As someone who has their phone practically glued to their hand, I get snap happy with anything and everything.
I’ve visited some really pretty places over the summer, and had some really lovely dining experiences. Consider this write-up as an after-the-fact round-up of places that have stuck in my mind.
Firstly, an alluring new bar and eatery in Harrogate.
Johnny’s Bar & Parlour Harrogate
I love everything about a speakeasy, from its clandestine origins to the live music in cosy confines.
It is no wonder I fell in love with Johnny’s Bar & Parlour. Open since November 2025, the speakeasy will be marking its first birthday this year – no mean feat especially in this current climate.
We do the usual annual Harrogate pilgrimage and this time I was delighted to discover Johnny’s Bar and Parlour. I loved it so much, we visited several times during our staycation in Harrogate. The Elderflower Breeze was floral and refreshing which I loved, the martini could have been a little more dirty (more than a splash of green olive brine).
There was a live band playing towards the back, and that, coupled with the elegant décor exuding gentleman’s club vibes, made it a place hard to resist.
Location: Johnny’s Bar And Parlour, 30-31 Montpellier Parade, Harrogate HG1 2TG
The Ivy Nottingham
Secondly, The Ivy Nottingham.
I’ve always found this upmarket eatery a chilled out and easy place to be, Harrogate and Bath among locations I have visited recently.
Lunch deals are rolled out frequently. When I dined at the Nottingham site over summer, it was £19.95 for two courses. I loved the pea soup as a starter – easily one of my favourite soups which was velvety smooth and deliciously earthy. My main course was a decent chicken Milanese, and as it was a pre-theatre lunch, I was in a celebratory mood. (I always feel a little bit more extravagant when going to the theatre.) My non alcoholic cocktail of Sparkling Strawberry (rhubarb notes and Wild Idol alcohol-free sparkling wine) came in at £9.25 and a side of chips was £6.25. Total for one diner including service charge was £39.88, so do keep in mind that the £19.95 lunch deal is a starting point for those who want to push the boat out a little.
This season The Ivy has another lunchtime deal of Cool Britannia where two courses – starter and main – are priced at £19.96. This an offer to take diners on a trip down memory lane back to the year 1996 with dishes such as glazed onion soup, minute steak and pan-roasted sea bream. Dessert is £8.95 while sides start at £5.50.
Location: The Ivy Nottingham, 31 Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham NG1 2AX
Saracens Cafe Nottingham
Thirdly, and staying in Nottingham is an unassuming eatery that is Saracen’s Cafe.
Shisha cafes aren’t my jam at all – the exterior states ‘Shisha – food – relax’, so I was surprised to discover the food offering is top notch. I had meat chaat samosa and an apple Tango which came to a very pocket-friendly £11.40. I have lived in Nottingham in the past and frequent the city quite often, and I am sort of kicking myself for not knowing about this hidden gem earlier.
Service was quick, smooth and friendly. Saracen, thank you for teaching me a valuable lesson not to ignore a shisha establishment, because your food really shines. Next time I will explore more of the menu, the food had a gentle spice to it too.
Location: Saracens Cafe, 86-88 Lower Parliament Street, Nottingham NG1 1EH
Bistrot Pierre Derby
Last but not least is Bistrot Pierre on Friar Gate Derby, it is a quaint brasserie restaurant where I have dined numerous times. A cosy ambience, think dark wood and oxblood banquette seating. The eatery is frankly perfect for autumnal dining, serving French dishes with an inspired twist.
Menu Pierre is the set menu deal which is great value for money. You can choose from two courses (£20.95) or three courses (£24.95), available all day Sunday to Friday and on Saturday until 5pm.
What I love about Bistrot Pierre is the offering of this set menu alongside a Sunday lunch menu. Most places offer just the latter. I really enjoyed chicken Bordelaise and dessert of apple tart crumb was zingy and not too sweet. You are left feeling pleasantly full on dishes cooked with flair.
Location: Bistrot Pierre, 18 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1BX