Torre del Visco, Matarraña, Spain
22nd- 26th April 2027
Guest chef: Phil Howard
Workshops: Richard Bertinet (baking)
From £5150 per person
We invite you to spend 4 nights at the Torre del Visco with us. Days will be spent exploring the estate with oleologist Victor, his limitless knowledge of wild plants a rare treat; baking with the master himself Richard Bertinet; hiking in the hills with a local guide (and perhaps a dip in the breathtaking nearby waterfall); cocktail and wine masterclasses; demonstrations and tastings and plenty more. As the sun dips, the group gathers for a feast, each night cooked by either our guest chef or Valentine.
“All it takes to make bread is flour, water and salt. To make great bread, add a little Bertinet.”
Phil Howard
Revered as the 'chef’s chef’, long adored by regular customers, Phil’s reputation sees him widely complimented as a culinary legend in the truest sense. And so say all of us! We are honoured that he will be joining us as our first guest chef among the olive trees of Torre del Visco.
When Val first started in London’s kitchens he saved his wages to eat at The Square and is truly excited to see what Phil will be creating with the splendid produce from the surrounding mountains and the excellent fish and from the mighty Ebro river delta nearby.
Working over his amazing career for both Marco and Simon Hopkinson, in turn Phil has trained such names as Brett Graham, Adam Byatt and many others. From his days as chef patron of the two-starred The Square, he opened Elystan Street in 2016 and also has a wide array of interest in other restaurants such as Kitchen W8, Perilla, Morchella and of course NOTTO.
Drawing from his profound classical knowledge and playful culinary flexibility you cannot second guess what surprising delights he will bring to the plate. A superb cook and joyful companion, we are cockahoop that Phil is coming to Aragon and given he’s a very keen runner, those of you thinking of attempting simultaneous soufflé discussion and jogging.. you’ll have to keep up!
The Location: Torre del Visco
Torre del Visco is a 15th-century estate sitting in the wooded folds of the Matarraña, Spain, a spectacularly stunning area seemingly unknown, such is its empty rural tranquility.
Perched on a hill with a backdrop of forest thick with pine, oak and wild boar, this turreted (Michelin key) hotel looks out over a valley dotted with an extensive orchard of twisted ancient olives, each so old they are sure to have seen many secrets play out beneath their boughs. Such places as this are hard to find and we feel incredibly fortunate that having looked high and low the invitation came from the owner that we visit them.
Serene, rose bordered terraces look out over mountains, trees and large skies, a wonderfully peaceful place to sip sherry as the light dips while a garden swimming pool, nestled in the tree line, offers cool respite from the days sun under the glorious racket of cicadas and the piney woodland scent that fills the air. Inside, the rooms are very comfortable and welcoming whether a suite at the top of the tower or overlooking pretty gardens or the valley. The kitchen is a cook’s dream with a large table for any guest who might want to sit and chat alongside the daily preparations.
Torre del Visco is a haven of tranquility where such silence in natural surroundings surely is a luxury above all others. A hidden gem, its walls full of friendliness, its team a pleasure to be with, we are delighted to count it as one of the homes for Kitchen In The Wild.
