At Tonic we routinely look beyond London for inspiration, ideas, and partnerships - and as such we even have an office in Edinburgh too. For our ambitious clients, it means we tell their stories to wide ranging audiences. For our journalist friends, it means we pitch features with an understanding of food and drink with cultural context.
It also means we know how to plan getaways around the very best food and drink, so here are some tips for Edinburgh, Yorkshire, Cape Town, Tuscany and more, and not a London postcode in sight.
STAYCATIONS
Our picks for holidays in the Uk this summer - and beyond
OSIP, Bruton
Since moving to its new home just outside the beautiful village of Bruton, Merlin Labron-Johnson’s Osip has won plaudits for skilful and inventive cooking. As of 10th June Osip welcomes four bedrooms to the fold - designed by Johnny Smith (Creative Director and partner of Smith & Willis) - blending quiet minimalism with handcrafted finishes, much of which has been locally sourced. A dedicated concierge team will also be on hand to assist with guests' needs. We’ve already packed our bags…
MOOR HALL, Aughton
For a gastronomic escape like no other, Moor Hall has recently introduced seven Garden Rooms, designed to blend with the estate's serene surroundings. This respect for the landscape is seen throughout the property, where local ingredients and produce from the kitchen garden take centre stage. Housed in a Grade II* listed building, Moor Hall Restaurant serves exceptional menus from Chef Patron Mark Birchall. Opening in 2017, the restaurant earned its first Michelin star within six months, a second in 2018, and a coveted third in 2025 - making it the UK’s tenth restaurant to hold the accolade.
NEWHALL MAINS, Balblair
This summer, we’re heading to Newhall Mains for adventures in the Highlands. Set on the edge of the Black Isle, there’s plenty to explore within a stone’s throw from one of our favourite boutique hotels - whether that’s setting sail from nearby Cromarty to spot bottlenose dolphins, or taking flight from the hotel’s airstrip for a bird’s-eye view of the Scottish landscape. For the less intrepid explorers among us, there’s a new outdoor sauna and restorative cold plunge pool for a spot of relaxation, or drams aplenty in the dedicated whisky bar.
THE HOXTON, Edinburgh
Closer to our Scottish home, we’re getting ready to welcome The Hoxton to Edinburgh next month. Stitching together 11 Georgian town houses, the latest addition to the Hoxton family is full of signature character and playful touches. For those keen to escape the hub of the Fringe, this August you’ll find many a spritz to be had at its Amalfi-inspired trattoria Patatino - bringing a taste of Italian holidays to Haymarket.
INTERNATIONAL
We're just back from Cape Town for a trip to Salsify, Ryan Cole's acclaimed restaurant at The Roundhouse. Before opening Salsify in 2018, South African native Ryan honed his craft at restaurants including Launceston Place, The Square and La Trompette - then returning to Cape Town to become Head Chef at The Test Kitchen (then ranked 48 on the World's 50 Best List). Set against Lion's Head, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, guests at Salsify embrace its contemporary take on seasonality and sustainability - with some fantastic South African wines, to boot.
Over in Italy, Il Palagio - Sting and Trudie Styler's Tuscan retreat - is an oasis of good taste, good food, and good wine - just ask The FT's HTSI. For those of us unable to rent the entire estate, drop into Il Palagio's La Lupi hilltop bar and nearby Farm Shop and Pizzeria to enjoy a slice of their organic, authentic approach to Italian cuisine. And if that's too far too, you can now, for the first time, purchase a bottle of the couple's very own wines. And yes, of course one's called Message in a Bottle.
UK RESTAURANTS
Heading to Yorkshire, Cardiff or Edinburgh this year? Upgrade your trip with a table at one of our favourites...
SHAUN RANKIN AT GRANTLEY HALL, North Yorkshire
Calling fans of uncompromising hospitality and indulgence! We recommend visiting Shaun Rankin’s namesake restaurant for a Michelin-starred dining experience rooted in hyper local, seasonal Yorkshire produce. Shaun’s signature Taste of Home menu is a carefully crafted journey through the region’s finest ingredients, many grown on-site. The menu pays tribute to Shaun’s Yorkshire childhood - our favourite dish is the nostalgic take on the bread course, featuring housemade bread, beef dripping butter and a Bovril-inspired beef tea.
GORSE, Cardiff
PSA - it takes less than two hours to get from London to Cardiff to eat at Gorse. Newly crowned with a Michelin star, it’s the perfect day trip for anyone in search of impeccable hospitality. Cardiffian Chef Tom Waters celebrates Welsh ingredients through a modern lens with his regularly-changing tasting menus, which showcase the country’s abundant larder and flagship produce of native seaweeds, Perl Wen cheese and Gower Salt Marsh lamb. Named after his childhood memories of yellow gorse-lined roads, the restaurant has an innate connection to the Welsh landscape.
THE PALMERSTON, Edinburgh
No trip to Scotland’s capital is complete without a long lunch at The Palmerston, where owners James and Lloyd have created one of our favourite spots in the city. The best part? The menu changes daily - sometimes twice - so there’s always something new to try, if you’re so inclined. But we’re creatures of habit, so if we see the sharing roast chicken and chips on the menu, we’re getting it. Hearty Scottish hospitality at its finest.
CONCIERGE: BRUTON
Bruton has gradually been establishing itself as a hub of culture and gastronomy in the West Country, and the picturesque historic market town has much to offer in the way of art and sites. Here’s how we’d spend 24 hours there…
Arrive at Castle Cary Station and grab a coffee and pastry at The Creamy (part of The Newt family). Then, pop over to Hauser & Wirth to catch the current exhibition (be sure to leave time for a stroll around their expansive, beautiful gardens). If you’re like us, lunch will then be calling - so head to Merlin Labron-Johnson’s the Old Pharmacy, before mooching around the town’s charming antique shops and boutiques. Next up, head for an early evening aperitif at Bruton institution At the Chapel - a lovingly converted Chapel, as the name suggests. After drinks, head five minutes out of town for dinner at Osip 2.0, for an astonishingly creative meal at Merlin Labron-Johnson’s restaurant. Feast on the tasting menu, and throw in the ingenious wine pairing for real decadence. When you’re finally complete, restorative rest awaits in one of their brand new bedrooms upstairs.
