British Travel Journal | Autumn/Winter 2023

state of-the-art wellness space. Here, there is a huge,
plant-filled gym, filled with all manner of cutting-edge
kit and modern machinery. There’s also a spin studio and
a variety of fitness classes on offer and, if you’re in need
of pampering, there are four treatment rooms, while the
outdoor heated lido, tennis court, and running track all
await outside.
After a very good Pilates class (a perfect combination
of both sweat and stretch), it was time for a cocktail,
naturally. There’s a sprawling outdoor terrace, dotted with
squishy beanbags, cute carpets, cosy firepits and lots of
lovely festoon lighting. From here, I sipped an excellent
Paloma and admired the far-reaching views across Birch’s
beautiful, tree-strewn grounds.
There are two restaurants at Birch (Selsdon), both
named after local flowers. I had dinner at Elodie, which is
headed up by award-winning, Michelin-starred chef Lee
Westcott. Overlooking the terrace and former golf course
beyond, this 100-seater space is a feast for the eyes, with
lavishly decorated ceilings, mirrored pillars, atmospheric
lighting, and sumptuous booth seating. The offering is a
nature-driven seasonal tasting menu, and each and every
dish was exquisitely presented and tasted nothing short of
sublime.
Just some of the highlights included a perfectly crisp
croustade filled with sweet summer green beans, creamy
smoked cod’s roe, wild garlic capers and marigold; a small
warm loaf of sourdough, made with local IPA, slathered
‘
I had dinner at Elodie... a feast for the eyes, with lavishly decorated ceilings,
mirrored pillars, atmospheric lighting, and sumptuous booth seating.
’
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