Latest news with #Annabel's
Scottish Sun
10-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
We live in UK's strictest village where takeaways are BANNED & doors are painted same colour.. but here's why we love it
Residents say they're happy with the village's draconian rules VILLAGE LIFE We live in UK's strictest village where takeaways are BANNED & doors are painted same colour.. but here's why we love it Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RESIDENTS of a notorious UK village where takeaways are banned say they're happy to call it home. Dubbed Britain's strictest village, there are no supermarkets and locals must have their doors painted the same colour. 3 One of the strict rules includes having to paint your front door a certain colour Credit: Google maps 3 The village has no supermarkets or takeaways Credit: Alamy But villagers of Wentworth, South Yorkshire, say they're happy with the draconian rules which state their front door be a certain shade of green. They claim their home has become a idyllic English village as a result with a teashop, grocers, post office and country pub. But now they have claimed their very way of life is under threat with developers planning to create a luxury hotel and spa on their doorstep. This could see trendy hotels and clubs replace buildings where generations of farmers once worked, including the world famous Annabel's in London Mayfair. The locals state, however, that while happy with the strict rules, they must gain permission from the 'village trust' before they go ahead with improvements. Resident Mary Pearson said the plans were "very disturbing" and told her local parish council that she hadn't been consulted on the plans. Talking to the Mail, she said: "I was once washing pots at the kitchen sink and saw a tape measure going across the kitchen window. "Let's just say we are facing an uncertain future if the plans do go ahead." Mary's family have been farmers on the estate since the 1950s. Another lady in the village sympathised with the family that runs the farm. She added: "I suppose it will bring more people to the village, but at what cost?" Others were more optimistic about an increased footfall in the area which would help local businesses. But concerns have also been raised over the level of traffic the new development would bring to the picture post-card village. Many have also raised objections to the new plans on the council's website. The new plans include holiday cottages and a hotel with a spa, swimming pool and restaurant. Councillor Brendan J McNamara, Chair of Wentworth Parish Council, said: "At a recent Parish council meeting, which was held on the 28th April, a decision was made for the parish council to consider expert advice. "'Following on from that, an informal meeting took place on the 1st May between three Parish councillors and three members of the public, where the Parish Councillors confirmed that Parish Council were considering seeking specialist advice. The parish council will continue to work with the Fitzwilliam Estate and the community." The local authority have been contacted for comment.
Khaleej Times
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Sirene by Gaia: Walk into an oasis of opulence in Dubai
I must admit, Sirene, that elusive mermaid of the poolside, was nowhere to be found. Instead, my arrival was marked by a car park that seemed more like a showroom for the world's finest luxury automobiles. Bentleys, Ferraris and Rolls-Royces all gleaming in the sun, their collective value likely rivaling the GDP of a small European nation. An army of valets stood ready, eager to whisk my vehicle away as if they were racing towards the next high-octane chapter of a Fast & Furious sequel. It was the kind of scene that might've overwhelmed a lesser soul. But no matter, once I passed through the pillars of Sirene by Gaia, I was ushered into what can only be described as J1 Beach's finest, and most stunning, beach club and restaurant. It's an oasis of opulence: Think of the understated grandeur of 5 Hertford Street or Annabel's in London, but now, layer on sunshine, the soft whisper of the sea, and a shimmering pool that practically invites you to sink into its cool embrace. But enough of the spectacle; let's get to the food, which is where the magic happens. The seafood spread, at first glance, is so monumental it might give Poseidon himself pause. The display of fresh shellfish, glistening under mounds of crushed ice, resembles the work of an avant-garde artist more than a mere culinary offering. A veritable trawler's bounty: lobster, crab, and an orchestra of sea creatures piled high, a seafood lover's dream. Next, the sea bream carpaccio. A delicate, translucent marvel. Each slice so thin it practically melted on the tongue, punctuated by an array of condiments that added bursts of flavour — zesty, piquant, and just the right amount of intrigue. It was seafood in its most unblemished state: raw, unadorned, yet handled with the kind of reverence that most chefs would only dream of achieving. Then came the seabass ceviche. Fresh? Oh yes, almost criminally so, with layers of citrus and herbs that danced across my palate like a symphony. The yellowtail — sweet, subtle, and brimming with freshness — was yet another testament to the talent in the kitchen. And let's not overlook the sides: a classic Greek salad, bright with the tang of feta and a whisper of olive oil that could only come from the heart of the Mediterranean. And the octopus? Let's just say it had that perfect balance of tenderness and char that sends most diners into an involuntary swoon. For the mains, we turned our attention to the lobster linguine. A masterpiece of simplicity and indulgence. The pasta was slick with buttery lobster sauce, and the sweet, succulent lobster itself was the crowning glory. As if that wasn't enough, the seared beef was cooked to a perfect medium-rare, so tender it practically begged to be eaten with your eyes closed. A whole seabass — roasted just enough to render its skin crispy while keeping the flesh moist — arrived at the table like a regal guest, a commanding presence. And then came the finale. The dessert that will remain etched in my memory long after the last spoonful. Frozen Greek yoghurt, velvety and light, crowned with caramelised walnuts and drenched in honey. It was pure bliss, made even more heavenly when paired with the loukoumades, those ethereal, pillowy Greek doughnuts. A sweet end to a perfect meal. Outstanding. Truly. And that's all there is to say. Go now. This weekend.
