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With summer temperatures increasing each year, English winemaking is on the rise. Exploring the delights on our doorstep is now the order of the day. We have rounded up the top five vineyards across the country that are well worth a visit. Some even offer a spot to stay over so that wine connoisseurs can put their feet up, relax and sip on some of England’s best tipples.

Nyetimber, West Chiltington, West Sussex

Nyetimber uses only the finest estate-grown fruit, uncompromising attention to detail and decades of expertise to craft their award-winning wines. The luxury brand also has a price tag to match. Nestled in West Sussex, Nyetimber’s vineyards share similar characteristics with some of the best sparkling wine vineyards across Europe. Critics have remarked that Nyetimber wines could be big competitors of the large Champagne houses in the coming years. From greensand and chalk soils to the perfect climate where the gentle slopes allow for the best possible exposure to English sunshine, the estate allows the slow ripening of grapes for optimum levels of acidity and finesse. Discerning wine tasters can exclusively tour the award-winning estate and sample the flagship cuvée at certain times of the year.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CB7zRu6jK76/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

nyetimber.com

Rathfinny Wine Estate, Polegate, East Sussex

Just three miles from the coast, Rathfinny Wine Estate is situated in the centre of the picturesque South Downs. While savouring the salty sea air, guests can enjoy a tour and guided tasting with an insight into how the estate turns grapes into award-winning sparkling wine. Strolling through the vines, an experienced guide will uncover the history and wildlife of the estate and guests can stop off at the chic Tasting Room to indulge in a delicate seasonal menu served with views over the vineyard. Guests can complete their wine trip with a stay at the cosy Flint Barns. The historic buildings are located at the western end of the estate, featuring snug fireplaces, an enclosed courtyard and spacious suites perfect for a staycation filled with walks, wine and Sunday roasts.

rathfinnyestate.com

Tinwood Estate, West Sussex, Chichester

Established in 2007 by Art Tucker, Tinwood Estate’s vineyards are snuggled at the foot of the South Downs National Park. Since the first seed was planted, Tinwood has quickly established a reputation for producing some of the very finest English sparkling wine including the Estate Brut, the Blanc de Blancs and quality rosé. Just a ten-minute taxi drive from Chichester train station, the spot is the perfect weekend escape for cooped up Londoners, with regular trains from the southern city to the capital. Guests to the vineyard can imagine they are in the Loire Valley with countless similarities in scenery. Not only can guests discover the grape growing process, they’ll have a chance to taste the exquisite range of wine from the tasting room overlooking the vines below. Those wanting to make a night of it can stay in the luxurious lodges offering a tranquil oasis among the vines.

tinwoodestate.com

Camel Valley, Bodmin, Cornwall

Each summer the Lindo couple would watch the grass turn brown across the sun-drenched slopes of the Camel Valley and finally in 1989, they decided to plant their first vines. Camel Valley vineyard has since produced award-winning wines for locals from the Waitrose Drinks Producer of the Year Award in 2002 to the International Wine Challenge Gold Medal awarded in 2005. Their tours are laid back and friendly, recognising that wine has only just recently been properly cultivated in the UK. A winemaker guides guests through the vineyard, uncovering the winery process along the way. Visitors can also enjoy a five-wine tasting session, starting with Camel Valley’s most famous wine, Cornwall Brut. For a true Cornish experience, guests can stay in one of the holiday cottages. Originally characterful old-fashioned barns, the cottages have been converted with contemporary furnishings allowing incredible views of the vineyard and valley down below.

camelvalley.com

Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, Surrey

Burrowed in the heart of Surrey, the award-winning Denbies vineyard was first planted back in 1896 and has since grown to become one of the largest wine producers in the country. With 265 acres under vine and seven miles of footpaths woven throughout the estate, the family-run business offers wine enthusiasts an insight into wine production in England. Producing some of the finest sparkling and table wines throughout Europe, Denbies has been awarded multiple gold awards, including the first ever gold for an English rosé wine, and an international gold for their oaky harvest dessert wine. Visitors can soak up the surrounding views of the rolling Surrey Hills whilst savouring the tastes of the latest harvest. From the first bud bursting in spring, to the opulent vines during autumn, the changing scenery on the estate does not disappoint throughout the year.

denbies.co.uk

Promising a festival vibe in a beautiful building on the beach, welcome to the pop–up food hall redesigned to provide a safe social foodie destination from the 4th July.

It’s been a quiet and somewhat troubling time for the hospitality industry of late. Enforced closures and a countrywide lockdown have resulted in a huge rise in home cooking and, sadly, a huge downturn in the food and drink industry. If like me, you’re sick to the back teeth of banana bread and have started plotting the untimely murder of your sourdough starter, help is at hand. Shelter Hall Raw, the foodie destination that works within the Brighton community rather than alongside it, opens on Saturday 4th July.

Bringing together an eclectic line-up of Brighton’s best food and drinks businesses under one roof and supporting the farmers and suppliers that maintain them, the revamped Shelter Hall originally built in 1880’s and occupying 15,000 square foot will open its ground floor. The concept has been designed during COVID-19 to provide a dining experience that meets social distancing and safety guidelines.

Shelter Hall Raw is the first venture from Sessions Market Ltd, an ethically driven business building food halls that are cemented in local culture and support local businesses and residents. Set up by ex-Managing Director of Deliveroo, Dan Warne has worked hand-in-hand with Brighton & Hove City Council to transform Brighton’s iconic Victorian Shelter Hall building into a place for local food and drink traders and suppliers to thrive.

The food hall will feature up to ten of Brighton’s brightest culinary businesses on a pop-up, rotation basis, to give support to a vast collection of Brighton businesses. Shelter Hall Raw kicks off with delicious food and drink from local food and drink superstars such as Fatto a ManoLost Boys ChickenCarlito Burrito, Brighton Coffee Works, Toasted by GB Charcuterie and Smorls, all offering their specialties to eat in or take-away. With a focus on fresh artisan produce and supporting local businesses, especially SMEs and start-ups, Shelter Hall Raw aims to help them flourish, particularly in the difficult times brought by COVID-19 to the hospitality industry.

To ensure the building is safe for a COVID-19 era, extensive safety measures have been taken to avoid any spread of the virus include minimising contact between staff and customers, with orders taken via a mobile app, thegoodtill.com, using an apple or android device. Food and drink will be delivered to tables for guests to dine in or ready for collection at a separate takeaway window.

For those concerned about dining out during our “new normal”, please be assured that all steps have been taken to maximise the large hall space and keep social distance. Access will be via one entrance so staff can closely monitor the number of people in the building at any given time. Tables will be distanced, some fitted with screens, with groups limited to four people, so you can still enjoy a catch up over a plate of deliciousness without worrying about cross-contamination or crowded restaurants.

Session Market’s CEO Dan Warne, said: Hospitality has been one of the hardest hit sectors in the pandemic, and Shelter Hall Raw provides a new, safe environment from which these businesses can now operate, as many have been unable to fully reopen. In the future, when it’s safe to do so, we will extend this space to local musicians, DJs and artists. Our vision has always been to run a vibrant community-led space on the beach. We want it to feel like a small festival, where visitors and locals will get a flavour of the city’s delicious and diverse food offerings, and its cultural scene, all under one roof.”

As well as encouraging all traders to source produce locally, the new Shelter Hall Raw team has worked closely with non-profit Brighton & Hove Food Partnership to streamline the hall’s food waste and offer sustainable packaging. Additional signage, bins and recycling facilities will be added to the beach to ensure its kept clean and staff will monitor outdoor areas to ensure that waste is disposed of responsibly. The Hall is also serving as a case study for Circular Brighton & Hove (CBH), a network supporting the transition to a circular economy in the greater Brighton region.

As well as creating opportunities for independent local businesses and providing a vibrant place for residents to meet, the hall will generate 100 new jobs and benefit the local economy.

Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion added: It’s good to finally see this project nearing completion and that the new look Shelter Hall will soon be opening its doors. I’m looking forward to seeing the project showcase our city’s brilliant and vibrant independent food and drink sector, bringing much loved businesses from across the city to Brighton beach.

“Like much of the seafront, years of under-investment had taken its toll and Shelter Hall had fallen into disrepair. I hope this new Food Hall will show what can be done when coastal towns are supported through proper funding. Protecting our seafront heritage is an issue of city-wide importance and I’m proud of the role Green Councilors played in securing the £9 million of Government investment for this project.”

Labour MP, Peter Kyle, said: “The hospitality sector is in crisis, so I’m proud and filled with hope to see this innovative solution on Brighton seafront. Rather than slump in disappointment at an enforced delay to fully opening, owners have shown the best of British by creating this food hall for the Covid-19 era. I want the public to love it and I want other small business owners to be inspired by it, and I’m sure they will be.”

Opening Times:

· Monday to Thursday from 11am to 11pm

· Friday and Saturday from 11am to 12am

· Sunday it will close at 9pm

Note: All food stalls will stop serving an hour before the venue shuts.

So there you have it: an official excuse to put down the yeast, shove the cake tins back into the dark depths of the cupboard, and admit to yourself that sometimes it’s nicer to have someone else cook for you. Do your bit for the local economy and let’s make the Brighton food scene bloomin’ brilliant again.

Bookings for Shelter Hall Raw can be made directly at https://www.shelterhall.co.uk/

Well, finally. The warm weather is set to come out in full force over the weekend and next week (we hope it is here to stay) and if that isn’t reason enough for a summer cocktail, we don’t know what is. Whether it’s a refreshing cocktail for summer days or something to end the night with, there’s plenty of our favourite cocktails that you will learn if you check out Bar and Drink and takes on classic favourites that suit summer so well, it would be rude not to indulge in one or two.

No matter if you’re loyal to the classic mojito or daiquiri or up for finding your new favourite cocktail, the following drink recipes might take your fancy for the summer months to come. Pubs are set to open tomorrow but not all of us will feel easy to visit – so why not bring the bar home and have your own private cocktail club? Make mine a Tequila and Tonic…

Afternoon in the Highlands

With cocktails getting more and more creative, we’re not surprised the standard G&T might not be what you’re always craving. So it was music to our ears, upon hearing that Caorunn Gin had created their own version, tributing the Highlands – from where their spirit hails. A sophisticated take on the traditional classic, this cocktail involves a fermentation process that brings about a taste of acidity mergede with friuty notes – packed full of flavour. Vibrant in both taste and colour; try this version of the cocktail for the summer.

Ingredients

40ml Caorunn
30ml raspberry cordial or raspberry fermentation
25ml lemon juice
40ml tonic water
2ml peat whisky (Caorunn traditionally uses anCnoc Peatheart)
Handful of flowers to garnish (should you wish)

Method

For the raspberry cordial, stir together 500 grams of caster sugar with one litre of water and 200g raspberries in a pan. Bring it to the boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Let it cool down, strain and refrigerate. *Or, if using a raspberry fermentation, weigh 20 grams of raspberries, add 5 grams of salt and wait three to four days. Stir all the ingredients with ice and serve in a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with wildflowers.

Aperol Spritz

If you can’t actually be in Italy right now, make yourself an Aperol Spritz cocktail, close your eyes and be transported there. We can pretend, right? The refreshing and bubbly drink has proved to be a popular one and its bright orange colour couldn’t make it more of a summer cocktail if it tried. The key to loving an Aperol Spritz is adjusting the measures to your taste – depending on how strong, bitter or sweet you like your cocktails.

Ingredients:

50ml Aperol
50ml Prosecco
15ml Soda Water
1 Orange Slice
Ice

Method:

Fill a large glass with ice and combine Prosecco followed by Aperol in equal parts. Add a dash of soda water, stir and garnish with an orange slice. Adjust your Aperol Spritz cocktail to your liking by using less Aperol and adding more Prosecco if you like your drink sweeter and decrease the measures of alcohol and top up with more soda water, if you prefer a less alcoholic drink.

Blackberry and Basil P&T

Another spirit to raise the tonic drink game is white port. Now, I don’t know about you, but you say ‘port’ and I say ‘Santa’ but white port is completely different. Perfect for both drinking neat and mixing into a Port and Tonic or a cocktail, it could be a new contender for ‘drink of the summer’. Light and refreshing in taste, white port is only 19 per cent ABV – about half that of an average spirit. As of Monday, the premium spirit will be stocked in Waitrose.

Ingredients:

50ml Graham’s Blend No5 White Port
15ml Fresh Lemon Juice
4 Blackberries
Basil Leaves
Tonic
Ice

Method:

Pour 50ml Graham’s Blend No5 into a cocktail shaker. Add the lemon juice and the blackberries and muddle until the port is infused. Strain into a glass with ice and top up with tonic. Garnish with the basil leaves.

Blueberry Key Lime Mojito

Why not make your summer cocktail a virgin one? Bird & Blend Tea Co. has a blueberry key lime edition which mixes perfectly with sparkling water to make a refreshing summer drink. This mocktail needs only a few ingredients to transform it into a drink you’ll sip all day long. Only requiring a few extra ingredients to turn it from tea to a virgin cocktail. You can always had a bit of rum later on if you want to spice things up too.

Ingredients:

3 tsp Bird & Bird blueberry key lime tea
1 lime
1/2 tsp sugar
A handful of mint leaves
Ice
Sparkling water
Blueberries

Method:

Brew your blueberry key lime tea in 100ml boiling water and set aside to cool. Add your mint leaves, sugar and half a lime’s juice into a cocktail shaker and mix together. Add your ice and cooled blueberry key lime concentrate and give it a shake. Pour your mix into a glass, top with sparkling water and garnish with mint leaves, a few slices of lime and your blueberries.

Coconut Kiwi Cooler

Who doesn’t love a frozen cocktail in summer? It’s the signature drink that sorts you out on a cool day; whatever form in which it comes. Now you might be more familiar with frozen daiquiris and margaritas but what about the humble gin? Kiwi and coconut scream summer so there’s no complaints from us, blending them with gin and crushed ice. The flavour notes that underpin Brookie’s Gin are from botanicals such as native river mind, macadamia and Byron Sunrise finger limes, adding to the refreshing taste of your summer cocktail.

Ingredients:

45ml Mac. by Brookie’s Gin
2 kiwis
45ml coconut milk
2 dashes of chocolate bitter

Method:

Blend all the ingredients with ice and garnish with a slice of kiwi and edible flowers (should you wish).

Jaffa Cake Negroni

Put your hand up if you’re here for any chocolate or cake in alcoholic beverage form. There was a pause in typing because, us too. An interesting mix us this Jaffa Cake Gin – distilled with oranges, fresh orange peel, cocoa powder and actual Jaffa Cakes – the zingy orange flavour has a rich and earth chocolatey undertone. Master of Malt is selling this Jaffa Cake Negroni bundle on offer for £45.35.

Ingredients:

25ml Jaffa Cake Gin
25ml Campari
25ml Martini Rosso sweet vermouth
Orange Peel
Ice

Method:

Add ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and give a good shake. Strain into an ice-filled tumbler. Garnish with an orange peel or, for an indulgent extra, a Jaffa cake on the edge of your glass like a citrus wheel.

Papa Pimm’s Cup

Pimm’s and summer are almost synonymous – but why not try a Filipino twist on the cocktail of the season? Don Papa rum here to add that extra something to the classic English summer time refresher.

Ingredients:

30ml Don Papa
20ml Pimm’s
125ml Ginger Ale
Squeeze of Lemon
2 Cucumber Ribbons
2 Strawberries
2 Lemon Slices
Handful of Mint

Method:

In a mixing glass or rocks glass gently muddle together the strawberries, mint and lemon to release the flavours and break up the strawberries. Add to large wine glass along with Don Papa 7, Pimm’s and cucumber ribbons. Fill glass with ice and top with ginger ale. Garnish with sliced strawberry and mint sprig.

Sangria

Another one for those not drinking this summer. For those of you who don’t know, NINE ELMS is a non-alcoholic tipple, created not to replace wine but to offer as an alternative for those not drinking alcohol but still desiring a drink to pair well with food. The NINE ELMS sangria recipe incorporates the classic elements of the summer cocktail, but adding light, summer fruits such as watermelon and peaches. Don’t be deceived by this sweet drink though – there’s a twist of spice coming through from the ginger ale, star anise and cinnamon too.

Ingredients:

1 Bottle of NINE ELMS No.18
12-15 Ripe strawberries sliced into thin rounds across the core
1/4 Watermelon (seedless or seeds removed) sliced into small wedges about 5mm thick
1 juicy peach or nectarine – stone removed and thinly sliced
1 cinnamon quill
2 Star Anise
1 Orange, for twisting
200ml Dry Ginger Ale

Method

Place the strawberries, watermelon and peach in a large bowl. Add the cinnamon and star anise. Pour in the whole bottle of NINE ELMS No.18. Twist a strip of orange peel over the bowl and drop its fragrant loveliness into the concoction.Pop the bowl in the fridge to steep for at least an hour, but better left for up to 4 hours. Decant the liquid and fruit into a large jug, filling to just over half-way. Top with dry ginger ale.Stir gently, then serve in punch or wine glasses, making sure to include a good amount of the steeped fruit. Garnish with another orange twist.

T&T (Tequila & Tonic)

If you’re reading this thinking there’s a typo and that it should actually be G&T, you’d be forgiven but wrong. We know a Gin and Tonic is the classic drink to order at the bar but if gin is a tiny bit bitter for you to taste, tequila is the answer. El Rayo tequila is distilled specifically to pair better than most with tonic water. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and you have yourself a refreshing drink. Perfect for anyone who likes a sweeter, warmer taste to their drink. Always thought of the drink to shot after licking some salt and followed by a chaser of lime, it’s time to revamp your vision of drinking tequila.

Ingredients:

25ml El Rayo Tequila
75ml Tonic Water
1 Grapefruit Slice
Ice

Method:

Pour the tequila into a high ball glass and top up with tonic water. Top the glass up with ice. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.

Watermelon Tipples

If a watermelon sugar high is good enough for Harry Styles, it’s good enough for us. With it being one of our favourite fruits, how could we not love it in cocktail form? Aldi is selling a Raspberry & Watermelon Gin Liqueur (£9.99) , as well as a Strawberry & Watermelon Vodka Crush (£11.99) to make the sweetest cocktail spritzes around to enjoy this summer.

Ingredients:

25ml Gin Liqueur or Vodka Crush
Mint Leaves
75ml Lemonade
1 Watermelon Wedge
Ice

Method:

For a refreshing cocktail that’s one in a melon, simply mix a single measure of either the gin liqueur or vodka crush with mint, pour over crushed ice and top with lemonade – add a wedge of watermelon on the side for added style. Or, if you want to be really extra, spoon the insides of a watermelon out and pour a healthy measure of the delicious spirit inside. Simply top with soda and fresh lime for the ultimate summer sipping cocktail!

White Russian

Often an underrated classic cocktail, the White Russian is made up of vodka and coffee liqueur, mixed with cream or milk. Essentially it’s an alcoholic iced coffee and who can argue with that? Come to think of it, we might start ordering more of these when now we are able to dine out for brunch. Perfect for both summer days and nights; the iced coffee element ensures you don’t feel like you’re having too strong a drink early in the day but it also makes for the perfect night cap.

Ingredients:

25ml Black Cow Vodka
25ml Coffee Liqueur
50ml Milk
1 Sprinkle of Cocoa Powder
ice

Method:

Add vodka and coffee liqueur to a rocks glass and stir. Add your milk (or cream if you’re looking for an indulgent alternative) and garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

There is so much going on this Saturday 4th July, starting with the fact that it’s Independence Day in the USA, plus parts of the UK are re-opening pubs, bars, restaurants, and hotels post-lockdown.

So, if you are thinking of raising a glass this weekend then we have compiled a list of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for you to enjoy at home.

Independence Day Wines

We couldn’t put a listicle together and not include some wines from the United States of America. Our first wine is from Kendall-Jackson® and the Jackson Estate® in California. Our second wine is from La Crema’s winery, also located in California.

Kendall-Jackson®, Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay 2017

For over three decades, Kendall-Jackson has remained relentlessly committed to producing only the finest quality wines from grapes grown in California’s cool, coastal vineyards. They carefully match climates and soil types for each grape variety, and then guide each vineyard throughout the entire winemaking process.

The Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay offers tropical flavours including pineapple, mango and papaya alongside citrus notes, plus vanilla, honey, toasted oak and butter – giving a velvety texture and a creamy flavour.

Priced at £19.95, from winedirect.co.uk

La Crema, Monterey 2017 Pinot Noir

The family-owned and operated winery focuses exclusively on cool-climate appellations. A long valley, both pastoral and austere. On one end, the Monterey Bay is dramatically deep, and unusually cold. On the other, Central California, rich in history and agriculture. Throughout, a brisk, ever-present breeze that rises from the ocean and cools both fields of produce and expansive, rolling vineyards. This is Monterey; rocky, windswept and unrestrained.

La Crema, Monterey Pinot Noir has aromas of black plum, cherry and rhubarb along with hints of earth. The flavours include red plum, raspberry and blood orange, which sit alongside savoury umami and riverstone minerals. This wine is richly textured with a juicy yet balanced acidity and a toasty barrel spice.

Priced at £22.95, from winedirect.co.uk

Alcoholic Drinks

Halo

This exciting new brand Halo Drinks was created by couple Ben Hodges and Christina Kimeze, who through Halo wanted to bring fun to the consumer at home in these challenging times.

There are 9 bottles to choose from, and we are loving Rosé All Day – A playful summery cocktail which packs a punch. Refreshing and balanced, this is our top tipple when the sun is shining. The pre-made cocktail bottle boasts Rosé, Rum, Cointreau, Pomegranate Liqueur, Rhubarb Bitters, and Lemon.

Priced at £29 (50cl), from halo-drinks.co.uk

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Little Rick, CBD Cans

This high strength CBD drink offers all natural and low calorie/low sugar options in tasty cocktail inspired flavours: Raspberry Coconut, Lime & Mint, and Piña as well seasonal flavours such as limited edition Cola, that will be launching soon.

With no hemp flavour and all natural fruit, Little Rick drinks aim to take the edge off your day so you can enjoy the little things in life. Designed to be relaxing and stress relieving, Little Rick’s customers have celebrated health benefits such as help with pain, sleep, anxiety, and depression. They also make a great mixer or replacement for alcohol.

Priced at £14.49 (for 6), £24.99 (for 12), or £44.99 (for 24), from littlerick.co.uk

DRGN Turmeric Superdrink

DRGN Turmeric Superdrink is a natural energy and wellness drink that is free from caffeine and artificial ingredients, with 60% less sugar than standard soft drinks. DRGN is packed with 15 health- boosting pan-Asian ingredients – ‘superfoods’, vitamins and minerals – blended with Austrian spring water into a refreshing citrus drink that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, at only 53 calories per serve. DRGN is also vegan, gluten free and dairy free.

Priced at £19.99 (for 12), or £36.99 (for 24), from drgndrink.com

Fruity, fresh, and elegantly crisp, meet your new favourite rosé produced right here in the UK.

As we slide into true summer: strawberries, roses and sunny picnics with sunburnt shoulders, there’s nothing like a cold glass of rosé as you recline on a blanket covered lawn and soak up the beauty of golden hour. An Instagrammer’s favourite, many assume that rosé must be pale pink and hail from Provence, or like myself, have experienced unpleasant, sickly pink wines with a sticky aftertaste. Ready to buck that trend, Coolhurst, the Sussex based vineyard nestled in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, has released their Lady Elizabeth Rosé, a sublimely balanced dry sparkling wine to take us through summer and beyond.

Lady Elizabeth Rosé, so named in recognition of the Marquess of Northampton who established the estate in Sussex, is a 100% pinot noir wine boasting hints of tangerine and berries with a subtle hint of toastiness. Hailing from a single vintage and, as with everything Coolhurst releases, a single vineyard, each drop is made from carefully selected and hand-picked fruit. The time spent on the lees is carefully monitored in order to best display the nuances of the fruit whilst retaining its youthful freshness. The wine is beautifully balanced on the palate, as perfect on the dining table as it is on a sun-drenched terrace. Classically understated but layered with depth and indulgence, this multifaceted wine shouldn’t be the preserve of celebrations alone.

Perfect pairings

The beauty of Lady Elizabeth Rosé is that it is incredibly versatile for a high end, luxurious wine. Take it from someone who has paired it with dinner, sipped a glass in a sun-drenched field, and baked with it (yes, baked, recipe to follow), Coolhurst have produced a wine that allows the dish to sing, rather than overpowering the palate. Cleansing sips between mouthfuls enhance the flavours rather than drowning your taste buds with jamminess, whilst allowing you to enjoy the nuances of the wine itself. There is no end to what you can pair with this crisp glass of bubbles, but the following act as a wonderful starting point:

  • Chicken or niçoise salad.
  • Salmon.
  • Duck.
  • Lamb served pink.
  • Veggie skewers on the barbecue.
  • Charcuterie.
  • Soft cheeses.

Lady Elizabeth Rosé & Strawberry Pavlova

Whilst it may seem like sacrilege to use such fine wine in a dessert recipe, I couldn’t resist using a drop or two to create this delicious sharing dessert. Gloriously gooey marshmallow encased in a crisp pavlova shell, topped with whipped cream, Lady Elizabeth Rosé syrup and crowned with macerated strawberries, this summertime special is the perfect accompaniment to your crisp glass of wine.

Ingredients:

For the meringue:

  • 4 egg whites
  • 250g caster sugar
  • 1tsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp cornflour
  • 1tsp vanilla extract

For the topping:

  • 350ml double cream
  • 2tbsp icing sugar
  • 300g strawberries, sliced
  • 2tbsp granulated sugar
  • 240ml plus 2tbsp Lady Elizabeth Rosé wine
  • 1tsp vanilla extract

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 150C/130C (fan)/gas mark 2. Line a tray with baking paper in preparation.
  2. Using a stand mixer, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. Leave the mixer running as you add the sugar, a spoonful at a time. Leave the mixer running on a medium speed for a further 3 minutes before stirring in the white wine vinegar, cornflour, and vanilla.
  3. Scoop the meringue mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the oven for one hour before before turning off the heat and leaving the meringue in the oven with the door closed to cool completely (preferably overnight).
  4. Make the syrup by combining the 240ml wine and sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the vanilla extract and continue to cook the mixture over medium-low heat until it is reduced by half and thick and syrupy. Leave to cool completely.
  5. Whip the cream, icing sugar, and 2tbsp wine until firm peaks form. Spoon the cream on top of the meringue.
  6. Toss the strawberries in half of the syrup. Crown the pavlova with the strawberries before drizzling with the remaining syrup. Serve immediately.

Where to buy:

Coolhurst Lady Elizabeth Rosé is available to buy coolhurstvineyards.com/coolhurst-shop/ for £42 per bottle or £36 when signing up to their newletter (first orders only, terms and conditions apply).

With summer finally here, al fresco dining is in full swing and what better way to start your day than breakfast in the garden. While we can’t jet off to far flung destinations right now, we can create our own little taste of sunshine in a jar. Chosan, offers an exotic new option for spreading on your brioche or croissant.

This delicious collection of artisan jams and spreads is made with Baobab, known for its health properties, including antioxidants which boost the immune system. You can enjoy this superfood in four exciting new flavours, Baobab Chocolate Spread, Orange and Baobab Jam, Baobab Jam with Ginger and Banana and Baobab Jam. They are all tasty and are bursting with flavour, but the Baobab Jam with Ginger is to die for. The chocolate spread was a big hit in my house too, it tastes like your favourite luxury chocolate bar in a jar.

Inspired by the fruits and flavours of Africa, Chosan supports women farmers in Gambia. Jones, who used to live in Gambia working with women’s projects, was struck by how much fruit and vegetables went to waste.

“I noticed that the hard work producing food crops was undermined because of seasonal gluts, with virtually no processing of surplus, meaning they don’t get much to show for it.” said Jones.

“Later on, working internationally for a development agency, I was inspired by products I saw in Asia and Latin America, such as mango bars, guava cheese and sapodilla ice cream – all made from fruits that also grow in The Gambia.”

Chosan now creates its own fruit-based range as well as supporting women food producers in The Gambia with equipment and supplies, such as lids for recycled jam jars. This will enable them to develop products that make use of seasonal food crops.

Baobab is wild harvested, so is naturally organic and Chosan’s jams and spreads use far less sugar than most jams, sweetened with unrefined cane sugar and no artificial sweeteners.

The range also includes sorbets and drinks all made with delicious, tropical flavours with nutritional benefits.

All four of Chosan’s new jams and spreads are available in 190g glass jars. They include no allergens, are gluten free and are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

More information on the range can be found at chosanbynature.co.uk

As we look towards the future and begin to take control of our lives once again, health and wellbeing are upmost in our thoughts and plans as we move forward.

Food is always on our minds at Team Coco HQ, especially foods that promote wellness, comfort and balance. We have put together some examples of exciting, tasty produce that can be enjoyed throughout the day as a fulfilling snack, a hearty meal, or a substitute for something less healthy.

Snacks

Tobia Teff Meksess Bars, £32 for 12 bars, tobiateff.co.uk

Bursting with an abundance of vitamins and minerals, Tobia Teff Meksess Bars are the perfect pick-me-up for all health conscious snackers!

The bars are made from a simple recipe of teff flakes and coconut oil mixed with agave syrup or honey to make a wholesome, gluten free alternative to sugary flapjack bars. They come in 4 flavours including Organic Milk Chocolate Swirl Honey, Organic Dark Chocolate Agave Swirl, Plain Organic Agave and Cinnamon, and Plain Organic Honey

Chiquita Bananas, prices vary, supermarkets, outdoor markets, fruit and veg shops

The humble banana as a true hero – peel back that lovely yellow skin and underneath you will find genuinely super amounts of important vitamins and minerals, packed into a sweet, delicious fruit. You’ll find that a Chiquita banana offers superior taste and quality that you won’t forget.

Amazingly, Chiquita bananas are not only the tastiest of the bunch, they’re also good for you. Bananas are one of the best fruit sources of “happy” vitamin B6, and are also a good source of vitamin C. The manganese in bananas is great for your skin, and their generous helping of potassium is good for heart health and blood pressure. Bananas can aid digestion and help beat gastrointestinal issues thanks to a helpful amount of soluble fibre, and their natural sugars provide a long-lasting boost of energy. Best of all, they don’t contain any fats or cholesterol.

Nairns Oatcakes, £1.39, Tesco and Waitrose

Nairn’s Organic Super Seeded Oatcakes use a mix of delicious flax and chia seeds, which are a great natural source of protein as well as being rich in omegas 3 & 6. The seeds make these oatcakes even more crunchy and tasty! These oatcakes attribute great health benefits such as the slow release energy properties from the oats ensuring you are energised throughout the day, and did you also know that two oatcakes contain double the amount of fibre than one slice of white bread!

Gosh!, £2 – £2.95 each, Morrisons, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s

Gosh! Is a plant-based food range, which is free-from the top 14 allergens including gluten, nuts and soya. The full range includes falafels, burgers, sausages and bites, perfect cold and on the go or as a nutritious ingredient in a recipe.

Gosh! is ideal for those that are eating a flexitarian or plant-based diet. The whole Gosh! range is completely natural with absolutely no hidden additives, using only ingredients that you will recognise – which is why the range is fully registered by the Vegetarian, Vegan, Coeliac and Kosher food societies. With foods that are delicious, nutritious and free-from, as well as brand initiatives that encourage a kinder way of living, Gosh! are on a mission to bring truly nourishing experiences to as many people as possible. Whether it be for dietary reasons, health or a reduction in meat consumption to preserve the planet.

Meals

PEP Kitchen Frozen Ready Meals, £5.75 each, pepkitchen.co.uk

PEP Kitchen is a start-up food business led by chef founders Joe Coulter & Ben MacAndrews who, after eight years working in restaurants and street food, have teamed up with the aim of inspiring people to eat more plant-based food.

In the PEP range dishes like; ‘Gunpowder Roasted Roots with Coconut Dhal’, ‘Szechuan Mapo Tofu’ and ‘Jackfruit Massaman Curry’ strive to stand up alongside all ready meals on the market, vegan or otherwise. They are created with inspiration from some of the pair’s favourite street food experiences, using unique and bold flavour combinations.

All dishes are perfect portions for one, created to be super bold, tasty and equally nutritious; dishes largely come in under 400 calories, are gluten free, are high in fibre, and offer good sources of protein.

RE-NOURISH Soup, £2.89 each, renourish.co.uk, Waitrose, Co-op, Ocado, Selfridges and Planet Organic

Vegan soup brand, RE:NOURISH, recently launched two new soups to add to their existing range of flavours; FUEL – Yellow Split Pea & Turmeric Daal soup and ENERGY – Pea, Basil & Lemon soup.

RE:NOURISH has created a new occasion for soup with their carefully designed heatable, recyclable, and innovative grab-and-go bottles. Their delicious soups can be enjoyed with or without utensils and the entire range can be consumed warm or cold and can be frozen up for up to 3 months.

The company offers a number of uniquely convenient options, which are high in protein and contain up to half of the recommended daily intake of fibre. Each soup is intentionally designed with functionality in mind, from boosting the immune system with the flavorsome IMMUNITY – Kale, Spinach & Turmeric soup, to reducing stress with CALM – Tomato, Basil & Passion Flower soup.

Barilla Pasta, prices vary, Tesco, Asda, Co-op, Amazon and Ocado

Pasta is a staple carbohydrate in the UK, with 90-100g consumed per person, per week. Pasta has become somewhat of an indispensable item during the pandemic crisis, however many people still believe that pasta is bad for your diet and contributes to weight-gain, which is not the case if eaten correctly.

Barilla Pasta, the largest producer of dried pasta in the world want to let you know that pasta is good for you, and it’s good for the planet as it features high on the recommended consumption list with a low impact on the environment with all Barilla’s packaging now 100% recyclable. Pasta is a pillar of the Mediterranean diet, which is one of the healthiest in the world. Pasta keeps you fuller for longer thanks to its steady release of carbohydrates. It’s a myth that pasta leads to weight gain, excess calories cause this, so pasta can be enjoyed healthily.

Substitutes

YaconViva, Yacon Syrup, £9.99, yaconviva.co.uk and Amazon

Naturally delicious, with fibre-rich natural sweeteners, YaconViva Yacon Syrup is ideal for a variety of everyday uses, such as drizzling on desserts, yoghurts, smoothies, cereals and pancakes. A great alternative to maple syrup or honey, it can be used in baking as a substitute for sugar.

YaconViva Organic and Vegan Yacon Syrup comes from the Yacon plant, native to Peru and the Andes, yielding naturally sweet syrup that has a Glycemic Index (GI) of just 1. With low GI levels, the syrup has a slow sugar absorption meaning you won’t have the typical negative side effects, like headaches and increased thirst, associated with other sugars and sweeteners.

Natvia, £5.00, Tesco

Natvia is a great tasting sweetener made from 100% naturally sourced GMO-free ingredients. It tastes deliciously sweet, with no bitter aftertaste, or nasty chemicals – typical of other artificial sweeteners. If that wasn’t enough, Natvia has zero calories per serving. That’s 100% less calories than sugar. It almost sounds too good to be true doesn’t it? By simply swapping to Natvia, you can have more control over your sugar intake, in a healthy and natural way, whilst still enjoying the sweet taste that we all love.

Do you find yourself perusing social media and getting serious food envy? Us too! However, luckily, with the promise of a food subscription box flying through your letterbox you too can rustle up something swell in the comfort of your own home. After all, takeaways are everyone’s guilty pleasure right?

In the midst of your hectic lives, these highly desired boxes brim with all sorts of food and, what’s more, you can customise the contents yourself. Bonus! So, here’s a peek at some of the food subscription boxes that’ll have you waiting for the doorbell to ring…

Pasta Evangelists

Perhaps Italian night calls? No problemo! Grab yourself a Pasta Evangelists delivery and indulge in some of the tastiest pasta around. The box is brimming with freshly made pasta, delicious garnish and authentic sauce, allowing you to rustle up restaurant-quality pasta from the comfort of your abode.

Is Tuscan Pici with Wild Boar Ragu tingling your taste buds? Or perhaps you’re a sucker for Truffle Tortellini with Juniper Berry Butter (OMG!) All you’ll need to do is head to their website, select your pasta from a weekly menu of mind-blowing options, and then Pasta Evangelists, as the angels that they are, will provide you with delivery on any day of your choosing. Gino D’Acampo has nothing on your artisan pasta recipe kit! Buon appetito!

Price: Each pasta ranges in price, starting at £6.75

Hello Fresh Food

Our mouths are watering already just taking a look at the Hello Fresh Food box, as will yours be, we’re sure. The boxes are brimming with locally sourced ingredients and some easy-to-follow recipes, perfect for families as well as single people.

What can you expect? Well, Fragrant Chicken Laska and Asian Style Beed and Pork and Apple Burgers are just two of the tempting dishes on the list. So, you choose your meals (and this part is totally customisable), then suit your lifestyle with things like desserts, wines and sides thrown in if you wish. Next, you’ll get convenient weekly deliveries, et voila! You’ll cook using seasonal and fresh ingredients made in the comfort of your kitchen. And, if you’re anything like us, you’ll be papping shots ready for the gram in no time!

Price: From £3.44 per meal

Abel & Cole

There’s little that beats a busy box of fresh fruit and veg, which is why Abel & Cole’s delivery boxes are a total must. They have an eclectic array of boxes to choose from, including their Cook’s Ingredients Box which brims with offerings and is their self-proclaimed “Russian roulette of the organic world.” In here, you’ll discover a surprise mix of flavours, from aromatics, herbs and spices to interesting and unusual veg. Nothing beats it!

You could rustle up a Roasted Jersey Saag Aloo, or try your hand at a Kasha, Date and Honeyed Walnut Bowl using the goodies found inside. Or opt for something a little more seasonal, and try the Summer Salad and Veg Box, which, we’re informed, has been in huge demand over recent weeks. Plus, Abel & Cole are a very planet-friendly service. They map out routes which will operate the lowest mileage and they encourage leaving boxes and ice packs out for collection so that they can reuse them. As well, packaging is “minimal and never unnecessary,” so it’s not only a delicious delivery but a sustainable one too.

Price: £12.50 upwards

Mindful Chef

Mindful Chef does just what it says on the box, with well thought out ingredients delivered fresh to your doorstep. The lip-smacking weekly box contains two to five healthy recipes, and you’ll pick from a list of 16 epic recipes, to impress guests with your diverse cooking skills. Some of the huge advantages of the Mindful Chef box is that it’s 100 per cent gluten and dairy free, and there are a range of vegan options thrown in. What’s more, you can sink your teeth into 100 per cent grass-fed beef, free-range chicken and UK-landed fresh fish, and if you’re not impressed with your lot then no problem, as the non-committal box allows you to cancel at any time.

Price: From £4.50 per box

Hobbs House Bakery

For the bread lovers, you will be in dough heaven if you opt for a Hobbs House Bakery box. This family business was established in the Cotswolds in the 1920s, and the five generations of baking experience sure comes through in the taste of the sumptuous bread on offer. The bakers describe themselves as “born with flour on their fingers,” and their bread boxes make for the perfect accompaniment for meals, from toasties oozing with cheese, to dipping a slice of sourdough into hot soup.

Bread bundles on offer include the Sourdough Bread Box, Organic Bread Box and Bestsellers Bread Box, all of which come with incredibly generous amounts of delicious bread. The sourdough bread box features an incredible organic Tumeric and Chilli Sourdough which bursts with flavour and is a total must-teat. And if you want to try your hand at making bread like Hobbs House then you could also pop the Sourdough Baking Kit into your basket, which gives you all the tools to whip up hot sourdough using Organic Rye Flour from their local mill. Hungry? We certainly are!

Price: £14.50 upwards

Riverford Organic Farmers

Riverford are experts when it comes to seasonal sublimity. The brand produces the highest quality organic produce, delivering it straight to your doorstep, to donate tastes of freshness and deliciousness to the palette.

Delicious boxes include the Summer Fruit Bag, Zero Packaging Organic Veg Box and Seasonal Organic Veg Box, and oh, so many more. You’ll enjoy the likes of new potatoes, bunched carrots, Batavia lettuce and chestnut mushrooms as just some of the enticing offerings from this forward-thinking company. Some items might change to bring you what’s best on the day, and the box gets delivered the same time the Riverford van is in your area, in a bid to minimise carbon emissions. Oh, and additional kudos go to them for their detailed leaflet which provides instructions on how to recycle every bit of packaging.

Price: From £7.95

The cult coffee brand offering more than your regular flat white.

It’s been three months since the introduction of lockdown and social distancing, it’s time to admit that we’re not all going to pump iron, master contouring and learn Swahili. The yearning to lie back on a picnic blanket in a sunny park, icy cold cocktail in hand, has only been intensified by months of Netflix and sofa snacks. With people on the hunt for the perfect tasty treat to enjoy outside, London cult coffee brand, Grind, has re-opened it’s Greenwich Grab and Go counter to offer delectable cocktails for takeaway.

Since opening in 2011, the Shoreditch stalwarts have gone from offering coffee, cocktails, and snacks to a killer soundtrack, to their Grind at Home collection – led by some of the UK’s first compostable coffee pods for Nespresso machines. Understanding that if there was ever a time for a drink, it’s now, Grind’s Greenwich Grab and Go counter is dishing out frosty cocktails, sublime spiked coffees, and some rather grown-up versions of childhood favourites, alongside a bevy of delicious snacks, alcohol-free beverages, and a few grocery items such as milk, eggs, bread, and avocados

From the much-adored Grind Espresso Martini to a deliciously refreshing Frosé, it’s the perfect stop before a socially distant weekend picnic in the park or a London sunset by the river. For the saints among us, many of Grind’s offerings are also available sans-alcohol, so that hazy evening picnic can roll on beyond golden hour without worrying about a sore head in the morning.

You can find the full menu here but some highlights include:

  • Aperol Spritz — Aperol, prosecco, soda — £9.50
  • Irish Espresso Martini — Grind filter, Jameson Caskmates, Tia Maria, Baileys cream, sugar — £9.00
  • On Wednesday’s We Wear Pink — Beefeater Pink, Croft Port, rosé, tonic, strawberries
  • Elderflower Spritz — Absolut, elderflower, lemon, prosecco, soda (available alcohol-free) — £9.00

Snacks include mouth-watering chorizo meatballs, tender Nocellara olives, and crispy baby patatas bravas, perfect for a light al-fresco catch up. Whether you’re wanting a picnic basket of frosty beverages and delicious treats, or a Negroni to get you through the supermarket queues, just bring your sunglasses and let Grind do the rest.

You can get your Grind on at Greenwich Grind, 17 Nelson Rd, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 9JB. For those outside of London, Grind at Home can be purchased at www.grind.co.uk

Click here for our Grind guide on smooth, lockdown skin using leftover coffee grounds: https://houseofcoco.net/get-your-grind-on-for-smooth-lockdown-skin/

We are here for you on this World Gin Day with a list of rather fabulous gins from across the UK to enjoy at home, we have also included a tasty gin cocktail that you can make at home too.

In the absence of gin festivals taking place in the park or gin tastings in the pub, there are a whole plethora of live IGTV gin events taking place this weekend.

Whitley Neill, Gooseberry Gin Limited Edition, 70cl, £24, TheDropStore.com

Gooseberry is an on-trend flavour that is growing in popularity and has synergy with the British summer as gooseberries come into season. This is the first limited edition flavour in the popular Whitley Neill Gin range and boasts tastes of vanilla, stone fruits, pear and white pepper spice. This gin is idea served up with cloudy apple and tonic water for a refreshing gooseberry fool cocktail. Join Whitley Neill gin founder Johnny Neill on Instagram live at 5pm on 13th June via @whitleyneillgin to see live distillation).

Bolney Estate Gin, 70cl, £35, bolneywineestate.com

Bolney Estate Gin is a classic, dry English gin, from Sussex. Its vibrant freshness of lemon oil and fennel is delicately balanced with hints of bay and juniper. As richly scented as a country hedgerow, it has an earthy, floral depth and a spiciness on the nose and finish. It gives a natural zing to a G&T and a satisfying heart to any cocktail, impressing the most discerning gin connoisseurs and cocktail lovers alike.

Caorunn Gin, 70cl, £29, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Tesco

The Big Bakes and Caorunn Gin have joined forces to help Brits find an altogether more exciting way to enjoy their favourite tipple by creating the ultimate gin-infused treat of gin and tonic cupcakes. The G&T cupcakes have a delectable gin infused sponge, which is drizzled with a delightful tonic syrup and finally topped with a light and crisp botanical infused buttercream (recipe available from 13th June via @thebig_bakes and @caorunngin).

Slingsby Marmalade Gin, 70cl, £39.99, spiritofharrogate.co.uk

Harrogate-based Slingsby Gin has teamed up with stylish food writer and influencer Anna Barnett to celebrate World Gin Day. Slingsby Gin fan Anna, will be hosting a live cook-a-long on her Instagram profile, where gin lovers will have the chance to create an exclusive new recipe at home, but with a citrusy twist. Anna will be showing cooking enthusiasts how to make Slingsby Gin drunken apricots with meringue and citrus cream. The key ingredient in this brand new recipe is the latest flavour variant in Slingsby’s product portfolio Slingsby Marmalade Gin (Instagram live, 6pm, 13th June via @annabarnettcooks).

Holy Island Gin, 70cl, £38, holyislandgin.co.uk

While we’re all staying home for this year’s World Gin Day, there’s no reason not to try out a few new recipes in your home bar. Take a happy hour trip to Holy Island and let your tastebuds take you on a journey with a wonderful Holy Island’s Hibiscus Gin Sour.

Holy Island’s Hibiscus Gin Sour

Ingredients:
60ml Holy Island Gin
25ml freshly squeezed lemon
25ml homemade hibiscus and lemon syrup
1 egg white
Garnish with twist of lemon