afternoon

EXCLUSIVE: This award-winning fish and chip shop may be in an unusual location, but its refreshingly simple menu – and the hype around it – prompted me to find out whether it lives up to its reputation

A picturesque village just outside one of the UK’s most popular cities left me in awe – and it’s all down to one takeaway. I recently travelled to the delightful village of Dunnington, nestled in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. Just 15 minutes from York, Dunnington has retained its peaceful, rural character, home to around 3,000 residents and previously recognised as one of the top 20 best places to live in Britain.

Before heading to the local chippy, I decided to wander through the village with my enthusiastic cocker spaniel, Luna. As I paused to appreciate the daffodil displays, I spotted an impressive wicker horse – a nod to Dunnington’s agricultural heritage.

Luna and I soon found ourselves making our way down a narrow public footpath towards open countryside, where we were met by farmland stretching as far as the eye could see. We stopped here briefly to breathe in the fresh, albeit rather crisp, March air.

After completing our stroll, we returned to the village to explore the local amenities, which featured a Costcutter shop, a bakery, and a pub: The Cross Keys on Common Road.

We also dropped into a local cafe, the Brew and Brunch, where I enjoyed a pot of tea and a delicious slice of Battenberg pie, though, looking back, this wasn’t the smartest choice before my fish and chip lunch.

Fully refreshed, we returned to the car to head towards the star attraction of the day. Just a three-minute drive away sits The Scrap Box, a fish and chip shop run by brothers Gavin and Aman Dhesi.

Situated on the busy A1079 Hull Road, this chippy occupies a rather unconventional location, yet its lay-by setting is arguably a stroke of genius. Perfectly positioned for passing commuters, it was plain to see that trade was thriving.

Earlier this year, The Scrap Box claimed the prestigious 2026 Takeaway of the Year title at the National Fish and Chip Awards – and judging by the rammed car park and lengthy queue already forming in the eatery, it was more than living up to its reputation.

Casting an eye over the menu, I found it pleasingly straightforward and quickly appreciated that the fundamentals are executed brilliantly. Diners can choose from hake, haddock or cod, alongside beloved classics such as sausage and mushy peas, with additional options including Spam or Yorkshire fishcake.

There’s also a lunchtime special available between 11am and 3pm throughout March – a tempting combination of hake and chips with a side, all for the very reasonable sum of £8.95.

For my own order, I opted for the classic cod and chips, mushy peas, a pot of curry sauce, and a box of scraps – those irresistible crispy batter fragments fresh from the fryer.

I threw in a can of Monster to combat my post-cake weariness, bringing the grand total to £17.95. After thanking the friendly staff, I made my way to the outdoor picnic tables to dig in, while Luna settled on the grass enjoying her own treats.

Having heard about its reputation as Takeaway of the Year, my expectations were high – and it didn’t disappoint. The fish was cooked to perfection, boasting a light, golden, crispy batter without a trace of grease.

Similarly, the chips were crisp and fluffy on the inside and paired perfectly with the peas and curry. In all honesty, I couldn’t fault it; it was the best fish and chips I’d had in years and a strong contender for the best ever.

So if you happen to find yourself nearby, do yourself a favour and pay it a visit – a resounding 10 out of 10.

SMOKE dramatically billowing from the cake stand, you could be forgiven for thinking one of my children had accidentally set their menu on fire during our afternoon tea at the Ampersand Hotel in London.

But luckily for us, this was all part of the thrilling theatrical experience that is the Science Afternoon Tea.

Brilliant for kids, and an ideal treat for the school holidays, it is a tea like no other, where cake stands arrive festooned in smoke, courtesy of a clever dry-ice science trick.

My three children aged five, eight and 12 were captivated from the very first moment.

Even before tea arrives, a collection of scientific-looking glass beakers are brought to the table and everyone is invited to mix their own lemonade using sachets of fixing powder, syringes of sugar syrups and pipettes of delicious raspberry and blackcurrant flavourings.

The fun science lesson continues with the arrival of rocket-shaped cake stands for the kids.

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Dainty jam sandwiches were cut in the shape of dinosaurs, the delicious cheese straw was a rocket and the tasty blackberry mousse cake was shaped like Saturn.

But my daughter’s favourite was the out-of-this-world planet-shaped cake pop, covered in sprinkles.

Grown-ups get to enjoy the fun too, with their adult cake stands also doused in dry-ice and featuring the same delicate blackberry cake.

But we also got a sophisticated mango, pistachio and almond moon cake topped with a coffee-and-chocolate astronaut –  a very cute touch.

There was a lighter-than-air macaroon, too, into which we were invited to inject our own raspberry filling via a syringe.

Then, both kids and adults alike are treated to a refreshing mandarin-and-redcurrant jelly served, of course, in a petri dish.

Kids are also invited to become palaeontologists by “excavating” a dino cookie buried in a tin of chocolate dust using a brush.

While adults can choose from a menu of teas – with the option to upgrade to champagne – children are brought steaming mugs of milk and asked to create their own hot chocolate using solid-chocolate lollies, marshmallows and crunchy chocolate pearls.

The whole experience is so playful.

It is the kind of culinary magic you might expect to find at Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck restaurant – but with young guests also in mind.

The unusual experience has been inspired by the hotel’s location next-door to London’s Science Museum – which is free to visit.

Fuelled by our rocket tea, we combined our visit with a trip to the museum’s fascinating galleries where we saw real-life astronaut suits, spacecraft and moon rock . . . not the edible kind.

GO: The Science Afternoon Tea is from £39.50 per child and £64.50 per adult.

See ampersandhotel.com.

THERE’s a pretty hotel hidden in amongst the Buckinghamshire countryside which is perfect for a staycation.

Read on to find out more about Burnham Beeches Hotel and the nearby known for its royal connections that’s just a 15-minute drive away.

Where is the Burnham Beeches Hotel?

Tucked down narrow and windy roads in Buckinghamshire is this beautiful countryside escape.

The huge mansion was once a private Georgian home – and, quite frankly, I’d even go as far as to call it one of the county’s best-kept secrets.

You would never realise it’s there until you turn into the driveway and it opens up to the sprawling hotel with manicured gardens and a tennis court.

Burnham Beeches Hotel is a short drive away from Windsor, Slough and Maidenhead, but its location completely out of the way means you won’t hear any traffic.

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In fact, I couldn’t hear much aside from gentle cooing of pigeons, and the hoot of an owl after nightfall.

What is the hotel like?

The main building at the Burnham Beeches Hotel is grand, kept in the style of a manor home.

Inside, there’s a huge contrast in room design, each varying from deep blues with thick orange velvet curtains in the Arden dining room, to light and airy spaces like the pretty Evergreen Tea Room.

On the more modern side of the building, the first thing you’ll notice is the calming scent, which makes sense as it’s where you’ll find the main spa area.

The reception has modern check-in tablets that are very easy to use – but there is always staff around if you need any help.

What is there to do there?

Thanks to its location, the hotel is a great base for those wanting to see more of Windsor which is a 15-minute drive away.

Here, you can see the castle and take a stroll down The Long Walk. The pretty village of Burnham is just down the road as is Ascot Racecourse and Legoland.

Guests can also make the most of the facilities in the hotel too. Use of the Temple Spa is included with an overnight stay, and guests get complimentary robes, towels and slippers.

The spa has a gym, small pool, steam room, sauna and jacuzzi.

Spa treatments are available too from 30-minute relaxing massages to hour-long facials, manicures and pedicures. 

You can also hire out equipment to have a go in the tennis and pickleball court.

Or borrow one of the bikes free of charge, to explore the grounds and surrounding countryside.

What is there to eat and drink there?

When it comes to dining, eat in the plush Arden Room. Here, I tried the sharing Gambas al Ajillo, which is Spanish-style prawns, followed by a crispy duck salad.

The king prawn and chorizo linguine (which has a slight chilli kick) and smooth coconut and lime panna cotta was also delicious.

Whether you’re a pre-dinner drinker, or fancy a post-dining tipple, the sleek Verdure Lounge Bar is where you want to be.

There’s a huge range of drinks from cocktails to wine and a refreshing pint of Mahou on draught.

In the morning, find your way to the Brasserie where there’s a generous breakfast buffet waiting for you.

It has everything you could want, from continental options like yogurt and fruit, along with classic English breakfast offerings.

At each table was a Tiptree jam stand, and I’d recommend enjoying a pot with a thick slice of sourdough. You can refill your juice, tea, and coffee as often as you’d like, too.

A traditional afternoon tea is popular here, where guests can sample a selection of sandwiches, cakes, and scones alongside a cup of tea, or upgrade for a glass of Prosecco or champagne.

What are the rooms like?

There are 79 rooms and suites at the hotel all varying in size and design. Each comes with free Wi-Fi, heating, a hair dryer, television, tea & coffee making facilities and an ensuite.

I was lucky enough to stay in one of the beautifully designed Oak Character Rooms, which had nature-inspired wallpapers with an enormous dark blue velvet headboard with green cushions and a burnt orange throw.

Its two large windows looked out onto the gardens and let in lots of natural light.

The modern ensuite had a large shower with White Company toiletries.

For those who are bringing fluffy members of the family, you can book for your dog to come along too, from £35 (max weight of 15kg per room).

Is Burnham Beeches Hotel family-friendly?

Yes. The Hive Family Rooms can sleep two adults and either two children under 10 years, or two adults and one child over 10. You get all the normal amenities, as well as 24-hour room service.

Children are allowed in the swimming pool but must be accompanied by an adult if under 16.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

The hotel offers accessible ground floor rooms, and while the spa facilities are not currently wheelchair accessible, a selection of treatments can be brought directly to the room.

To book an accessible room, call the hotel in advance.

Room rates start from £149 B&B based on two sharing. 

See here for more.