REVIEW: The Old Orchard, Harefield, Middlesex

The Old Orchard Pub Exterior

Checking out The Old Orchard pub in Harefield.

“Well the view’s not bad… I wonder what the food’s like?”

My words as we wandered into The Old Orchard pub after an hour and a half walking along the nearby canal towpath. It’s located in Harefield – an area of outstanding natural beauty, with locks, small cottages, decorated narrow boats and flowers everywhere. We visited on a bright, sunny April afternoon, and we had certainly worked up quite an appetite!

The Old Orchard The Old Orchard

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The Perfect 24 Hours In Istanbul, Turkey

Wanderlust Chloe Istanbul

Eating fish sandwiches on Galata Bridge and haggling in the Grand Bazaar… most guide books will describe these as unmissable experiences. But there’s plenty more to Istanbul. Here is my guide to the perfect 24 hours in an incredible city!

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REVIEW: Osmanli Manor Hotel, Cappadocia, Turkey

Time to check out Osmanli Manor Hotel in Cappadocia, Turkey.

Cappadocia is a land of boutique hotels. Tourism is booming in the towns of Göreme, Ürgüp and Uçhisar, but the region hasn’t been spoiled by giant chain hotels… yet. Instead, small hotels designed, built and run by locals, complement the landscape of caves and rocks.

After two nights enjoying the seclusion of Kale Konak Cave Hotel in Uçhisar, I moved to Osmanli Manor Hotel located in Cappadocia’s main town of Göreme. I chose the manor not only because Göreme offers more in the way of dining and shopping, but it is also one of a handful of new build boutique hotels that had opened in recent years.

Wanderlust Chloe Osmanli Manor Hotel Cappadocia 15

The hotel is run by Australian/Turkish couple Fiona and Mustafa. She recounted the tale: “15 years ago I was backpacking through the area, fell in love, and the rest is history.” They lived in Australia for a few years, and then decided to return to Cappadocia to open the hotel.

There was a feeling of grandeur as I entered, but any stiffness quickly disappeared once I spotted two young children by reception. Their ‘help’ with check-in provided much entertainment! Also adding to the family-run hotel vibe was an affectionate dog called Penny.

Wanderlust Chloe Osmanli Manor Hotel Cappadocia 16

During my visit in April, the area was suffering from some unusually

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