Spotlight on Heeley Parfums

The young English designer James Heeley while working and living in France was captivated by scents and decided to create his own line made in accordance with the art of traditional French perfumery.   

 “Fragrance takes you to another place,” says the one-time philosophy student. He doesn’t label his scents masculine or feminine they are there to be worn and enjoyed by whoever likes them. “When it comes to scent, there are no rules.” 

Inspired by life, everyday occurrences, memories or dreams or simply the ingredients themselves, James has devised a contemporary collection which stands out from the crowd. 

Wearing fragrance always evokes a reaction whether it reminds you of a place, a person, or an occasion or even a mixture of all. And those I smelt certainly fed my senses. 

One of my favourites was Menthe Fraîche. Yes, it is reminiscent of mint growing in your garden but it is far more complex and sophisticated than that. Laced with Sicilian bergamot, green tea and white cedar, this is a lovely invigorating fragrance which is easy to wear.

His new scent Phoenicia may take you through a journey of this ancient land, however I was rather smitten with Hippy Rose. Not a typical soapy rose scent which so many of these types are, this is an elegant patchouli  rose fragrance with hints of amber and musk, vetiver and incense with a  smattering of refreshing bergamot. 

It might have been inspired by India and the hippy movement, but to me it reminds  of a walk in a beautiful English rose garden. Like I always say, fragrance is so personal.  

James takes classic themes and gives them a modern interpretation resulting in distinctive scents. If you haven’t yet discovered the talents of this man, it is time you did.

By Daralyn Danns 

Heeley Parfums  Hippy Rose (£125, 100ml EDP Spray) are available from Harvey Nichols and Selfridges

Dine in style at the Goya Restaurant & Terrace, Hotel Ritz, Madrid

Madrid is awash with stylish restaurants serving up great food. The Spanish capital is renowned for its cuisine. But for a gastronomic experience to savour forever, you would find it difficult to beat the Goya Restaurant at the Hotel Ritz, Madrid.

This legendary hotel, built at the request of King Alfonso XIII, has been attracting celebrities and world leaders for over 100 years. 

The Goya Restaurant & Terrace

The Goya Restaurant, decked out elegantly with lush red carpets, a marble fireplace and crystal chandeliers may be grand, but the atmosphere is most convivial. 

I was recently there on a warm, late summer’s evening and was able to enjoy a superb meal on the terrace overlooking the hotel’s leafy garden. It was such a beautiful and tranquil setting that it was hard to believe that I was bang in the heart of the city.

Hake with green pepper nectar

Jorge González, executive chef of the Ritz, Madrid since 2004, and his team serve up top-notch cuisine. Using only the finest seasonal ingredients, meticulously prepared, he dishes up fresh interpretations of classic Spanish dishes as well as recipes  influenced by French and Basque cuisine to which he has added his own contemporary twist

The wine list is impressive and features several that are sourced locally. Ask the sommelier for guidance as she is extremely knowledgeable. As you would expect the service here is impeccable. 

 

Steak tartar

For an apéritif, I had a glass of Pedro Ximénez sherry which was recommended by the sommelier. Crammed to the brim with flavours of raisins, dates and figs and a smattering of nuts, this rich fortified wine was velvety smooth on the palate. For nibbles there was delicious ham, and olives that tasted as if they had just been picked.

To start I went for one of the specialities, the tuna tartar coupled with scallops. The dish, beautifully presented, was superb. For main, I plumped for another highlight of the menu, the hake with a green pepper nectar. A glass of a Fuente Elvira, from D.O. Rueda was the ideal accompaniment.  This citrus- fruit -soaked white wine is refreshing and easy to drink.

My companion opted for the steak tartar which looked wonderful. She chose a glass of Retamas from Bodega Regajal, This blend of tempranillo, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah went down a treat.

If you do find that you have room for a dessert, there is plenty to set your taste buds alight.

Dining at the Goya Restaurant is always a special occasion. 

By Daralyn Danns

Getting there

British Airways Holidays offers two nights at the 5* Hotel Ritz, Madrid from £269 per person, until January 31. Price Includes Euro Traveller return flights from London Gatwick or London Heathrow and accommodation on a room only basis. For reservations visit ba.com/madrid or call 0844 493 0758

For further information about the Hotel Ritz, Madrid visit hmandarinoriental.com/ritzmadrid