffron & Mussel Broth

Desserts

Traditional Christmas Plum  Pudding, Brandy sauce

Mulled Wine Poached Pear,  Clotted Cream Ice Cream,  Candied Orange

Baileys & Mint  Chocolate Cheesecake

Pomegranate &  Clementine Eton Mess

Selection of Festive  English Cheeses,  Damson Jelly

£18.95 for two courses and £22.95 for 3 courses

Roast Turkey is available if you pre order for 6 guests or more.

 

 

 

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A weekend in Cologne

A weekend in Cologne

by Karen Jones

Who wouldn’t enjoy a city break that promises something for those who love theatre, arts, chocolate and shopping? But would you be surprised to hear that city is Cologne?

It might not always be first choice for tourists looking for a European city break, but that’s a shame because it has such a lot to offer.

It is an incredibly lively and vibrant city and there are no pretensions here, so it is easy to relax, immerse yourself in street café life and enjoy exploring the city that is more than 2,000 years old.

For culture vultures, there is plenty to see: 36 museums and 100 galleries with collections from all eras, which bear witness to Cologne’s reputation as a centre for art and culture.

A weekend in Cologne

It also has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to its stage and theatre scene. There are no fewer than 30 stages, with four that cater purely for cabaret and 14 venues that provide entertainment for children and young people. It celebrates a diverse cultural programme, with myriad operas, theatre productions, as well as literature and film events, while international stars such as Chris de Burgh, Elton John and David Garrett to name but a few, have guaranteed full houses at the Lanxness Arena this year.

One of the main tourist attractions in the city is Cologne Cathedral, a World Heritage Site that attracts more than six million tourists a year. This imposing Gothic cathedral houses the Shrine to the Three Magi, making it one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Europe.

Since 2007, the window by the Cologne artist Gerhard Richter has added a further attraction to the cathedral, with its dazzling display of coloured squares.

Rather less spiritual, but satisfying nevertheless, is Cologne’s wonderful shopping scene, with the frankly divine Schildergasse offering some of the best retail therapy in Europe, it is little wonder that it is the most visited shopping boulevard in Germany. Just like the neighbouring Hohe Strasse, it accommodates large department stores, but you can also find exclusive designer and jewellery shops on Mittelstrasse and Pfeilstrasse.

A weekend in Cologne

When you need a breather or somewhere to put down your bags, however, there are many cafes, bars and restaurants in which you can indulge in some people watching. If you try one new drink while in Cologne, it has to be its local drink of choice Koelsch. This beer, which can only be brewed in Cologne and the surrounding area, is best experienced in either the old town district, just a few feet away from the Cathedral, or in one of the many brewery taverns.

There are 26 different brands of Koelsch, so there are plenty of opportunities to sample this special brew and enjoy German hospitality.

Another liquid for which Cologne is famed is, of course, Eau de Cologne. Farina and 4711 were the first brands of fragrance that Cologne has made famous across the world. If you have time, take in a taster session to the fragrance museum Farina or a visit to the 4711 house, where you can learn all about the history of this most alluring of fragrances.

Another olfactory experience can be enjoyed at the fabulous Chocolate Museum, which is another must-do, but especially for all chocoholics. The guided tour was fascinating, but most importantly you get to try out some free samples.

One must-see is the newly designed Rheinauhafen, in the historic harbour district of Cologne. Combining old and new, this boulevard focuses on the spectacular and renowned ‘Crane Houses’ designed by Hamburg architects Bothe Richter Teherani. The impressive Rhine gives the visitor a chance to explore the city by water. There are many options available and from the water, you take in some superb views of Cologne’s landmarks and can enjoy a glimpse of the old town.

With so much to see and do, you might want to take advantage of some much needed rest and relaxation and treat yourself to a spa, such as the Neptunbad, the historic Art Noveau or Claudius thermals, one of the most beautiful spas in Europe.

I’ve discovered that you don’t really need an excuse to visit Cologne, but if you do, there are plenty of reasons to pack your bags and head over to Germany’s fourth biggest city.

Fine arts and antiques lovers should take advantage of the Cologne Fine Arts and Antiques Fair being held from 16th – 20th November 2011. This is an event that allows the city to live up to its reputation as a city of culture. This increasingly international Art Fair boasts some very high quality products and has become a port of call for old and more modern art.

In November and December, it glows in pre Christmas splendour and visitors can experience the fabulous Christmas markets, festive concerts and atmospheric boat rides on the Rhine during advent and nativity. The build up to Christmas this year starts around 22nd November and continues until 23rd December 2011.

If you love a carnival then consider a trip to Cologne in February 2012, when carnival revellers will line the streets between 16th and 22nd February 2012. Here you can enjoy the carnival as well as explore the city.

Any excuse for a party!

If you visit near Christmas time, head for the feet of the great Cathedral where you’ll find a choice of six Christmas markets. The markets offer 150 stalls and the largest Christmas tree in Rhineland. Be prepared for crowds though, the markets attract over ¾ million people every Saturday in the run up to the big day.

Excelsior Hotel Ernst

When in Cologne we stayed at the fabulous Excelsior Hotel Ernst, the hotel is a member of the Leading Hotel’s of the World group and features two-award winning restaurants. Their restaurant Taku specialises in fine Asian cuisine whilst their restaurant Hans Stube merges innovative French cooking with regional influences. The hotel also features a charming Piano Bar where guests can enjoy the Excelsior Hotel Ernst’s High Tea experience whilst listening to the harmonic classical music. In the Riesling Lounge guests can experience the dark, sultry ambience and enjoy fine examples of a variety of German wines. The hotel is proud of the many awards it has acquired, ‘Busche Gala Hotel for the Year for Germany 2010’, ‘Foreign Restaurant of the year for Germany 2010’ and ‘Germany’s Hotelier of the Year in October 2009.

Situated in the heart of Cologne this hotel offers its guests an ideal central base from which to explore the city. The hotel is situated opposite the magnificent Cologne Cathedral and within easy reach of the museums, the old town, the opera and the shopping areas.

This hotel combines timeless elegance and tradition with excellent service and comfort. The 142 bedrooms are beautifully styled, each with their own character and charm, I was lucky enough to have a room overlooking the Cathedral. The staff here also deserve a special mention because nothing was too much trouble for them. Courteous and discreet, they were a credit to the hotel.

We dined in the hotel’s multiple-award winning gourmet restaurant Hanse Stube. Serving traditional French cuisine, the Hanse Strube is well-known for its elegance. If you stay at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst I would highly recommend that you dine here at least once to savour the exquisite dishes on offer. We also ate in the Asian restaurant Taku. The Thai and Vietnamese dishes I enjoyed at lunch were fragrant, spicy and utterly delicious.

Afternoon tea might seem quintessentially British, but it was perfect. Choose from 35 different teas and savour the bite-sized savoury and sweet delights, all of which were beautifully presented. It was the ideal treat between lunch and dinner.

This was a fabulous weekend, when considering the options for a weekend away put this one on your list, you will not be disappointed.

For details about Hotel Excelsior Ernst, visit www.excelsiorhotelernst.com

Don’t miss...

Cologne Cathedral

This is Germany’s largest and most visited church. On completion in the 1800s, its towers were the highest in the world. The cathedral is really the landmark of Cologne.

Old Town

Some of the buildings in this area date from the Middle ages..There are lots of cafes and bars near the river where you can watch the world go by

Imhoff-Stollwerck Chocolate Museum

For any chocolate fan, this is a must visit exhibit in Cologne.

 

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A villa in Turkey

Kalkan, described as Turkeys best kept secret

A villa in Turkey

by Len Bennett

 

Kalkan is one of the most unspoilt resorts on the Mediterranean coast. Retaining the charm and character of a Turkish fishing village, with winding cobbled streets, lined with local craft, antique and clothes shops. There is an air of relaxed sophistication reflected in the hospitality, fabulous harbour side and rooftop restaurants offering the highest quality traditional cuisine, which is sure to delight even the most discerning palette. Kalkan comes alive at night, you can set your own pace - stroll through the bustling colourful streets, listen to the music in the bars, sample some of the finest food at the harbour side restaurants or those with roof top terraces offering views of Kalkans wonderful illuminated nightlife. Enjoy a beer at the bars on the picturesque harbour, admire the gullets, the fishing and sailing boats, or hire for the day your privately skippered boat and be taken to the coves for a swim in the turquoise sea, sunbathe, enjoy the food, all at unbelievable value. Visit the small pebbled beach close by the harbour or the local beach clubs and enjoy the water sports available, such as snorkeling, scuba diving and wind surfing. A Sunday Times article likened visitors to Kalkan to those attracted to Tuscany and the Dordogne, we agree entirely, Kalkan is for the discerning holiday maker.

 

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