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Afternoon Tea

An Afternoon Tea Scentsation at the 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel

If you should wander on down the whitewashed streets of Kensington, you’ll no doubt stumble across the beautiful 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel. Contained therein is Botanica, a tearoom set within a plant draped atrium dripping with cherry blossom and lime. Step inside their redolent quarters and brace yourself for a journey of the senses as part of their unique collaboration with luxury perfumer, Floris, London. Whilst flavour will always be the most important aspect of any afternoon tea experience, ‘Scentsation’ broadens our sensory horizons, stimulating scent, sights, textures and interactions, creating a truly unique experience.

Rather than rely solely on a gilded stand adorned with sumptuous cakes and delicious goodies that you cannot wait to gobble up with edacious glee (although there are still plenty of those on offer here), ‘Scentsation’ draws you in with intoxicating fragrance, a heady bouquet of cherry blossom and lime fills the air as you approach your table. If you’re not wholly keen on floral flavours then, please, do not fear. The floral notes of what you are about to be served are so nuanced, so flawlessly blended and intertwined with an abundance of different flavours, textures and temperatures, that there is nothing overbearing or overly flowery to be concerned about. The absolute genius of this experience is that the flavours are presented in such a gentle way before you are provided with options to enhance them, add an umami edge, or additional honeyed sweetness. No two experiences are the same, and there are no guidelines other than to, well, to create whatever pleases your senses.

Heading in to Botanica, you are greeted with flourishes of blushing blossoms and verdant, lush foliage. The surroundings, resplendent, yet cosy, are fresh and vibrant whilst retaining the opulence and grandeur of the hotel itself. Upon being seated, you will find a handy pairing guide tucked inside your napkin, containing gentle advice as to how to pair up your afternoon treats with the selection of additional toppings provided. Each table is furnished with a tray of toppings varying from sweet to savoury, light to umami, allowing you to create your own, truly bespoke experience. The thyme, pink peppercorn and sumac topping paired beautifully with the lemon desserts, the golden popping candy added an explosive surprise to the lime dome, the lavender honey (my personal favourite) added a delectable edge to the buttery madeleine, and the Himalayan salted dark chocolate was perfect with just about everything. There are no rules here, you are free to experiment and scatter toppings as you please, finding your own preference as you go. I even added a little thyme, pink peppercorn and sumac to one of my scones, along with clotted cream and a little jam. Whilst it’s not something I would have normally paired up at home, the freedom to experiment entices you to try flavour combinations you wouldn’t normally be inclined to throw together.

The afternoon tea itself comprises of three layers of treats: savoury sandwiches and flatbreads, featuring silky smoked salmon and spiced chicken, cakes and pastries, including the silky Buddha’s hand madeleine and fluffy, croquelin choux, crowned with a tier of scones accompanied by velvety clotted cream and zingy fruit jams. The teas, provided by the fabulous Whittard of London, include their famous Sakura blend (green tea and cheery) to compliment the scones, and Keemun, the perfect accompaniment for the lemon and lime notes of the baked desserts. If you’ve something to celebrate (or even if you haven’t), you can of course upgrade to the champagne option for an effervescent alternative.

For those wishing to elevate their experience, 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel are also offering an exclusive Floris hotel package. Alongside the ‘Scentsation’ Afternoon Tea, guests can enjoy an overnight stay in one of the hotel’s sumptuous suites, which also includes a complimentary full-size bottle of one of Floris London’s iconic fragrances. A VIP version of the Floris package will also be available to book, with the added element of a stay in the luxurious Queen’s Gate Suite, which boasts a private entrance with direct street access and up to four private bedrooms, alongside a behind the scenes tour of Floris’ Jermyn Street store, guided by either the Bespoke Perfumer or Perfumery Director. Following the tour, guests will have the opportunity to create a bespoke fragrance, choosing from a wide selection of fine fragrance bases and notes, the perfumer will slowly create a scent that is truly personalised to you, adding new accords to complement the guest’s taste until the unique fragrance is complete.

The Lowdown:

The Afternoon Tea Scentsation is an e-scent-tial (sorry) experience for any foodie, tea aficionado, purveyor of luxury fragrances, or anyone who enjoys delicious food in a sumptuous setting away from the hustle and bustle of the centre of London. You will be spoiled with exceptional culinary offerings, enveloped in bewitching scents, and looked after by the friendliest, most welcoming hotel staff in Kensington. An unmissable experience, the Afternoon Tea Scentsation is priced at £42.50 per person (£55 per person with a glass of Moet & Chandon Champagne) and can be booked directly at https://100queensgate.com/food-and-drink/botanica

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Brazil

Lockets: the wine bar that is taking the stuffiness out of St James’s

If you ask me would I visit a wine bar for an evening meal, my answer 90% of the time would be a no. However, Lockets is no ordinary wine bar; they are brought to you by the Wiltons group. They own the institutions Wiltons which opened in 1742 and Franco’s in 1945; so you would guess it was high time, they opened their next venture.

Lockets is open from 7.30 am to 11.00 pm so you can enjoy anything from early morning breakfast to a late evening supper. They might be aiming for a casual and relaxed atmosphere but the decor is refined and elegant. The wavy monochrome flooring is an eye-catcher, whilst the amber-coloured table tops, the glass globe pendant and the soft-coloured wooden panels all add a sense of warmth to the venue. Plus, their floor-to-ceiling windows allow for plenty of natural daylight along with the obligatory people watching.

Service is effortlessly welcoming here, we were greeted in a very personable way by their Brazilian manager and in no time, she had recommended top-quality choices for our wine selection. Here, they like to recommend the more atypical, so we were offered Pinot Grigio from Slovakia. It was on the dry side with aromas of grapefruit and ripe pear which paired well with the food we ordered.

The second wine we tried was a relatively light Cabernet Sauvignon from The Cannonberg Project in South Africa. A percentage of the money from the sales of these wines goes directly to support projects within the local community in the renowned Cape Winelands. And they strongly support ethical and sustainable farming.

They have 3 different menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and the real discovery was their dinner menu. Most wine bars offer simple cheese and charcuterie boards to pair with their wines and they do offer those items, but their cold and hot plates were expertly executed. One suspects their chefs have been trained at either the hallowed kitchens of Wiltons or Franco’s.

The raw red prawns had a deep, vibrant hue and were flavoured with a hint of chilli oil and is a dish as good as any you will find in the heart of Sicily. For the last adventurous, they have house-cured salmon with mustard and rye bread.

The hot plate offerings were relatively vegetarian-friendly with dishes like squash risotto with burratini and sage and polenta, mushrooms and parmesan. The former had a delightful variation in texture with the squash, cheese, and healthy seeds; whilst the latter reminded me how polenta is such an underrated dish and should be eaten more often.

Lockets will no doubt join the likes of Wiltons and Franco’s as a major institution in the West End of London.

https://www.locketslondon.com/

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Food & Drink

A timeless Italian classic that is still an industry leader on the London restaurant scene.

For an Italian restaurant that is has been opened since 1945, you might be expecting Franco’s to be a stuffy, old-fashioned institution set on their ways. After all, Jermyn Street where the restaurant is situated dates back to 1664 when Charles II authorised Henry Jermyn, the Earl of St Albans, to develop an area close to St James’s Palace and is still a bastion of gentleman tailor shops. However, with their recent refurbishment at the tail end of last year, there is a more contemporary sophistication to proceedings with smart grey woods and traditional botanical-inspired wallpapers adorning the entrance and reception area. Mirrors running the length of the room offers spacious feel to the dining space.

Their à la carte menu is a classy affair with dishes that are not overly complicated yet uses the finest of ingredients. The prime example is the first course of fresh hand-picked crab with avocado and citrus; you genuinely see every strand of crab meat that has been carefully picked out from the shell of the crustacean. The citrusy fruits on top of the dish added to the freshness of the creation. Pan-fried scallops were cleverly flavoured with n’duja to add a stronger punch to the dish and were accompanied with butternut squash.

Pasta dishes are freshly made in-house and not to be missed. They offer both a smaller portion if you intend on having a main course afterward or they can make a heftier portion if you are looking for a quicker business-type lunch. I opted for the pappardelle with mixed mushrooms and black truffle; which was cooked not a second more than required to ensure it was genuinely al dente tasting. A mixture of exotic mushrooms and truffles always works well in terms of a vegetarian option for pasta. However, if you are visiting with any vegetarian or vegan guests, they do have a dedicated menu to ensure all dietary needs are catered for. And they always have daily specials to ensure, regulars can always try something new or what is seasonal in the markets.

The dessert section of the menu is also a must-try part of Franco’s experience. Their classic tiramisu seemed to be the dish of choice looking at neighbouring dinner tables and it just had the right amount of moisture and a slight hint of alcohol. However, the surprising winner on our table was the ricotta and pear cheesecake which had a delightful fruity scent from the addition of the pears. And the addition of the chocolate ice cream made the dish even more irresistible.

If you are looking for a classy Italian affair, look no further than Franco’s in Mayfair.

www.francoslondon.com

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Coco Couples

THE SPOILS OF LOVE: LONDON’S HOTTEST RESTAURANTS GEAR-UP FOR Valentine’s Day

Love is all around us! It’s February and this means some of London’s most-loved iconic dining spots turn up the heat with their enticing Valentine’s Day menus. Whether you’re loved-up or just feel like indulging with your friends, take a pick from some of the most fabulous spots in London below and enjoy the spoils of the Month of Love.

Kaspar’s at The Savoy

With glittering chandeliers, mirrors and polished marble floors, the exquisite Art Deco-inspired restaurant Kaspar’s at The Savoy is a chic, sophisticated spot for romance. This year, the restaurant will be offering a special sharing menu that features the most luxurious ingredients including oysters, Foie Gras, truffle and champagne. Upon arrival guests will receive a glass of Louis Roederer Rosé Champagne followed by a five course menu. Examples from the Valentine’s Day menu include sharing dishes of oysters, crab ravioli, lamb wellington, beef tartare, Native lobster and a raspberry soufflé. The menu will cost £105 per person.

Bottles | Chelsea

Located on Draycott Avenue and nestled in the heart of leafy West london BOTTLES is a new Italian wine bar and restaurant which focuses on quality Italian food and houses an eclectic & extensive wine list. Perfect for couples seeking to enhance their knowledge of wine, or simply pop in for a glass or two to enjoy along with some authentic Italian small plates, the beautiful new Chelsea venue provides the perfect date-night spot. Highlights from the food menu include Truffle Taglioni, Mediterranean Octopus with Mushroom Jus & Wild Seabass Ceviche with baked black olive sauce.

Ridgeview | Simpson’s In The Strand

Simpson’s takes enormous pride in being a long-standing supporter of English sparkling wine and is pleased to serve Ridgeview’s Simpson’s Cavendish NV as the first sparkling in its Beverage Collection. The upstairs bar is the perfect spot to share a bottle with a loved one this Valentine’s Day, with the bottle’s vibrant pink sash making if feel like an apt choice for the occasion.

Beaufort Bar | The Savoy

The Beaufort Bar provides a theatrical, art deco setting in which to enjoy cocktails that push the boundaries this Valentine’s Day. The award-winning team have created a menu designed to intrigue and excite guests with each drink listed entirely unique to the Beaufort Bar. For those with more of a taste for romance, the Beaufort Bar boasts an impressive selection of vintage and non-vintage champagne by the glass and bottle.

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Australia

Best Places to Escape for Valentine’s Day

Love is in the air! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and there’s nothing we love more than an excuse for a weekend or week away. Try the following short breaks to celebrate love, on Valentine’s Day or any day of the year.

Venice

Twenty minutes from Venice’s magical St Mark’s Square, The Dedica Anthology’s Grand Hotel dei Dogi combines an authentic sense of nobility from its 16th-century origins with a modern attitude to life and thoughtful, highly personalised service. Although the hotel is located within the magical and romantic canals of Venice and just a short distance from the tourist beats, guests can get lost in one of the city’s largest private gardens and experience the true romance of Venice.

Grand Hotel dei Dogi has produced a Romantic Secret Map for Valentine’s Day – a handy insider guide to their favourite romantic spots in the city. With intimate squares, flower-filled parks and breath-taking views to discover, you cannot fail to feel the love.

Istanbul

Once known as Constantinople or City of the World’s Desire, Istanbul blends two continents. With a history as poetic as that, romance can be found in every corner of the Old City.

An artisanal gem, the five-star AJWA Hotel Sultanahmet blends the finest elements of Seljuk and Ottoman architecture with modern luxurious hospitality, creating the perfect backdrop for the ultimate romantic getaway. The hotel’s location in the fabled Old City of Istanbul, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so couples can explore the major mosques, museums and bazaars, which are only a short distance away, before returning to the spectacular hotel. Couples can book in for a private treatment at the exquisite hammam or take the views from the rooftop whilst enjoying an intimate candle lit dinner.

Maldives

A myriad of blue and picturesque islands, the Maldives is romance personified, a tranquil escape with uninterrupted ocean and pristine turquoise lagoon views.

For Valentine’s Day, the spa at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo is offering a special Valentine’s Day package that includes a 30-minute coconut and sea salt exfoliation, 60-minute heavenly signature body massage and a soaking bath tube experience with a bottle of wine. For couples staying at the resort during Valentine’s Day, they have the choice of two incredible food and drink offerings. The Valentine’s Kaiseki Dinner is a five-course dinner at The Pearl, the resort’s elegant speciality Japanese restaurant.

Alternatively, guests can enjoy the Starlight Escape Dinner on Sunset Beach, which includes a five-course dinner and one bottle of champagne. Guests can also add a floating breakfast in the morning with two glasses of champagne to this package for the ultimate Valentine’s Day experience.

Northern Ireland

The Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, one of Hastings Hotels’ seven properties in Northern Ireland, is situated on the idyllic seashores of the Irish sea on Newcastle Bay. The hotel looks out to the Mountains of Mourne with spectacular views across the Royal County Down Golf Course. Set in six acres of beautifully kept private grounds, the property is famous for its expansive and luxurious spa. Guests can escape to a cocoon of calm and melt away their stresses with over two floors of tranquility, including a magnificent 20 metre swimming pool and Vitality Pool, amethyst steam room and high-tech fitness studio.

This Valentine’s, spend a romantic dinner overlooking the Mourne Mountains, complete with dinner, a glass of prosecco and spa access during your stay. Plus of course a Hastings rubber duck created especially for Valentine’s Day for those bubble baths for two.

Vietnam

Salinda Resort is located on the serene island of Phu Quoc, where the breathtaking location, authentic Vietnamese touches and impeccable service are ideal for a Valentine’s Day break. With three spoiling restaurants to choose from, an enchanting Thai Spa, and the incredible famous ‘purple sunsets’, Salinda Resort offers a charming tranquil island retreat. The hotel boasts a fantastic selection of exceptionally designed venues to inspire love. .

Wow your loved one with a stunning, serene and beautifully set up dinner, featuring a glorious sunset as your backdrop or a dinner nestled in lush greeneries of the mango garden. Experience romance with a 3-course gourmet meal as your private waiter provides attentive and solicitous service for you to celebrate love. Alternatively, working alongside your Valentine, Chef Long will walk you through a culinary celebration of your favourite Vietnamese dishes. The chefs will demonstrate how to make the quintessential Vietnamese meal step by step, and then you can dine on your creations for lunch with complimentary refreshments and chef’s recipes to take home.

Tuscany

What could be more beautiful than gazing at the stars with your loved one? Tuscany Now & More, the exclusive villa rental specialists in Tuscany and beyond, is delighted to announce its collection of properties that boast awe-inspiring panoramas for Valentine’s Day, creating the perfect locations for stargazing and admiring the sun set to form a spectacular night sky. Guests can experience stargazing with an expert astronomer at a traditional Tuscan farmhouse, stay in a villa on its very own secluded hilltop, or sit on their terrace on the edge of a medieval village and gaze at the starlit night sky above.

Located in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, Colli Fiorentini is a spectacular stone farmhouse that is surrounded by sweeping hills, blanketed with vineyards and olive groves. Due to the villa’s remote location, the constellations are incredibly visible from the garden, allowing guests to experience a truly magical and unique Tuscan experience.

Lisbon

Tivoli Carvoeiro invites you to celebrate love with a customised programme designed for St. Valentine’s, being the perfect excuse for a romantic weekend, in one of the most elegant resorts in the Algarve. With a contemporary and warm design, inspired by the tones of the sea, and tucked onto a cliff-hugging coast of picturesque fishing villages, Tivoli Carvoeiro is the perfect setting for a romantic getaway. Some highlights of the programme include dinner for two, with the sound of the Atlantic waves and candlelight, a walking tour of the Seven Hanging Valleys with a specialized guide to help couples unveil the secrets of the landscape, fauna, flora and local culture. The Valentine’s Day program includes an offer of 20% for the couple treatments at the Tivoli Spa. The romantic treatment for two combines a facial with a massage and ends with a bath of rose petals, strawberries with chocolate and sparkling wine.

There is a strong belief that the Trojans were originally Greek, including some of the scholars who worked at https://madeinturkeytours.com/troy/ site.

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Accessories

Valentine’s Gifts For You

It is the month of love, and what better way to celebrate than asking your Bae to treat you to a little special something.

So, if you are looking for a new luxurious skincare for your lips, romantic breakfast in bed, a gorgeous floral fragrance, a tasty sweet treat, a delicious liqueur, a box of luxury bath-time truffles, a pretty heart-shaped houseplant, a pretty scarf, or even a stunning bouquet of roses, then we’ve got you covered.

Apoth and Co., Lip Care Trio, £14 each, from apothandco.com

A lip care trip designed for the perfect lip care routine; an exfoliating lip scrub, a hydrating lip gel mask, and a moisturizing lip balm to help with the perfect valentine’s pout.

Forman & Field, Breakfast in Bed Hamper, £54.95, from formanandfield.com

More than just breakfast in bed, this gorgeous hamper is a statement of romance. Included in the hamper are Forman’s Grade One Smoked Salmon (200g), Peter’s Yard Crispbreads (200g), Chapel Down Brut Reserve (75cl), Pear & Lemon Conserve (225g), and Paddy & Scott’s Morning Coffee.

Leighton Denny, LD LIGHT & DARK Eau De Parfum, £43.50 (70ml), from LD-boutique.com

Essential oil blends of pepper, myrrh and incense offer a warm, welcoming, unique fragrance. Heart notes of gardenia, jasmine, lily and rose stimulate confidence, attraction and desire. Merged with top notes of mandarin, grapefruit, peach and white pepper this blend will mesmerise. This irresistible fragrance is exotic and intoxicating, triggering instincts of allure, attraction and distinctiveness and leaving an exhilarating, hypnotic scent trail ideal for valentines.

Smith & Sinclair, Bae Mine Boozy Gummies, £15 per box (+ £1 per valentine’s sleeve), smithandsinclair.com

Smith & Sinclair, kinky creators of cocktail confectionery, have applied their signature adult twist to its original grown-up Alcoholic Cocktail Gummies with limited-edition Valentine’s Day sleeves to personalise with a naughty or nice message!

Chambord, Black Raspberry Liqueur, £8 (20cl), from all major supermarkets

The Chambord 20cl bottle can be gifted by itself, or if you are celebrating at home, can be incorporated in to a wide range of delicious cocktails – the perfect way to impress your valentine.

The Chambord Royale (15ml Chambord to 125ml Champagne or Prosecco), puts a saucy twists on traditional flute of fizz and will kick start your Valentine’s Day beautifully.

Yorkshire Soap, Bath Truffle Gift Box, £15 (for 6 boxed truffles), yorkshiresoap.co.uk

Drop a bundle of luxury into your bath this Valentine’s Day with one of the moisturising bath truffles by The Yorkshire Soap Co. Handmade using cocoa butter and sweet almond oil, the truffles are an the ideal addition to a romantic evening at home on 14th February.

Root, Valentine Hoya Kerrii Houseplant, £4, from root-houseplants.com

You can rely on a small single rooted leaf to make a very big statement this Valentine’s Day. The Valentine Hoya Kerrii is a slow growing, perfect heart shaped semi-succulent plant with bright green leaves that grow from a vining stem.

Aldi, Shades of Love Bouquet, £29.99, Aldi stores

Aldi’s Shades of Love Bouquet has Valentine’s Day sorted for your beau, the ombre bouquets contains 100 carefully selected, Fairtrade roses and is available in-store from 12th February.

BEULAH London, Kamala Pink Blush & Soft Pink Heart Scarf, £120, beulahlondon.com

This Kamala scarf is made by one of Beulah’s impact partners in Nepal. By purchasing a scarf, the wearer is helping to provide vulnerable women with sustainable employment opportunities to help them break the cycle of poverty. Made of 70% wool and 30% silk. Spotted on the Duchess of Cambridge while in Wales recently. What a royally wonderful valentine gift this would be! For something a little bit more unique, head to ManlyManCo.com.

Manly Man Co

Looking for something a bit more manly, look no further than ManlyManCo.com. Whether its beef jerky roses to make your man smile or he’s more of a bacon man, this is the place to shop for all of your manly Valentines gifts.

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Afternoon Tea

Coco Crush: 6 Tasty Treats

We have been super healthy all month at #TeamCoco (well, almost all month), so it’s time to let our hair down, dive head first into our January payday funds, and enjoy a tasty treat or two.

February is basically here, and with it brings the month of love, so why not love yourself and tuck into something delicious, nutritious, and thoroughly enjoyable?

Check out these delectable foodie treats and divine drinks to get you through the month ahead. We have included a seriously good sugar alternative, a flavoursome Mexican recipe, a super selection of cooking sauces, a rich vegan cheese, a mindful cup of tea, and an excellent rose negroni cocktail.

What’s not to love about February!

Natvia

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.

Natvia is created from a unique blend of organic Stevia (a sweet leafed plant) and erythritol (a natural nectar found in melons and grapes) making it 100% natural.

Not only for your morning cuppa, try sprinkling Natvia over porridge, baking your best Mary Berry cake creation, or even adding to savoury sauces, such as curry or bolognaise, for that extra special touch.

Priced at £5 (300g), available from Tesco stores and tesco.com

Old El Paso

Old El Paso, the UK’s favourite Mexican food brand is bringing the celebrated
Super Bowl party to the nation as they join forces with NFL as the official UK partner of Super Bowl LIV.

This weekend is Super Bowl Sunday. Traditionally, it was an American celebration, but with American Football growing in popularity Mexican food brand Old El Paso want to show you how to throw the infamous Super Bowl Party in style.

Why not try half-time Halloumi Fajitas? Recipe below:

Ingredients: Halloumi, veg oil, mixed peppers, black beans, sour cream, jalapeños, avocado slices, Old El Paso Crispy Crumb Seasoning, Old El Paso Flour Tortillas, Old El Paso Salsa.

Method: Slice halloumi into 1cm thick slices and mix with veg oil and Old El Paso Crispy Crumb Seasoning, to coat. Pan fry halloumi alongside peppers until lightly golden and crispy on each side. Microwave Old El Paso Soft Flour Tortillas 35-40 seconds. Lay the crispy halloumi on the warm flour tortillas; add black beans, avocado and cooling sour cream. For a real kick add jalapenos and finish with Old El Paso Salsa. Serve

Old El Paso Fajita Kits, Salsa, and Flour Tortillas available from most UK supermarkets.

Bay’s Kitchen

Bay’s Kitchen, the innovative new range of award-winning FODMAP-friendly, gluten-free certified, vegan-approved, stir in sauces. Featuring six tasty flavours – Mild Korma, Thai Green Curry, Tikka Masala, Jalfrezi Curry, Sweet & Sour, and Tomato & Basil.

Low FODMAP is the only scientifically approved diet to help relieve IBS sufferers from symptoms like uncomfortable bloating, changes in bowel habits, fatigue and stomach cramps.

Priced at £3.95 (per 260g jar), available from Morrisons, Ocado, and bayskitchen.com

Camelia

So, you enjoyed Veganuary and are continuing into the next few months, and want to up your game when it comes to a cheeseboard. Check out the tasty brie-like vegan alternative Camelia.

This bloomy rind fermentino is an organic 100% plant based vegan cheese made from cashews and macadamia nuts, and it makes a vegan cheeseboard burst with flavour.

Priced at £8.95 (100g), available from abelandcole.co.uk

Tea Makers of London, SANE Blend

The Tea Makers of London have partnered with mental health charity, SANE, to support their vital work in campaigning, researching and providing care for those in mental health crisis, and together they have created a special herbal blend.

With months of tea trials and expert blending, a special herbal infusion has been created – Refreshing SANE Herbal Blend.

The tea is a comforting herbal infusion of chamomile blossoms, tangerine and rose blossoms. This refreshing loose leaf tea makes for a delicately aromatic infusion, ideal for enjoying during a quiet moment in the day. This is a mild and sweet blend with citrus notes and ginger, perfected with wellbeing in mind.

Priced at £7.95 (80g caddy), available from theteamakers.co.uk

Lanique Spirit of Rose Liqueur

Have you ever tried Lanique Spirit of Rose? When you drink Lanique you’re drinking the true Spirit of Rose. Enjoyed for over 200 years, throughout European aristocracy by kings, queens and emperors, Lanique is the pure distillation of 18th century splendour recreated in this modern world.

Lanique have suggested trying a Lanique Rose Negroni and we are all over it. A floral twist on a bitter classic, this serve packs a high-spirited punch with a delicate rosy finish.

You will need:

12.5ml Lanique, 12.5ml dry vermouth, 25ml gin, 25ml Campari. Simply serve over ice and garnish with an orange wedge.

Priced at £31.95 (70cl), available from masterofmalt.com, alternatively visit lanique.co.uk for more information about the brand and for other cocktail recipes.

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Adventures

Seven Reasons to Visit Santa Barbara in 2020

Rapidly cementing its status as a top destination for foodie travellers, Santa Barbara’s culinary scene has never been better. Situated just two hours north of Los Angeles, California, the region holds all the raw ingredients for great wining, dining and culture – from year-round produce and sustainable seafood to world-class vineyards, not to mention a blossoming art scene to boot. Here’s why you should visit in 2020…

Devour world-class food in fabulous surroundings

In recent years, a flurry of new chefs have arrived in Santa Barbara who are applying a high level of skill to the abundant local produce. Forget stuffy white table cloths and smart dress codes, this city is all about laidback luxury. Serving up some of California’s most innovative dining experiences, a number of recently opened restaurants have been wowing locals and visitors alike. Try Bibi-Ji, Santa Barbara’s first contemporary Indian, serving playful spins on classics with a menu that highlights the local seafood served ‘sea-to-table’, Tyger Tyger, a dynamic 1,900-square-foot marketplace featuring ‘fast-fine’ Southeast Asian cuisine, or Loquita, a lively Spanish-style restaurant in the Funk Zone.

There’s a brand new culinary festival

Santa Barbara is on the cusp of launching a city-wide extravaganza, the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience, presented in partnership with the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts. The event, taking place 13-15 March 2020, is a new annual festival celebrating the bounty of what is grown in and around Santa Barbara, including a tasting event showcasing the best of Santa Barbara’s food and drink, hands-on cooking classes, food trend talks, and more. A new map of Julia Child’s favourite Santa Barbara haunts, specially created for release during the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience, will enable visitors to follow in the famous chef’s footsteps any time of year.

…And a burgeoning art scene

In addition to a growing creative scene, which is evident throughout Santa Barbara’s creative Funk Zone, Santa Barbara Museum of Art will reveal a newly expanded, multi-floor wing in spring 2020, housing photography, Asian art and other exciting exhibits. To open the new wing, the museum will host an exhibit on Vincent van Gogh and his influences, “Through Vincent’s Eyes,” in October 2020. By presenting around 15 works of art by Van Gogh alongside more than 125 works of art selected to reflect the surprisingly varied art that he most admired, the landmark exhibition makes Santa Barbara one to watch on the art circuit.

It’s an Instagrammer’s dream

The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive in Santa Barbara is how pretty it is. Spanish colonial style architecture, pristine streets lined with shops, restaurants, wineries and boutiques, a gorgeous harbour and miles of sandy beaches make it a picture-perfect holiday destination. Delve a bit deeper and you’ll find that the interiors really live up to the city’s shiny exterior. Instagram’s great and good stay at the Martyn Lawrence Bullard-designed Hotel Californian, where Spanish colonial revival architecture and a modern Moorish vibe combine, creating a design infusion begging to be photographed.

It’s the perfect spot to rosé (or pinot) all day

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the cult-classic film Sideways brought worldwide fame for Santa Barbara wine country. Wine consumption increased in general while the demand for elegant, and highly quaffable, pinot noir shot up. The Oscar-winning movie was filmed almost entirely on-location throughout Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County. Nowadays, you don’t need to trawl from vineyard to vineyard to get your hands on some of the destination’s celebrated bottles. Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail offers both novices and aficionados the opportunity to learn about and taste the wines of many different varieties and styles crafted by the County’s best winemakers. 30 wineries across the California city now make up the trail and can be explored by foot, bike or taxi.

Relax in the lap of luxury

Accommodation in Santa Barbara comes in many shapes and sizes. Curl up in a hillside hideaway like the iconic Belmond El Encanto, immerse yourself right in the action at Harbor View Inn’s brand new downtown wing or relax in the lap of luxury at Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecito, which opened just last year. On a budget? No bother. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, lies El Capitan Canyon, a resort boasting fully furnished cedar-lined cabins with vaulted ceilings and French doors opening onto El Capitan Beach and offering incredible ocean views.

Live the true California beach life

After soaking the city’s food and culture, it’s time to hit the beach. With miles of sun-drenched and sandy coastline, there’s a spot to suit every type of traveller, from surf-seekers to families. Dog lovers should head to Arroyo Burro Beach, better known to locals as Hendry’s Beach, where pooches revel on the dog-friendly flat sands. If surfing is your bag, Leadbetter Beach is best for catching waves, while sophisticates will enjoy the pristine sands of Butterfly Beach, where cocktails can be taken at the nearby Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Heading closer to town, family-friendly East Beach is located next to Stearns Wharf, with lifeguard stations, a playground and cafés.

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Cocktails

How Are You Coping With Dry January?

Are you surviving the task of ‘Dry January’ that you have bestowed upon yourself, have you found it easier or harder than you expected, and what have you replaced your usual tipple with?

We asked our girl Rachel McAlley here at #TeamCoco HQ to get on top of this latest trend, and take part in ‘Dry January’ along with a few of our squad which also opted to abstain from drinking booze all month.

You’ll see from Rachel’s brief quote below how well it’s going and what she’s experimenting with instead of drinking alcohol this month.

We therefore thought we’d throw a few drinks in the mix that you may not have heard of to try at home this Dry January.

“So, I’m not a massive drinker, but I do like an occasional glass of Prosecco
with my meals, an odd glass of vodka on the rocks (or vodka cocktail), I’m also partial to a glass of Hotel Chocolat Cream Liqueur in front of the fire throughout January (for warming the cockles, obvs), and I quite like a hot chocolate made with Baileys in the colder months.

I know its only the middle of January, but I have found it really easy to not drink any alcohol, even though I do have a fair few bottles left over from Christmas. I have replaced my usual drinks with Cawston Dry Raspberry Sparkling Water by Cawston Press, Bottleshot Cold Brew, Feragaia Scottish Alcohol-Free Spirit, Amplify Distilled Non-Alcoholic Spirit, and OSU Premium Cider Vinegar (in an OSU Cherry Cooler mocktail).”

Why not try a few of these yourself this Dry January:

Cawston Dry by Cawston Press

Cawston Press have launched a new range of sparkling waters for those wanting an everyday go to that’s less sweet than your average soft drink – but much tastier and more exciting than plain water.

Currently available in two flavours, Ginger & Lemon or Raspberry, they’re a simple blend of British sparkling spring water, a twist of Cawston’s pressed juice and natural extracts. No added sugar, no artificial nonsense and no shortcuts.

Available from Ocado, Wholefoods, Planet Organic, Amazon and many independents including coffee shops, yoga studios, healthy cafés, gyms, art galleries and farm shops. Priced at £1.19 per 250ml slim can.

Bottleshot Cold Brew

Replace your espresso martini with a New Orleans-inspired and new to the UK cold brew. Bottleshot brew their premium, Rainforest Alliance Certified™ Arabica beans in chilled water for 18 hours with a bit of chicory to make a tastier, irresistibly smooth coffee that’s high in caffeine and low in acidity.

The bold and delicious cold brew coffee is conveniently packaged in recyclable cans, perfect for grabbing on the go or as the ultimate commuting essential.

Available from Whole Foods Market as well as bottlesshotbrew.com, Soho House, and Amazon Prime. Priced at £2.50 per can (available in cases of 6, 12, 24 or more). Subscribe to bottleshotbrew.com and receive a 10% discount off your first order.

Feragaia

Bold by nature, Feragaia is a distilled alcohol-free spirit made from 14 land and sea botanicals. Feragaia is Scotland’s first alcohol-free spirit. It is progressively distilled, blended and bottled in the Scottish Lowlands, an area governed by centuries of spirit innovation.

This is a quality and complex tasting spirit which uses traditional distillation for the contemporary drink scene, inspiring exciting and independent drinking experiences. The complex, layered flavours of Feragaia need no accompaniment, but the truest way to savour is yours, and yours alone, to discover. It’s simply a matter of taste.

• On the rocks: slab of ice, swirl of orange peel
• Thirst quencher: refreshed with tonic or soda water, bay leaf
• Winter wanderer: muddled with ginger ale, twist of lime

Available from both feragaia.com, and masterofmalt.com. Priced around £28 per 50cl bottle.

Amplify

Amplify is a new non-alcoholic spirit brand that is set to refresh the alcohol-free spirit sector.

Amplify is distilled using an iStill, which is one of the latest and most advanced stills on the market, allowing more accurate temperature control and rectification. Like traditional spirits, Amplify is distilled and made with a host of invigorating ingredients such as juniper berries, coriander seeds, Angelica root, lemon peel, lemongrass and ginseng root. These fragrant botanicals combine with vibrant, punchy orange and citrus to provide a drink that satisfies without any need for alcohol.

Available from Morrisons stores across the UK, morrisons.com and drinkamplify.co.uk. Priced at around £10 for 50cl/500ml bottle.

OSU Cherry Cooler

OSU is a new premium apple cider vinegar (from the makers of Mizkan who have 200+ years of fermentation expertise), and when added to the following ingredients it makes a super fabulous OSU Cherry Cooler Mocktail.

Made with OSU blended with cherry juice, organic vanilla and honey and served with whole frozen cherries “on the rocks”, the OSU Cherry Cooler is a great way to swap alcoholic drinks this Dry January!

OSU Premium Apple Cider Vinegar available from Tesco, Ocado and Bootsd. Priced at £6.99 for 500ml bottle.

Pollenade

Pollenade, is a delicious fresh and fruity botanical powerhouse that we’ve just heard about at House of Coco, and makes for a fantastic pick me up as the daily usage is designed to help you recharge and recalibrate.

Perfect for on-the-go, it also makes for a great alternative to coffee, soda and alcohol, so it’s ideal for any dry-janners in need of some fizz.

Each 330ml can contains 15mg water soluble CBD from broad-spectrum hemp oil, allowing for higher absorption than traditional hemp products.

Natural grapefruit, raspberry and lemon juices come together to create a drink that’s full of flavour, plus no CBD aftertaste, low sugar levels and a crisp, refreshing finish. With only 50 calories per drink and vegan-friendly, this sparkling drink is a real game-changer.

We can’t wait to try this little beaut!

Pollenade available from withpollen.com. Priced at £3 per (330ml) can or £18 for 6 (330ml) cans.

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Algeria

Best Dishes in London Under £10

Narrowing down a list of the best dishes in London under £10 was a tough one. London is a foodie capital – from pizza to pasta dishes to an immense variety of street food, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s tastebuds. On one hand, there are some dishes that have always and will always stand out for me, the ones I will always recommend to people. On the other hand, I’ve been fortunate enough to eat a lot of good food in this city so the list could go on and on. If you like the sound of the below dishes, I really encourage you to try them out. It won’t put you out of pocket and it will definitely leave your tastebuds and tummy oh-so satisfied. So many dishes didn’t make the cut as they’re just above £10 but it does go to show how you can get a really good meal or dish and not break the bank – something that is a common conception, living in London.

Cheeseburger – Burger and Beyond – £9

147 Shoreditch High St, Hackney, London E1 6JE

If you know me, you’ll know that Burger and Beyond is my favourite burger spot in London. Why? Everything about it – the bread, the patty, the cheese, the sauce. I could go on. This perfect burger creation process does mean that whether you go for the Bougie Burger (priced appropriately to its name) or the classic cheeseburger, you’re getting the same quality ingredients, taste and satisfied tummy.

Sushi Tacos – Sugoi Jpn – £6.50-7

7 Arch, Gales Gardens, London E2 0EJ

We have all heard of sushi burritos so it wasn’t going to be long before a sushi taco turned up. These tempura nori tacos are super sized and packed with your favourite Japanese fillings – with a Latino twist. Choose from salmon, tuna, katsu or tofu and mix it with Pico de gallo, Mango habanero and more. Get extras for a snack later. And for food the next day.

Potato Churro – Yopo – £6

20 – 21 Newman St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1PG

I spoke of little else after eating this the first time I dined at Yopo. I’m a machine but to be honest, this could be a light lunch for some people. A crispy potato churro with coffee filling the grooves, adding a unique taste to the dish. Break it off, piece by piece, and scoop up a mound of parmesan cream dip. Life as you know it will never be the same again.

Ox Cheek Croquettes – Smokestak – £6

35 Sclater St, Shoreditch, London E1 6LB

Well it’s not my favourite restaurant in London for no reason. Smokestak is famed for its brisket – which it does incredibly well – but I would quite happily live off the ox cheek croquettes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Chunky, meaty and so tasty, the anchovy mayo on the side is a great accompaniment (and I hate anchovy!) but, to be honest, the ox cheek is so soft, you don’t need it. I’m a big advocate of the sticky toffee pudding at Smokestak too…

Strawberries – The Drop – £8

Unit 22-24 Bagley Walk Arches, Coal Drops Yard, London N1C 4DH

I know, they’re just strawberries. EXCEPT THAT THEY’RE NOT. These strawberries are special, they are laced with magic elderflower that made me order another three. And even then, I only stopped shoving them in my mouth because I thought I should leave some for the next day’s guests. The clotted cream is beautiful, the shortbread is divine. But just bathe me in the strawberries and elderflower. In fact, I refuse to eat strawberries not soaked in this delicious sauce/syrup/juice situation again.

Bacon Scones – Frenchie – £4.50 each (get two portions)

16 Henrietta St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8QH

Okay, so more like a snack than a full on dish. But I’m telling you, I’d pay the price of the set menu at Frenchie’s and just eat these pastries of joy all evening. Bacon. Scones. You’re reading okay, yes? Good.That’s all I need to say, to be honest. They speak for themselves. My only criticism is that they are too small. But having ‘just another one’ is part of the fun, right…?

Hamish Macbeth – Deeney’s – £7

360 High Rd Leyton, Leyton, London E10 6QE

If you’re thinking “but I don’t eat haggis”, that’s even more reason to sink your teeth into this mother of all cheese toastie sandwiches. I’ll tell you straight, I’m one of those people but I was recommended to give it a try and the sight of the cheese oozing out of the bread as the toastie grilled was too much for me to resist. So many flavours that go so well together. And they’ve nailed the ratios, you’re still eating a grilled cheese sandwich – just with haggis and bacon (you can have it without too).

Perfect Little Egg Sandwich – Dominique Ansel – £8

17-21 Elizabeth St, Belgravia, London SW1W 9RP

When Dominique Ansel opened his bakeries (in both New York and London), everyone was screaming about the cronut. People were queuing for hours to make sure they didn’t miss out. And you know what? As delicious as it is and as fun as the flavour of the month is, cronut addicts are missing out on the best dish on the menu. Meet the Perfect Little Egg Sandwich. With Gruyère and herbs, is so soft and creamy, it looks like butter. Or cream. It’s a savoury sandwich of goodness.

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