Casolare de Noattri (sleeps 6-7) - http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/casolare-noattri.php

This private villa offers all the best of Tuscany. With views across the surrounding fields this house is very secluded and yet just a few minutes from the town of Volterra.

With three bedrooms (one en-suite), a lovely living room with fireplace, plus dining room with access to the wonderful terrace which overlooks the pool and fields beyond – this really is a holiday haven. The large pool has plenty of space to spread out and take in the sun and views and a cook can be arranged to prepare meals.

Location: Volterra 8kms, San Gimignano 30kms, coast 35kms, Pisa 60kms, Florence 75kms, nearest restaurant 1.5kms, nearest shop 4 kms

Price: Easter week 3 – 10 April, 2010 just £1810 for the week. Usual price £2130 per week.

Offer: 3 Nights / 4 Days, from Friday 2nd April to Monday 5th April, 2010 for just £470 per person

The “Happy Easter” Package includes:

- Welcome drink

- Fruit Basket and a bottle of Spumante in the room

- B&B arrangement in a classic room

- Easter Gift

- Easter Lunch on the Sunday 4th April (drinks excluded)

- Buffet lunch on Monday 5th April (drinks excluded)

- Children 0-12 years old free in parent’s room (lunch and dinner extra)

Hotel Relais Oasi Olimpia, Sant’Agata - http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/oasi_olimpia_relais.php

This lovely building has been in the owner’s family for many years, and just six years ago was restored into a luxurious retreat. The house is located in private gardens and is just a short walk form the charming town of Sant’Agata sui due Golfi, where there are bars, pizzerias and even a Michelin star restaurant (Don Alfonso).

The hotel boasts it’s own wonderful restaurant and in the summer months both breakfast and dinner are served on the terrace. The restaurant kitchen also allows guests to experience ‘hands-on’ cookery lessons.

The 11 rooms are all on the first and second floors and are a mixture of classic, suites and one penthouse suite on the top floor complete with huge private terrace and outdoor jacuzzi pool. The rooms are beautifully decorated and spacious and all have external terraces, with chairs and table, and views across to either the Sorrento or the Positano coastline.

The pool is set in the gardens and is the perfect place to relax after a day out exploring this fascinating area of Italy.

Location: Sant’Agata 1km walking distance, Sorrento 10kms, Positano 20kms, Naples 50kms

For information on accommodation or the Degustation Tasting evenings email events@closehouse.co.uk

Located just 10 minutes from Newcastle airport and the city centre, along with their resident chauffeur, this is an ideal destination for anywhere around the UK, for something a little bit different. www.closehouse.co.uk

Spoil your mother with something a bit more interesting than flowers or chocolate this Mother’s Day by treating her to an indulgent Afternoon Tea at the Strand Palace Hotel.
With over 100 years of history, the Strand Palace Hotel is the ideal place to enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea experience all of which can be served in the inviting surroundings of the Lounge Bar or the contemporary ambiance of the hotel’s restaurant Johnston’s Brasserie. What’s more if you book dinner in the hotel’s Carvery or Johnston’s Brasserie restaurants on Sunday 14th March, you’ll get a free cupcake from Ella’s Bakehouse.
Afternoon Tea is priced at £8.95 per person and includes scones served with clotted cream and jam and a selection of organic tea and coffee. The full Afternoon Tea experience, which additionally includes finger sandwiches and a selection of cakes, is priced at £12.95 and a glass of Champagne can be added for £8.00 per person.
The Strand Palace Hotel is situated in the heart of the West End, with Covent Garden and a host of London theatres within walking distance. To book your Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea experience, call 020 7379 4737, or visit www.strandpalacehotel.co.uk

Treat your mum to a 2 or 3 night weekend break at Retallack Resort & Spa in Cornwall this year.

With two fabulous packages to choose from, mums are guaranteed to feel thoroughly spoilt and the whole family can enjoy some quality time together. Offering a decleor spa, indoor swimming pool, fitness studio, tennis courts and 9-hole golf course, Retallack is the ideal place for mums to be treated to some time to relax and rejuvenate.

The resort is perfectly positioned only a few minutes drive from Padstow and Watergate Bay where Rick Steins and Jamie Olivers restaurants can provide a very special meal out whilst the rugged Cornish coastline and stunning beaches are the perfect place for long walks and plenty of fresh air.

For the ultimate indulgence why not give mum some much deserved time off cooking/serving and washing up and allow Retallack to organise a private chef to cook up a feast in the privacy of your own lodge, complete with local Cornish produce, a waitress and somebody to clear up along the way?
Package 1 ‘spoil her rotten’:
2 nights from £289 or 3 nights from £295 for a 2 bedroom lodge (sleeps 4)
Includes accommodation in a luxury 2 bedroom self-catering lodge, welcome hamper on arrival, complimentary bunch of spring flowers delivered to the lodge on mothering Sunday plus a half bottle of champagne and a half an hour Decleor aromatherapy facial.

Package 2 ‘Mums go free’ – Book a 4 bedroom lodge and mum will stay for free*.
2 nights from £259 or 3 nights from £267 for a 4 bedroom lodge (sleeps
Includes accommodation in a luxury 4 bedroom self-catering lodge, welcome hamper on arrival.
*Based on 8 sharing and includes a discount allowing mum to stay free.

All featured cottages have been specially reviewed – with a ‘paw rating’ – for their suitability for five categories of pet – everything from pups to pensioners.

For example, a week’s stay at Rose Cottage (sleeps four) in the tiny hamlet of Lochvane near Newport is £427 in mid April. The cottage is set in two acres of gardens and is minutes from sandy beaches and the coastal path.

Tel: 01437 772760, www.coastalcottages.co.uk or visit www.thewoofguide.co.uk

Alkmaar’s historic town centre hasn’t changed really since the 17th century and with its pretty canals, cobbled streets and traditional gabled buildings it creates a fantastic atmosphere for the famous cheese market.

Sailing from Newcastle, enjoy two nights cruising, to and from Holland, where there is a whole host of great things to see and do onboard. From a cinema to a casino, a number of sumptuous restaurants and bars to enjoy a drink, there is something to keep everyone entertained.

Why not enjoy a summer drink on the sky deck as you sail to Holland and enjoy a romantic meal before retreating to your en suite cabin for a relaxing nights sleep.

On arrival into Holland you will be transferred to the famous cheese markets of Alkmaar. After a full day exploring the shopping and museums of Alkmaar it’s time for your return overnight cruise back to Newcastle.

2 nights from £97pp departing 27 May, 8 July, 19 August 2010

What’s Included

• 2 nights onboard in an en-suite cabin

• Coach transfers to and from Alkmaar

• Live entertainment onboard

Mini Cruise Prices

• Standard Mini Cruise
From £97pp

• With Breakfasts included
From £115pp

• With Breakfasts & Dinners included
From £155pp

Simply add meals or upgrade your cabin whilst making your booking.

Making the most of local produce, the menu will be available for lunch bookings and features beautifully cooked  classic British fare such as pressed terrine of Cornish lobster, Angus beef with Yorkshire pudding or Roasted rump  of lamb, priced at £55 per person.

The Grill at The Dorchester is one of London’s longest-standing traditional dining rooms. Head Chef, Brian Hughson  demonstrates a strong passion for sourcing quality, organic produce from around the British Isles wherever  possible. Together with Head Sommelier Jason McAuliffe, the British duo and their team create a welcoming, relaxed  atmosphere in which to enjoy classic British cuisine.

To make a reservation, please contact Restaurants at The Dorchester on +44 (0) 20 7629 8888 or email  restaurants@thedorchester.com.

St. George’s Day Menu

Wild Scottish smoked salmon and home cured gravadlax,carved at the table
or Carpaccio of beef, celery leaves and black truffle salad or Pressed terrine of Cornish lobster and tomato, sour cream dressing or Broccoli soup with Stilton beignets and red wine pears

Angus beef with Yorkshire pudding and seasonal vegetables or Roasted rump of lamb, confit tomatoes and courgette flowers or Potato and onion pie, wild mushroom and chervil cream or Roasted Pollack, lemon puree and brandade

Selection of Artisan British cheeses or Lemon tart with clotted cream ice cream
or Apple turnover or Bread & butter pudding with Baileys and chocolate ice cream

£55.00 per person
(Price inclusive of VAT at 17.5% and exclusive of 12.5% service charge)

Essential Italy are pleased to offer the following mid-season offer on these beautiful villa holiday options in Sardinia.

OFFER: 10% discount on bookings at these villas between 27 March – 30 June & 17 September – 24 October, 2010

Il Pagliaio (Sleeps 6)- http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/il_pagliaio.php

Villa Il Pagliaio is surrounded by acres of countryside and offers a little bit of paradise with a good sized swimming pool and a characteristic restaurant serving breakfast and dinner. This original barn has been transformed into a stone-clad independent “villa” that is located close to the pool and comprises a spacious and comfortable lounge / dining area, kitchen 2 double bedrooms, a twin bedroom and two bathrooms. A private patio located at the back of the house ensures that you can relax under the fantastic dark blue starry sky.

Location: Arzachena 1.5km, nearest beach – Cannigione 10km, Pevero 18 hole golf course 15km, Olbia airport 35 kms, Alghero airport 150 kms

Prices: From £1050 – £2330 per week (high season price £2710)

Offer: 10% discount on bookings between 27 March – 30 June & 17 September – 24 October, 2010

Lo Stazzo (sleeps 6) – http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/lo_stazzo.php

Lo Stazzo is an old traditional farm building which offers wonderful accommodation for up to 6 guests. The original wooden beams and stone walls all add to the charm of this independant house and the accommodation comprises of a large lounge / dining area, a real country kitchen complete with original stone fireplace, 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Going for perfection, Lo Stazzo has a great private external area at the back of the property with access to the gorgeous private pool sunk between the rocks.

Location: Arzachena 1.5km, nearest beach – Cannigione 10km, Pevero 18 hole golf course 15km, Olbia airport 35 kms, Alghero airport 150 kms

Prices: From £1480 – £2805 per week (high season price £3135)

Offer: 10% discount on bookings between 27 March – 30 June & 17 September – 24 October, 2010

The location of these properties is well placed for many of the famous stretches of coastline plus many more of the not so well known beaches and bays with easy access to local towns and villages.

The Yorkshire South Food Trail covers the key locations of the region, which includes Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham, Doncaster and parts of The Peak District National Park.

By no means exhaustive, the Food Trail offers a starting point to showcase the diverse foodie options available, sometimes unexpectedly, to visitors to the Yorkshire South region.

Sample gastro cuisine, Michelin starred menus, authentic family run restaurants, organic and locally grown produce from farmshops and delis. With cookery classes and themed dinner events running throughout the year, there’s no excuse not to join in!

Organically Yours

Adjacent to Sheffield Hallam University, the Butcher Works on Arundel Street is a 19th century Grade II listed building and former cutlery works. Recently transformed, it is now home to one of the city’s best kept secrets – Fusion Organic Café, which offers organic food in atmospheric, historical surroundings. Across in Barnsley , Glenroyd Organics are a husband and wife team that have created a fantastic range of organic products which can be purchased online or at food fayres across the region, including the regular Sheffield Farmer’s Market. In Hathersage, just west of Sheffield, The Walnut Club is a Michelin star-aspiring eatery on the edge of the Peak District and is one of the UK’s first strictly Organic Restaurants, where Head Chef John Oates sources wholesome organic food and offers a wide range of vegan and gluten free cuisine.

Fresh from the Farm

McCallums Farmshop in Doncaster is an impressive converted barn that makes a great stop off. Buy homegrown farm produce onsite or online, explore the three fishing lakes and quench your thirst at the onsite cafe. The award winning Cannon Hall Farm Shop offers a real farming experience for the whole family. Situated in the pretty village of Cawthorne in Barnsley, visitors can purchase fresh produce from the farm shop and delicatessen to take home, while kids of all ages can enjoy the adventure playground and farm experience. Still in Barnsley, the place for homebred free range meats is Broad Close Farm Shop which sells Tamworth Pork from free roaming woodland pigs, homebred, free range Dexter beef and lamb. Pick your Own Fruit at Eastfield Farm Shop in Tickhill where a wide range of home grown soft fruits are available to harvest during June & July, and homegrown vegetables are available year round.

Michelin Stars

For a special treat visit Tessa Bramley, the chef patron of Sheffield’s only Michelin restaurant The Old Vicarage in Ridgeway on the outskirts of Sheffield. Her seasonal menus use ingredients from the acres of gardens that surround this country house restaurant, with its stunning countryside views. On the edge of the Yorkshire South region, bordering the Chatsworth Estate in The Peak District stands the stunning manor house and private grounds of Fischer’s Baslow Hall. This renowned Michelin starred restaurant is rated for both its classical favourites and more adventurous dishes using the best of local produce.

Offbeat & Quirky Views to Dine For

Get away from it all and see the region from a different perspective, with some of the more unusual places to dine in Yorkshire South.

Combine food with travel and hop aboard A&G Passenger Boats. Their Cruise and Dine packages on the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal run through from the heart of the city and offer a unique perspective to enjoy a British menu. For a real blast, head for the quirky ambience of The Garrison Hotel Sheffield, situated in the Hillsborough Barracks. This Grade II listed building houses a former jail, guardhouse and ammunition building. With many buildings unchanged from the exterior, you can easily envisage troops parading whilst dining in the Jailhouse Bar and Restaurant or enjoy drinks al fresco the Outdoor Terrace. Sprotbrough, near Doncaster is home to The Boat Inn, a 17th Century pub serving quality food on the grassy banks of the River Don, next to Sprotbrough Lock. For true character, history, distinctive surroundings and some lovely riverside walks, look no further.

World Cuisine

Platillos Bar & Restaurant is all about little plates and big Mediterranean and Latin American flavours. Eating with abandon is encouraged and has earned this atmospheric restaurant in the heart of Sheffield ‘Best Tapas Menu’ award and ‘Restaurateurs Restaurant of the Year’ award in the local EatSheffield Food Awards 2009.
No trip to Sheffield would be complete without a taste of Nonna’s. Sheffield’s best loved Italian restaurant serves authentic Italian food, over 120 Italian wines with a Latin passion. It has been critically acclaimed, included in The Independent’s Top 10 places to eat Italian in the UK and named as one of the UK’s Best Restaurants in The Observer Food Monthly Awards 2008.

Doncaster offers some of the region’s most exciting and exotic cuisine. For an authentic taste of Nepal try Balrams Neplese Restaurant. The husband and wife team run a homely restaurant that delivers first class food and service with a smile. With no set sittings, they open when you arrive and close when you leave, and even offer kitchen tours and cookery lessons. For a taste of sunshine, try Doncaster’s first Caribbean restaurant. Banana Boat Caribbean Restaurant & Bar uses authentic ingredients to create traditional dishes such as ackee and salt fish, jerk pork and curried goat. Alternatively, try the Jinja Tree in Bawtry, an oriental infused restaurant, where your personal chef will cook you vegetables, fish or meat dishes on a hot griddle right before your very eyes.

Gastronomic Delights

Tucked away in the heart of Sheffield’s cultural quarter, Silversmiths Restaurant & Bar is housed in the former premises of George Ellis (Silversmiths) Ltd, a producer of silverware and cutlery. Diners can take in the city’s industrial past, with Sheffield made cutlery, artworks and exhibits, while sampling a simple yet stylish contemporary British menu. On the outskirts of the city in a suburb of Dore, lies Moran’s Restaurant & Wine Bar. Its modern European menu has attracted praise from some of the UK’s toughest food critics who have unearthed one of the city’s hidden culinary gems. The industrial heritage of Kelham Island is home to one of the city’s top dining hotspots, The Milestone. This chic gastropub raise their own free range rare breed pigs, offer cookery classes and cocktail evenings. It has recently been awarded a coveted Michelin recommendation, joining fellow Michelin acclaimed Sheffield eatery Artisan, a modern, bistro style restaurant. The stylish Leopold Square hosts The Wig & Pen in the heart of the city, where British recipes are reinvented with a contemporary twist and served in the relaxed Georgian dining room. Further afield is Nordest, Doncaster’s leading gastro restaurant. This former fish restaurant now serves traditional Anglo-Italian food with a modern feel.

A Taste of the Country

Famed for its traditional country inns, the region has become synonymous with real ale drinkers and is responding to the needs of visitors and changing tastes that want high quality fayre in countryside, ambient, historic settings. On the boundary between Barnsley and Sheffield, the former 18th century coaching inn, the Wortley Arms and Montagu’s Restaurant retains a real sense of history with period features including revolving doors, oak beams and open fires. The Spencer Arms is simply one of the region’s finest gastropubs, set in the delightful Pennine village of Cawthorne, Barnsley. The cosy pub atmosphere and bar full of real ales is complemented by an exciting new contemporary dining space. Traditional country cooking is celebrated at The Beaters Restaurant at The Dog and Partridge Inn, on the edge of the rugged northern Peak District, an ancient Inn with a history that can be traced back to the Elizabethan period. As CAMRA award winner, visitors can enjoy cosy log fires, stunning moorland and real ales. Iconic Sheffield pub, The Cricket Inn is located on the edge of the Peak District, with a feel of a great country pub only minutes from city life and is one of the most popular foodie haunts in the area.

Now we’re cooking!

Why not take home some of the region’s top fayre with a day of cooking? The Milestone in Kelham Island, Sheffield offers a range of cookery classes for all abilities. Learn the basics or enhance your skills, with themed classes on meat, fish, dinner party food and more. Or try your hand with a course at Coghlans Cookery School in the outskirts of Sheffield, from a Half Day Chocolate Team Building Day, to Foraging for Wild Foods.

For more information about the culinary delights of the South Yorkshire region, start your visit at www.yorkshiresouth.com/dine

If you would like to recommend somewhere to add to the Food Trail, then Yorkshire South Tourism would love to hear from you. Please send your suggestions to visitor@yorkshiresouth.com