It’s Pancake Day tomorrow, which historically means that we can and indeed are obliged to eat all the sweet and special ingredients in the larder to prepare for Lent.  Whatever your intentions, it is always nice to have an excuse for a little bit of culinary indulgence, so just in case batter is not your thing, here is a selection of spas that are amongst our food forward favourites!

Tea Time Temptation

Where to go … London Syon Park – Middlesex (it’s in the London vicinity but you wouldn’t know it – be careful of the ducks traversing the driveway).

It’s for you if … You have a bit of a sweet tooth.

Because … Brownies café and lounge area not only looks like a French fancy, with sofas and chairs reminiscent in colour and shape of a set of Ladurée macaroons, they specialise in tea, cakes and obviously brownies, and to top it off they have a sundae bar as well!

TV Trend Setter

Where to go … The Vineyard at Stockross – Newbury (The hotel gives the impression of being in deepest darkest countryside despite being a very short distance drive from the M4 … that’s thanks to the area’s equine residents – it is after all best known for its horse racing).

It’s for you if … you like a little bit of small screen celebrity chef endorsement with your meal.

Because … Chef Daniel Galmiche of Saturday Kitchen fame amongst other things, presides over the kitchen and menu, saying: “Eating out is one of the greatest pleasures of life and I have made it my mission to communicate this.”

Sporting Sustenance

Where to go … Royal Crescent Hotel – Bath (It’s comical how appropriate the name is for a spa town – the Romans were nothing if not practical).

It’s for you if … You are a bit of a sports fan with a taste for the classics.

Because … Head Chef and rugby aficionado David Campbell’s interest in sports nutrition once earned him the role of team chef to the England rugby team, making him a part of that winning formula in Sydney in 2003 … plus the Relais and Chateaux (always a purveyor of fab food) property has three AA rosettes, which is always a good sign.

City Slicker

Where to go … COMO Shambhala Urban Escape at the Metropolitan – London

It’s for you if … You are a fan of cosmopolitan variety and cannot bear to stray out of the vicinity of optimum phone signal.

Because … The epicurean offerings at this city central venue are twofold – The Met Bar specialises in vintage Champagne, cocktails and bespoke chocolates by Laurent Couchaux alongside that oh-so-city talent of putting a twist on traditional British fare.  Just to add to the diversity however and to cover a few more corners of the culinary globe, the hotel also plays host to one of the famous Nobu eateries, serving the heady mix of Peruvian-Japanese cuisine for which the brand is known.