Kent, Garden of England

I spent the last week of August in gorgeous sunny Kent on the south east coast of England.  It is a place that I have wanted to visit for a long time, having seen it featured on many property programmes.  One of my cousin now lives in historic Sandwich and so I have more than one reason to visit.  Here is a round up of the places I visited.

The weather has been beautiful and sunny so I've been able to visit two costal towns and enjoy the last few days of Summer.  I was recommended, by Life in Warwick, to visit Whitstable and I'm so glad I did.  It has a lovely charm about it and is full of independent shops and boutiques.  As you drive into the town there are lots of vintage and antique shops, which I just couldn't resist. These independents pave the way right through to the harbour.  I thought the little huts were a good idea for a starter business and also couldn't resist the fresh crabs.  Whitstable is a lovely place to visit, I'd quite happily stay for a few days.

The next costal town I visited was Deal.  This was more of a traditional seaside town, with a pier and lovely seafront which went on for miles. From here you could see the White Cliffs of Dover.  I spent most of the time soaking up the sun near the shingle beach.  Only venturing into the town to buy lunch, where I found the most delightful French deli called No Name Shop. Away from the high street I did find some independent and vintage shops.

I also spent two days sight seeing visiting Canterbury Cathedral and Scotney Castle, a National Trust property.  The architecture and stain glass at Canterbury Cathedral are just stunning. I learnt more about the history from one of the guides and took a full tour.  Whilst I was there the choir were practising for a service later that afternoon.  It really finished off what was a amazing historic few hours.

I wanted to take the opportunity to visit a National Trust property whilst in the South East. I chose Scotney Castle as it has two properties and gardens to explore. The property, which has been owned by three generations of the Hussey family, came into the ownership of the National Trust in 2007 and has as not been touched.  The 14th century moated castle is beautiful sitting with the gardens surrounding it.  The Victorian country manor has been changed over the years and you can see the different eras throughout.  

I also visited historic Sandwich taking in the gorgeous architecture, quay and historic buildings. As one of the Cinque Ports it is now two miles from the sea, but you can see all of the history that made this town once a major port.  It was a shame to see quite a few empty properties both residential and business.  There were a few independent shops, but I have to admit it is the medieval history that makes this town special.  There is a town trail that you can follow to make sure you don't miss anything and there are some stunning buildings.

If you are looking for a destination for a staycation I couldn't recommend Kent highly enough. There is still lots left for me to explore and I can't wait to make my next visit.

Lula Belle x

Hampton Manor hotel

Are you looking for some R&R?

At sometime or another we've all looked for a hotel that is the perfect location, whether for an overnight stay or a weekend get away.  Somewhere to forget the worries of work and family life and to really indulge.  I've recently discovered Hampton Manor which is situated in the Heart of England and has character in abundance.

Hampton Manor is in the village of Hampton in Arden, which is easily accessible from the major motorways.  As you make your way up the leafy driveway towards the 19th century Manor House, you get a fantastic view of the Warwickshire countryside and at that point your worries just drift away.

The exterior of the hotel has some lovely features, I particularly love the doors and the arch ways.

As you step into the entrance lobby you start to get the modern chic feel of this luxury boutique hotel.  I particularly love the bright colours that blend well with the more neutral tones.  What really gets your attention as you head into the reception area are the stunning light shades, they are definitely a talking point.  Near the reception is the very chic bar.  Decorated in black and silver it actually has a cosy feel as well as being quite glamorous.  In contrast the bar within Peel's Restaurant feels more opulent with the strong aubergine colours.

I was at the hotel for a project, as well as interviewing the owners for Lula Belle Meets, and had the privilege of being shown around all of the hotel.  The interior was designed by Fjona, one half of the fab duo that own and manage this luxury boutique hotel.  As you know I am a fan of anything glamorous and these interiors are not only that, but ooze sophistication as well as being bold. Each bedroom has it's own theme and it doesn't matter what grade of room you have, they all have the attention to detail that Fjona prides herself with achieving.

In Peel's Restaurant the glamorous feel continues with the use of pinks and grey.  Michelin stared Chef Martyn Pearn offers fine dining at affordable prices, with seasonal menus and a host of events.

The grounds of the hotel are lovely and the day I visited the sun was shining and the terrace was an inviting place to be.

I'll definitely be making my way back to Peel's to enjoy their fine dining menu and I may just have to try out one of the rooms too.  For an escape to the country, I don't think you would be disappointed with Hampton Manor.  It would also make a pretty perfect wedding location too!

Escape to the country....don't mind if I do!


Lula Belle x


Photographs copyright of Fjona Wei-ling Photography

Lula Belle Meets Mayfair Stockings

Are you championing independent businesses?

Through my feature, Lula Belle Meets, I'm championing independent businesses and finding out what drives people to start their own business.

Lula Belle Meets, Lucy Holmes, founder of Mayfair Stockings, West Midlands

I suspect like most women I have a love/ hate relationship with hosiery.  I hate tights, but love hold ups. However, finding some that actually do hold up for a whole day and evening, if I am going out straight to an event, without falling down has been a lot of trial and error.  So when I heard about Mayfair Stockings back in February I was intrigued to have a look at the website.  It is definitely glamorous and offers more than you can find on the high street.  I had planned to meet up with Lucy, the founder of Mayfair Stockings, at the Birmingham Buy My Wardrobe event.  But time was against us and we didn't get chance, but I was so inspired by her story that we've caught up since so I can find out more about her online business.

Where did the idea of Mayfair come from?

I have always wanted to run my own business, so when the children had gone to school I thought it was the right time. I just love hosiery, always wearing skirts and dresses means I like to look out for that something different to wear on my legs. This proved difficult on the high street so I started to look into suppliers and found there were great styles out there.

How did you develop your idea?

I knew what I wanted the store to be like. You know when you walk in a boutique and buy something and it is wrapped and you carry it around with you in a nice bag, I wanted to create that. I researched and spent hours looking for the right products to sell in the boutique. They had to be something special.  Mayfair was to be  everything you expect from a boutique.

Was it easy to set up the business?

No it took six months in total. A lot of planning and design for the website and logos. Deciding on what stock to buy with the finance available to us.  A lot of convincing of suppliers to let us sell their products because we knew what standard we were after. We wanted high quality products and the high quality brands insist that you have the same philosophy, in that you are going to stick to that high end presence.

What is the philosophy of Mayfair?

To provide some of the world's finest hosiery with the service you would find from a boutique.

What is the USP of Mayfair?

We wrap every item in tissue and finish it with ribbon. We keep high stocks and if you can buy it off the website then we have it.  We stock rare items of hosiery from outside of the UK.

Has it been difficult to compete against the established chains?

No, not really, as we feel we offer something different. When people find us they use us because we are competitive on price, stock rare items, hand wrap everything and feels much more of a shopping experience it doesn’t feel like you are shopping from a supermarket. The only difficulty we have faced it getting people to find us!

What is your strategy for telling people about Mayfair?

We heavily use social media, Facebook, Twitter and Linked In, oh and Pinterest to market Mayfair. We have our own blog on the site too. It is much more a word of mouth marketing strategy.

What have been the highlights so far?

Winning a Gold award for the site from Mumpreneur.co.uk. It's great to have recognition for all the hard work that has got put into the site. 

Having great feedback from customers telling you that they love their wrapped parcels and it makes their experience more special.

What does the future hold for Mayfair?

In the near future growth.

I hope to add to the ranges already available.

I want to work with other high end independent Lingerie designers to supply more products which complement our range of hosiery. 

What would you say to someone who has a business idea and wants to start their own business?

To follow their dream. It is hard work but very rewarding  being your own boss. Make sure that you think the idea through as much as you can. Do a lot of research to check to see if the business is viable and not going to be a lot of work for little return.

If it is a retail business, it is nothing to fear in the importing and exporting of goods.

Ensure you have the capital available not just for initial set up costs, but the ongoing working capital until such time that the business holds its own.

With pencil skirts being a key trend for the autumn plus the Mad Man effect, I think there will be a few of us heading to Mayfair Stockings to see how we can accessorise our outfits.  Although you may also want to let your husbands or partners know about the online boutique, that way you know you'll be getting something you want.

I'm championing independent businesses.......I hope you do to!

Lula Belle x

Revival Creations

Cupcake decorating workshop

As you know last week was Glamour in the County's first birthday and not only did I celebrate with Daisy Cupcakes, but I took myself off to learn how to do it for myself. I booked onto another of Revival Steph's wonderful workshops, you may remember my experience of making bread earlier in the year. Taking place in the evening at Thomas Oken Tearooms in Warwick we were greeted by Steph and a table layed out with lots of interesting and fun tools.

Before we got started we enjoyed a glass of Proseco and homemade sandwiches. It gave time to chat with the other participants, of which there were nine. A few had been on Steph's previous workshops and there was one lady who I recognised from the bread making class. Once it was time to start our class we were packed of with tea, coffee or cold drinks, which were topped up throughout by Jo, the owner of the Tearooms.

Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, National World War II Memorial and the Washington Monument

We left the Lincoln Memorial making our way down the left side of the reflecting pool towards the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, National World War II Memorial and the Washington Monument.  I was disappointed to not see the reflecting pool filled, but the repairs are necessary and it will be open again later this year.



















I thought the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Women's Memorial were beautiful, the features were so life like.

Lincoln Memorial

After visiting Arlington Cemetery we made our way across the Arlington Memorial Bridge to the Lincoln Memorial.  There are some fabulous statues that stand at the foot of the bridge.

I'd been told that the Lincoln Memorial was large, so my expectations had somewhat been managed, but I'm not sure I imagined quite how large it would be.  The actual memorial is housed in a large stone structure and faces out down towards the reflecting pool and the Washington Memorial.  You enter the Lincoln Memorial via number of steps, many of which are crowded with people sitting on them, but when you pick your way through it is worth it.  As you enter you are greeted by Lincoln sitting proudly in his chair.

Arlington Cemetery

Our first full day in Washington D.C. was to be a packed day of sight seeing, starting at Arlington Cemetery.  We made our way to Arlington via the underground, which cost us $1.85 for a single trip. The exit is a few minutes walk from the entrance to the cemetery.  There is a visitors centre in front of you, with the path leading to the cemetery to the right.  We popped in the visitor centre and picked up a map, a must if you want to find your way around.  

As we made our way towards the graves you are greeted by the now famous view of all of the white headstones.

Happy 1st Birthday to Glamour in the County

Anyone for a birthday cupcake?

This year has been varied in so many ways.  When I started Glamour in the County, a year ago, I just set out to write about the things that I love spending my time doing, sharing this with those who were interested in reading about things to do in Warwickshire and beyond.  Seeing my stats grow month on month has been wonderful and encourages me to keep developing the blog.  Having my birthday in winter, I have always wanted a summer birthday, so what better excuse than to celebrate my blog birthday with scrumptious edible works of art from Daisy Cupcakes.  

I've enjoyed all the places, events and experiences that I have had this year and the people I have met doing them. I've been inspired by the people who I have met for the 'Lula Belle Meets' feature and the businesses that I have reviewed have also been very supportive.  I've also been writing guest posts for Midlands Food Bloggers.  When I started Glamour in the County I didn't know about the wonderful blogging community that existed and those who I have met so far have been just lovely, especially Chelsea Girl from Kings Road Rocks, Sam and Teresa from IAmIntoThis and Jo from Glad Rags.

Not one to stand still for long, I'm looking to develop the blog over the coming few months. I'll still be writing my usual articles and there are lots of 'Lula Belle Meets' in the pipeline, but I will also be looking to add new types of articles and features.   I'm also working on a little project inspired by my experiences this year and should be able to reveal more later this month.  You'll also find me pinning away till my hearts content on my many Pinterest boards.

Thank you for reading Glamour in the County.  I love receiving your comments, so do feel free to send these through the blog, Facebook or Twitter, it makes it all worth while.  

Happy 1st Birthday.......to Glamour in the County!

Lula Belle x

Washington D.C.

Should you judge a city before you have seen it all?

You'll remember from what are the ingredients of a fabulous holiday? that I have not long been back from a visit to the East coast of America, visiting Washington D.C., New York and Boston.  I was very excited to be making my first visit to Washington D.C. as it was one of the cities that I have wanted to visit, having heard great reports from SBA and LBA on their last visit a couple of years ago.  Having spent time looking at the places I wanted to visit, I was armed with my list and my pop up map.  Not really knowing what to expect, I wasn't enamored with the city on the route from the airport to our hotel.  It didn't capture me, but as they say you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover.  What did strike us on this initial journey was how much building work was taking place. There were numerous large cranes doted around, with new buildings being constructed and renovations taking place.

As we got towards our hotel, the architecture of the buildings started to change and there were also lots of trees lining spacious pavements.  Our hotel was situated a few minutes walk from Capitol Hill at the top end of The Mall.  I really liked this area of D.C. and unlike New York you could walk along the pavement and not bump into anyone.  I think this is what I will remember most about D.C. the sense of space and the quiet nature.  Don't get me wrong, along The Mall there were lots of people, but due to the size of the pavements, they just never felt crowded.