Lisbon is fast becoming a real hot spot for travel, whether visiting for a week or just a weekend, you cannot go wrong booking your next city break to Portugal’s bustling capital. If you’re lucky with the weather you can enjoy the many roof top bars and restaurants serving local Portuguese food and exciting contemporary cocktails. If you’re searching for cool accommodation, look no further than The Vintage Hotel.
Bomporto Hotels is a is a boutique hotel group in Lisbon owned and run by English duo Peter Lowe and Chris Eddis as the hotel management arm of Morningbridge Lda. The pair are experienced in creating new 5 star boutique spaces from derelict buildings in Portugal and The Vintage hotel is the second to open in their portfolio. Previously a an ‘old vintage’ style hotel, Bomporto have transformed it into cool, mid-century, retro chic hotel with individually selected furniture pieces and art work.
In each of the 56 rooms you have a DIY gin and tonic station on a vintage Mad Men style hostess trolley. The hotel group actively chooses to use and showcase the ‘best of Portugal’ which means collaboration with a wide range of local businesses, artists and manufacturers. What is successful about the design is that whilst it is in every sense the vintage style, it manages to feel effortlessly contemporary and cool.
Nestled between the commercial centre of Avenida da Liberdade and the cosmopolitan design district of Principe Real, staying at The Vintage means you have the opportunity to explore the best that Lisbon has to offer with ease, either on foot, tuk-tuk or by tram.
In the hotel’s restaurant BLUE, there are fantastic photographs of Portuguese fisherman and this alongside the name BLUE, you are sensitively connected to the history of Lisbon, Portugal and the sea.
The hotel is built around the philosophy of Inspire, Relax, Play, as the mood takes you. The rooms are therefore decorated in three way colour palettes of Terracotta, Blue and Green. The rooms are all a great size and you will enjoy discovering all of the little treats that are waiting for you.
You will find waterfall showers and beautiful shampoos, conditioners and soaps from the world famous Portuguese brand Claus Porto, who have a store in a restored pharmacy shop not far from the hotel where you can pick up beautiful gifts or treats for yourself to remember the scents of Portugal.
Each room has all the amenities you would expect, including hair dryers, comfortable seating areas, large beds with luxury bedding and beautiful artwork by local artists. There are also coffee machines with Costa Nova cups and saucers to start or end your day in style.
Once you have settled into your room you can make your way to the roof and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, chilled out music and wonderful pre-dinner cocktails with lovely views overlooking the city. In the evenings, there will often be DJs or film screenings programmed.
If relaxing is high on your list then you can ride the lift to the bottom of the hotel and visit the Spa. You can enjoy the signature full body massage the Vintage Ritual. You can either start in the sauna, followed by a body exfoliation and finish with a massage or have the massage followed by a gold facial.
You can also simply chill in the pool and on the poolside loungers with a book and a pot of tea. The staff at the Spa are incredibly friendly and attentive and will do their utmost to ensure you relax and have everything you need.
What sets the Bomporto Hotels aside from the competition in this fast growing tourist destination is that they are effortlessly cool but without any pretention. If you’re looking for an affordable, stylish break than these guys are offering just want you need. The staff are all warm and friendly and always on hand to help. Bomporto Hotels manages The Lumiares and The Vintage Hotel and is set to manage future hotel, The Rebello in Porto (2021).
Located in one of London’s most prestigious addresses, Theo Randall at Intercontinental Park Lane certainly lives up to its reputation of serving up some simple but exceptional Italian cuisine.
Theo Randall at the InterContinental features all of the class and elegance of its Mayfair address, yet minus all the fluff, which is something that I think chef Theo Randall himself would appreciate. Known for delivering simple but exquisite Italian food, the menu here definitely does not disappoint.
The sleek and muted colour palette of the restaurant is deftly balanced out by the stunning flavours of the food on offer, and Theo Randall does best to let the flavours really speak for themselves. After being warmly greeted by the staff, and enjoying a few cocktails by the stylish bar by the entrance — we began our culinary journey across Italy.
Italian food is best served generously, and indeed the servings were generous. We almost fell into the trap of ordering a dish for each course, but our waiter suggested otherwise (and rightly so)! We began with some classic Mozzarella di Buffala, an Italian classic that is best consumed with a glass of wine in hand. (In this case it was a very crisp Italian chardonnay) Our sommelier Mike gave us some of his magical wine pairings — and we highly recommend you do the same.
After the antipasti, we enjoyed in two pasta courses; because no meal at Theo Randall would be complete withoutpasta.We had the Ravioli di Erbette, a mixed green ravioli with swiss chard and ricotta creme sauce, and the Pappardelle Con Ragu di Manzo, a slow cooked beef pasta, perfected by a flavourful Chianti and San Marzano tomato sauce.
For our main course, we recommend the ‘Orata al Forno’ which in English translates to roasted sea bream with potatoes. The fish was perfectly cooked, and worked surprisingly well with the Italian red wine that our sommelier had recommended. Don’t leave without indulging in some dessert, because here, Theo Randall truly excels. Try the chef’s special Amalfi Lemon Tart paired with the 2018 Saracco Moscato d’Asti, it is truly the sweetest way to end your meal.
Tucked away just off Merrion Street in Leeds, Tobacco Rd offers an American experience to this otherwise proud Northern city.
With a distinctive dive bar aesthetic, you’re welcomed with an industrial style decor coupled with rock and roll classics blaring out of the speakers. While there definitely isn’t enough room to have a cheeky dance along to the likes of AC/DC and Queen, the cosy atmosphere makes for a more casual setting.
Behind the bar, you’ll find all your usual tipples plus some American favourites. What better way to enjoy the atmosphere than with a tumbler of Wild Turkey or Jack Daniels in your hand?
You’ll also spot on the shelf a bottle of American Aviation Gin which, if you’re hot on your viral videos, you’ll recognise thanks to Ryan Reynolds who owns part of the brand (but more importantly makes the hilarious marketing stuff we all love).
There’s a pretty good mix of bar stools and actual tables to sit at which all depends on whether you’re there to have a few drinks or get something to eat. With that said, if you are feeling peckish, you won’t be disappointed.
Sticking to its theme, Tobacco Rd serves up the likes of spicy wings, dirty burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches to name just a few. Let’s be honest, you’re not going to chow down here if you’re trying to eat healthily but who doesn’t need a cheat day every now and then anyway!
One of the things Tobacco Rd prides itself on is its craft beer. Poured on tap with some quirky, novelty levers you’ve got your choice of traditional beers as well as flavoured options too. For example, if you don’t usually consider yourself a beer drinker then the Schofferhoffer is a great shout. This grapefruit Radler is light and flavourful without tasting too much like a normal beer.
If you’re not in the beer mood at all, fear not, as there is a great cocktail menu too. With a good selection on offer, you can choose from recognisable classics like Margarita’s and Negroni’s or opt for something a little more fitting. With all-American names like Jersey Lightning and Bronx Mule, the mixology here isn’t to be sniffed at.
While Tobacco Rd might not be the biggest of bars in terms of space, it definitely packs a lot in terms of its character and theme. You wouldn’t go here for a big night out but you’d definitely start the evening here with a few casual beers and cocktails with friends.
Dress code: Jeans and a nice top Atmosphere: Casual Food: Hearty portions of greasy grub
This is the best restaurant our writer Rachel McAlley has visited so far in 2019! Bold statement I hear you say, but if you have visited Freemasons at Wiswell then you will know it’s not a bold statement at all, it’s absolutely bang on.
#TeamCoco are always looking for the best of the best and we definitely think we have found it in Freemasons at Wiswell, which is situated in the heart of the Ribble Valley in the North West of England.
Head Chef Steven Smith is serious when it comes to food, not only does his restaurant sit within the top 50 in The Good Food Guide, and within the top 50 gastro pubs in the UK, but it is also a ‘Rising Michelin Star’ restaurant, and with numerous awards under his belt from around the Lancashire locality and beyond is there any wonder I said it was the best restaurant I have visited so far this year?
It was a lovely warm sunny evening and my best friend was meeting me at the restaurant for dinner, which is located down a quaint pebbled street in the village of Wiswell in Clitheroe, Lancashire.
From the second we arrived the service was exceptional, from the welcome greeting to the description of the menu and the delivery of the food, we couldn’t have asked for anything more form the team at Freemasons at Wiswell.
After taking our order we were presented with a selection of snacks, each of which arrived once the previous snack had been devoured. The snacks at Freemasons included cheese hot dogs, salmon bites, and veg filled tarts, plus homemade bread and salted whipped butter, all elements were melt-in-the-mouth delish.
Our starters included seafood gratin (£14.95), and rabbit pie (£17.95). I chose the seafood gratin, which was an overflowing seashell filled with salmon, cod and king prawns served in scallop cream with a Lancashire cheese crust and sea vegetables – pure perfection. My bestie’s rabbit pie was baked in brioche with a sauce of chargrilled asparagus and seaweed, with a rather large piece of lobster on top. She offered me her opinion saying, “I’ve died and gone to heaven with this dish.”
Main courses were difficult to decide, too much outstanding choice so we sneaked a few peeks around the restaurant to see what everyone was enjoying, and everyone was enjoying every single dish, so the onus was on us! We went for the simple chicken (£27.95), and the sirloin (£34). Now, the simple chicken was anything but simple; Goosnargh chicken studded with black garlic and served with hen of the woods mushroom, Yakitori livers on toast and sauce albufera. This dish was standout spectacular and every morsel was eaten with noises of comfort and love.
The sirloin was in fact 60-day aged Hereford beef, cooked to perfection and served with duck fat chips, onion rings and peppercorn sauce. A huge steak with divine accompaniments. We also ordered side dishes of buttered Jersey Royals (£4.95), leek fondue and hazelnuts (£4.95), and cauliflower cheese (£4.95). The cauli cheese was made with seven different types of cheese, and it was the most luxurious side dish ever.
Not that we needed dessert after such a rich and indulgent meal, but when in Rome! The menu had four sweet desserts and a cheese option, we chose the Amalfi lemon (£9.95) and the vanilla slice (£14.95).
The Amalfi lemon meringue pie was served with blueberries and Douglas fir pine, and the vanilla slice was made with homemade puff pastry, vanilla cream, peach, raspberry and Champagne. Both were excellent, and the standout one was the lemon meringue pie due to the beautifully bitter and tart lemons.
Thanks must go to Steven Smith and his team at Freemasons at Wiswell for inviting House of Coco Magazine to experience his outstanding food.
Freemasons also offer private dining, Mr Smith’s kitchen table or kitchen bench, where you can watch everything being prepared before it is served, and country inn rooms for an overnight stay.
Are you thinking of visiting Henley for the Regatta this 3-7 July? Do you want to sip Champagne while watching the coxless pairs fly past, or enjoy a riverside cocktail from the Regatta Enclosure while cheering for the coxed fours?
Henley Royal Regatta is an annual event that attracts thousands of fans from across the globe, and it’s the place to be seen, especially if you want to hang out with the royals.
If you are planning a visit then you’re absolutely going to need somewhere to stay, check out #TeamCoco’s fave hotels below.
The Little Angel at Henley
Henley-on-Thames’ vibrant culinary scene has welcomed an exciting new addition with the all-new The Little Angel; a historic 19th Century inn just a stone’s throw from the river, with a rich heritage as one of Henley’s most popular drinking and dining destinations, opening its doors following a complete transformation of its interiors, outdoor spaces and food and drink offering earlier this year.
A stylish yet relaxed drinking and dining destination greets visitors when they walk through the doors thanks to a thoughtful blend of rustic-chic and contemporary touches. With tasteful nods to Henley’s rowing history throughout the inn, a light, bright colour scheme floods the interiors with light to create a spacious, comfortable feel for diners, with a gorgeous conservatory adorned with foliage taking centre stage. Boasting an extensive, brand-new all-day dining menu that puts a refined twist on classic pub dining, every dish is designed to offer a memorable mouthful from brunch right through until dinner, showcasing the very best in fresh, seasonal produce sourced locally wherever possible. Outside is a beautiful terrace adorned with al fresco dining furniture and comfortable deck chairs, where guests can sit back with a tipple and watch the cricket unfold on a warm summer’s day (thanks to its views overlooking Henley Cricket Club).
Visit www.thelittleangel.co.uk for more info
The Chequers at Marlow
Less than 20 minutes’ from Henley’s heart and the buzz of the Regatta is The Chequers at Marlow; a boutique pub with rooms in the heart of the riverside town of Marlow. With a vibrant history dating back to the 16th Century, The Chequers has been stylishly brought into the 21st Century with cool, contemporary interiors that preserve tasteful nods to the inn’s rich maritime past. 8 individually-decorated, sleek en-suite bedrooms offer a chic place to rest your head, each boasting sink-in Feather & Black beds, Temple Spa toiletries and contemporary bathrooms, one of which has a walk-in shower and roll-top bath.
Downstairs at The Chequers is the inn’s buzzing bar and restaurant – carrying on the contemporary-meets-rustic vibe of the rooms – with delicious all-day dining dishes on offer to satisfy hunger pangs.
So, if you’re looking to stay away from the hustle of Henley, this gorgeous boutique is for you.
Visit www.thechequersmarlow.co.uk for more info
To find out all the latest on Henley Royal Regatta, check out www.hrr.co.uk
It was a sunny Sunday and we sent #TeamCoco UK travel writer Rachel McAlley on an adventure to experience ‘Shop&Stay’ with Bicester Village in Oxfordshire.
The journey wasn’t the best due to train delays, station changes, and general train line weekend works, so I would recommend visiting Bicester Village during the week as it’s unlikely there will be works taking place Monday to Friday, however aside from the train issues the day was beautiful, the sun was shining, the weather was hot, and I was heading to Oxfordshire to visit Bicester Village, a designer outlet just on the outskirts of Oxford.
The Bicester Village outlet has it’s own train station, complete with excellent customer service suite, where they were happy to answer all questions about return train times, luggage drop off, hands free shopping, café and restaurant bookings, and anything else related to Bicester Village.
I meandered down the winding walkway between the manicured trees and into what was a rather gorgeous outdoor shopping mall, not dissimilar to a US outdoor mall I had recently visited in Florida. Bicester Village was quite breathtaking in its appearance, with top-hat and tails wearing guest liaison officers, grand signposts offering location directions, and plenty of added greenery and foliage to make the village welcoming.
The stores, all designer, and all very busy, were filled with weekend shoppers out to enjoy the sunshine and the excellent discounts on offer at Bicester Village. From the multi-national designer brands to the smaller British designer brands, there were plenty to choose from; in fact Bicester Village boasts over 160 stores to shop at!
The reason for my visit was to experience their Shop&Stay, which for me included a day to shop at my own leisure, hands free shopping, a VIP card, lunch at Café Wolseley, and then an evening at either an Oxford or London partner hotel. I opted for one of their London partnered hotels, which was No Ten Manchester Street Hotel.
After a short while shopping at Bicester Village it was time to sit down and relax over a spot of lunch at Café Wolseley. I requested a quiet location, so the Café Wolseley team took me through to their Salon and Café Wolseley Shop, away from the hustle and bustle of the main restaurant and outdoor terrace, both of which were exceptionally busy.
I ordered a starter prawn and avocado cocktail (£12.25) with a side of sourdough baguette and lescure butter (£2.75), main course of pea and ricotta ravioli (£15.50), and dessert was lemon tart. The definite standout dish for me was the lemon tart (£4.75), with its perfectly thin and buttery pastry and its mouth watering tarty lemon filling.
It was then time to collect my shopping and luggage from the customer service suite at the train station, where I was met by the exceptionally wonderful Jorge who kindly helped me with my luggage. Sadly, the train wasn’t running and a replacement coach was in place, this added a considerable amount of time onto my travel, however once in London it was time to check in to No Ten Manchester Street.
Just a short walk from Marylebone train station was No Ten Manchester Street, a quaint boutique hotel with just 44 rooms, it’s location is close to Oxford Street for shopping, Baker Street for tubes, and central to Marylebone for a number of museums and also Regent’s Park.
I was met with an excellent welcome, the offer of an ice cold drink, and the friendliest check-in team, where my luggage was whisked away and delivered to my room ready for my arrival. Check-in was quick, no-hassle, and everything I needed after a very long day on trains and coaches.
My room was a beautifully presented courtyard room on the ground floor, one of just four in the hotel, offering a private heated terrace (which came in handy as it started to rain that evening, and the heat of the daytime sun was soon replaced with a chill in the air), an exceptionally comfy bed, dainty bathroom, and spacious bedroom.
Dinner was offered in the hotel restaurant Dieci, serving modern Italian food. I took the opportunity to try the fresh mozzarella, Parma ham and bruschetta starter (£16.50), followed by black squid ink salmon and mascarpone filled tortelloni (£20), and a simple dessert of chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream (£10), then it was time to retire to that very comfy bed. The standout dish from Dieci was the starter of 24-month aged Parma ham and buffalo mozzarella with toasted bruschetta – this could have easily fed two people as it was such a large starter.
Back in the room, my head hit the pillow and I didn’t even have chance to turn the TV on as I was out for the count!
After an early morning shower I opted to take breakfast in the hotel restaurant, where I indulged in Eggs Florentine, a large glass of apple juice, and a peppermint tea, before it was time to pack my suitcase and head home to Yorkshire.
To find out more about the Bicester Village Shop&Stay package, visit the Bicester Village website.
We have all heard of the Negroni cocktail, and we may have even enjoyed a glass or two at #TeamCoco, but did you know that it was first poured 100 years ago in 1919 in a little café in Italy?
Rumour has it that Count Camillo Negroni wanted to make his usual cocktail an Americano slightly stronger, by removing the usual soda water and replacing with a shot of gin, thus the first Negroni cocktail was born.
This Italian aperitivo cocktail is classic in stature with classic ingredients (Vermouth, CAMPARI, and Gin – equal parts), and it has stood the test of time.
CAMPARI have organised a number of UK-wide events called N100: Cheers to the Count to support the Negroni 100th birthday this June, check out the deets below.
From N100: Cheers to the Count, the celebrations continue into Negroni Week 2019 (24 – 30 June), with a series of parties and one-off menus in six partner bars across Edinburgh, Manchester and London. These include:
The Vinyl Factory – London
Choose from snapping a Negroni selfie in N100: The Classics bar, an installation built with CAMPARI bottles, or learn the skills it takes to craft a Negroni in a bar built entirely of ice and serving an exclusive Negroni Flight. If you prefer your parties international, take a trip to Italy at the Café Culture bar, inviting guests to learn more about where this famous cocktail was born, whilst sampling Italian aperitivo. Or, at the Globetrotters bar, take a trip through cities that influenced the creation of CAMPARI’s Negroni. Finally, guests finish at Campari Creates to take on the Count and create their very own twist on a Negroni.
Tickets available here: https://lineupnow.com/event/n100-cheers-to-the-count
Oriole N100 Club Night: Mixology: The art of Negroni – London
Celebrate at Oriole’s Negroni 100 Club, a decadent Italian discotheque. Drinks include the Oriole Negroni, Americano and Boulevardier, with other cocktails available. Seated table tickets (including complimentary pre-batched Negronis for the table) are available alongside standing tickets and walk-ins
Hoot the Redeemer: The Rulebreakers – Edinburgh
The Negroni was born from a transgression by Count Camillo. In an ode to the eccentric creator of the Negroni, Hoot the Redeemer will be serving their own twist on the classic cocktail. There will be five on offer, choose from the Negroni Ice Cream (£4), Teuchter’s Burd Slushy (£5), Plaza Garibaldi’s (£5), The Skagliato (£6), Munro Bagger (£6).
Jealous Prints: CAMPARI Creates – London
Jealous Prints is a contemporary gallery based in East London’s creative hub of Shoreditch. For one-night only Jealous Prints will encapsulate the creative history of the Negroni and invite consumers to be inspired to create your very own personalized Negroni and Negroni artwork.
Tickets available here: https://lineupnow.com/event/campari-celebrates-negroni-week-with-campari-creates-at-jealous-prints
Vermuteria: Cafe Culture – London
Vermuteria, located in Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross is an all-day café and bar serving a fine collection of cocktails and Vermouth. A dedicated Negroni will be available on the terrace of Vermuteria for you to choose from. Be sure to try the Clear Negroni made with a rare 1965 CAMPARI Cordial.
Science and Industry: N100 – The Classics – Manchester
Science & Industry is an eccentric and experimental hideaway in Manchester. They’ll be showcasing the N100 classics with a menu that uses their drinks laboratory to create experimental takes on Negronis, Americanos, Boulevardiers, and Sbagliatos.
Thursday 27th June – Callooh Callay: Globetrotters – London
Often regarded as one of Shoreditch’s best cocktail bars, Callooh Callay will showcase the global story of the Negroni. The story may have started in Florence but is spans across the globe and involves Milan, the city of the Bitter, Turin, the city of the Vermouth, London, where Count Camillo used to go, and New York of the Golden Age of Cocktails.
For more information, visit https://www.instagram.com/campariuk
Manchester’s Northern Quarter is a hub of creativity; the streets are lined with red-brick buildings that are coloured with fun street art and home to an abundance of independent shops and eateries.
Here is your #TeamCoco guide of where to visit when exploring the Northern Quarter.
What to do: Manchester Craft & Design Centre is a celebration of local artists and makers. The beautiful old Victorian building, once the city’s fish market, now houses a number of studio spaces with artists selling their creations as well as pop-up exhibitions and a café. It’s the ideal place to escape the loud chatter of the Mancunian streets and relax with a coffee or a bite to eat while browsing the handiwork of talented individuals.
The brick walls of The NQ create the perfect canvas for street art and that is something the local artists have made the most of. Every corner you turn you will find another piece of intricate and impressive art. It’s easy to kill an hour walking the streets admiring the spray painted walls.
Where to eat: Mackie Mayor hosts an eclectic mix of food vendors, long communal tables and a bustling atmosphere. This vibrant indoor food market brought life back to a beautiful Grade II listed building that had been neglected for so long. The building still maintains some original features and has a quirky industrial feel. The varied mix of vendors caters to all tastes, whether you’re after pizza, bao, tacos, coffee, wine or beer – you’ll find it all here.
The Northern Quarter is not short of great brunch spots, but Ezra & Gil is a local favourite. The compact menu provides all the usual breakfast and brunch favourites (the classic breakfast, avocado on toast, granola, porridge) and some novel options like smashed pumpkin on toast and a caprese bruschetta with a poached egg. They also sell a small selection of ‘general provisions’, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs and cupboard essentials.
Where to stay: The AC Manchester City Centre hotel is the ideal hotel for the creative individual. If you appreciate good design, then you will appreciate this hotel. The well thought out interior, minimal rooms and stylish lobby create the perfect environment whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure. The rooms are fitted with all the amenities necessary for a productive and comfortable stay; USB charging ports by the bed, reading lamps, a mini fridge, kettle and coffee machine, hairdryer and iron.
The lobby area and hotel bar has a lovely social atmosphere both day and night. Be sure to try the Signature AC Gin & Tonic made with local Manchester Gin!
Where to shop: The Northern Quarter is a vintage lover’s paradise, with charity shops dedicated to vintage finds and flagship branches of known second hand brands, such as COW. COW has stores all across the North of England and sells reworked pieces and a great selection of vintage garments. Their large two-floor Manchester store is a treasure trove for vintage magpies.
Oxfam Originals is one of The Northern Quarters best charity shops. It’s home to a carefully curated selection of donated clothing, shoes and accessories ready to be rehomed and given a new lease of life.
Affleck’s Palace is a three-floor bazaar of independent shops and service providers. You can find artists selling their creations, a barber, a vegan café, a bead shop, tarot readings, an ice cream shop, an abundance of vintage clothing and accessories and so much more. You could spend hours exploring the maze of fun stores and shops.
Yes yes and yes to World Gin Day! As you know #TeamCoco are not shy of the occasional drink, whether it be a cocktail or a super luxe gin, and we’re all over this weekend’s shenanigans with it being World Gin Day.
Saturday 8th June is the date for your diary, so why not check out some of our ideas below for homemade cocktails, a simple G&T, or visit a London bar or distillery that specialises in gin. Whatever your decision, enjoy your gin responsibly indoors, outdoors or with friends on World Gin Day.
Classic Pink Gin, with Angostura
The Pink Gin Cocktail came to life in a perfect storm of elegance, high-seas and life or death drama. The simple, yet potent drink is traditionally a mixture of Angostura®aromatic bitters with gin, and modern variations include adding tonic, prosecco or summer berries. There are so many possible flavours, that Angostura have launched a summer long campaign, working alongside some of the most delicious Gin brands so that you can enjoy all the variations at home.
Recipe: Classic Pink Gin 60 ml gin, 2 dashes Angostura®aromatic bitters. In a mixing glass, stir the ingredients with ice to chill. Strain into a small old fashioned glass and serve.
Angostura®aromatic bitters are available in Morrisons stores nation-wide, £10 (200ml) at 44.7% abv. Visit www.morrisons.com to order.
The King of Soho, Soho Pink Fizz
Distilled in the heart of London using traditional methods, The King of Soho is crafted with 12 botanicals to a unique recipe. The bold and colourful design of the bottle embodies the characteristics that make Soho unique; a celebration of the Soho spirit. Fresh strawberry and floral chamomile lead on a wave of soft juniper with a suggestion of citrus in the Variorum Pink Gin.
Recipe: Soho Pink Fizz 20ml King of Soho Variorum Pink Gin, 10ml Blue Curaçao, Dash Orange bitters, Topped with Rosé Champagne. Mix the first three ingredients in a shaker with ice and fine strain into a chilled Champagne flute. Top with the rosé Champagne by pouring gently down a bar spoon. Garnish which a slice of strawberry and serve.
The King of Soho is available from numerous outlets and via online, simple search for The King of Soho. Priced at around £30 per bottle (70cl). Visit www.kingofsohodrinks.com for more info.
Hayman’s Old Tom
Since 1863 five generations of our family have acted as custodians of the True English Gin style – providing an unbroken lineage dating back to the original gin boom. Throughout this 150 years, we have been proud to distil True English Gins, using family techniques and processes handed down through the generations.
Today, in an era where most gin producers have focused on what’s new, the Hayman’s family remain committed to championing the True English Gin style, protecting the classically balanced styles that lie at the heart of most classic gin cocktails.
Recipe: Martinez 50ml Hayman’s Old Tom Gin, 15ml Sweet Rosso Vermouth, 15ml dry Vermouth, 5ml Maraschino Cherry Liqueur, 1 dash Angostura Bitters, 1 dash Orange Bitters. Chill a martini glass, stir all the ingredients in a mixing glass or tin, strain into chilled martini glass, garnish with a twist of orange peel or a Maraschino cherry and serve.
Priced at £27 (70cl), available from www.haymansgin.com or via Ocado.
Caorunn Highland Strength
Ahead of their upcoming 10-year-anniversary and in celebration of World Gin Day, Caorunn are launching their highest strength gin yet: Caorunn Highland Strength.
Crafted at Balmenach Distillery in the Scottish Highlands, Gin Master Simon Buley has expertly handcrafted Caorunn Highland Strength at a bold 54% abv to enhance the traditional Scottish botanicals that distinguish Caorunn Gin.
This stronger version of Caorunn Gin utilises Scotland’s unique natural resources by infusing five locally foraged Celtic botanicals and six traditional gin botanicals in their Copper Berry Chamber to create a flavour that deserves to be savoured.
Highland Strength enhances the dry, crisp, taste of Caorunn to create a peppery, fruity and herbaceous gin with a strong juniper character and is best served with Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water, built over ice and garnished with red apple slices and orange oil twisted over the surface.
The higher abv percentage of Caorunn Highland Strength lends itself perfectly to mixed drinks and cocktails and so, just in time for Summer, Caorunn recommends cocktail lovers enjoy the new gin with Dry Vermouth and Cocchi Americano, garnished with fresh lemon zest to create a Pale Highland Negroni.
Caorunn Highland Strength retails at £40.00 (70cl) per bottle and is available to purchase from 8 June from Independent & Specialist Retailers.
Visit www.caorunngin.com for more info.
Hayman’s Gin Liqueur
Hayman’s of London has launched a Gin Liqueur, with the recipe adding just a touch of sugar to the classic Hayman’s blend of ten botanicals to create a juniper-forward gin with the sweetness of a liqueur.
Hayman’s Gin Liqueur developed something of a cult following in warm weather markets such as Spain, where it proved to be a refreshing serve under the hot sun – most often enjoyed neat over ice or as a play on a classic gin and tonic.
Just 6,000 individually numbered bottles of Hayman’s Gin Liqueur have been created. They are available to buy from the Hayman’s of London Distillery in South West London, with an RRP of £39 and online at www.haymansgin.com
City of London Distillery, Gin Experiences
The City Of London Distillery marks the very first distillery to open in London’s Square Mile for almost 200 years, as every single one closed due to famine, government regulations and taxation in the 18th century. The distillery offers a number of experiences to choose from including:
City Of London Distillery Gin Lab Experience (priced at £125) You can learn how to distil first hand, get to grips with the different botanicals and have the opportunity to design your own recipe before distilling your very own personalised bottle of gin (70 cl) to take home and enjoy.
City of London Distillery Tour with optional tasting (priced at £15 or £25) You can take a guided tour of the distillery to discover the history of gin in London and learn about City of London Distillery’s gin making techniques, with an optional three-flight gin tasting at the end.
And after all that education, you can enter the distillery’s speakeasy-style bar to enjoy some of the very best gin cocktails London has to offer, while overlooking the impressive copper stills.
For more info visit www.cityoflondondistillery.com
Bombay Sapphire, London Pop-Ups
In the lead up to World Gin Day, gin-lovers across the UK can celebrate their favourite tipple with help from the world-famous BOMBAY SAPPHIRE®. BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® has curated a ginspirational line up of creative cocktail events across the country.
Mr Fogg’s Gin Journey* [Various Mr Fogg’s Sites] – From 5-9 June, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® invites ginthusiasts to join the ultimate gin journey through six of the famed explorer Phileas J. Fogg’s London bars. Adventurers will sample a selection of delicious and unique gin cocktails made with either BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® or the new BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® Limited Edition: English Estate gin. Guests at each bar are encouraged to get creative by adding the final garnish to their cocktail themselves. Cocktail highlights include the Jasmine flower-infused Silk Sojourn and the Darjeeling tea infused An Elephant’s Progress. Tickets for this limited-edition gin journey include six cocktails, one at each of the bars. Participating Mr Fogg’s Bars include; Mr Fogg’s House of Botanicals [must be first stop to collect map], Mr Fogg’s Residence, Mr Fogg’s Tavern, Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour, Mr Fogg’s Society of Exploration and Mrs Fogg’s Maritime Club & Distillery. £40 per person. Available via eventbrite.
Wright Brothers Gin Journey – Available on World Gin Day, Participants will visit three Wright Brothers venues (Battersea, South Kensington and ending in Soho) for signature BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® cocktails and Wright Brothers snacks from the critically acclaimed seafood experts. In true Gin Journey style, guests will be accompanied by a Gin Guardian in the form of gin expert, Leon Gallaway, as they cross the city in their very own Gini-Bus. At a special one-off price of £25pp plus booking fee, guests will receive a total of five cocktails and three gin tasters. Available via eventbrite.
London Cocktail Club, Oxford Circus – Cocktail drinkers can unleash their inner artist with a masterclass inspired by founder and owner of London Cocktail Club, JJ Goodman. Attendees will create and elevate their own take on JJ’s surrealism and fairytale-inspired cocktail, The Daydreamer. Book directly with London Cocktail Club from 10 June throughout the summer. £22pp, available in London Cocktail Club, The Studio @ Oxford Circus. Experience includes 2 cocktails and a gift.
Dean Street Townhouse English Estate Afternoon Tea – From now until the end of June, guests at can enjoy a bespoke afternoon tea menu including a Coriander and Cassia Bark Cake and Gin and Tonic Cucumber, Cream Cheese Sandwiches. The menu is accompanied by three specially curated BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® Limited Edition: English Estate cocktails, including the Afternoon Fizz (Bombay Sapphire English Estate Gin, prosecco, lapsang tea, mandarin, lemon, orange bitter), Chelsea 75 (Bombay Sapphire English Estate Gin, champagne, jasmine tea, italicus, lemon) and Three Roses Negroni (Bombay Sapphire English Estate Gin, Sacred Rosehip liqueur, Rose Vermouth, atomized rose water). Book via Dean Street townhouse – £32pp.
Bermondsey Bar & Kitchen, 40 Bermondsey Street SE1 – From 8 June for eight weeks, guests at Bermondsey Bar & Kitchen can watch live illustration sessions by acclaimed street artist INSA, whilst enjoying a selection of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® cocktails including the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® Paint Collection G&T, customisable Canvas Cocktail, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® DIY G&T, Bombay Sapphire Limited Edition: English Estate Secret English Garden and more. Customers who order the Canvas Cocktail can edit their own drink with a range of edible sprays and garnishes before snapping the perfect picture of their serve in one of the Instagram booths.
Georgia is a real peach of a state and aside from enjoying the sweet Southern hospitality, there are plenty of amazing things to see and do. Emma Harrison tells us more.
Get on your (walking) boots
If you love hiking and the great outdoors, the Appalachian trail which spans 14 states is a sight to behold. The mountains are substantial and half of the trail in Georgia passes through federally designated wilderness. From those magnificent mountain summits to relentless waterfalls, you won’t regret taking some time out to get acquainted with nature and catch some seriously stunning views.
If the trail seems a little bit out of your comfort zone, head over to the Amicalola Falls State Park where the terrain is a little bit easier – don’t forget to check out the amazing waterfall – the highest in Georgia. It is widely is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia.
Learn about Georgia’s impressive music scene
Whilst the likes of Detroit, New York and Tennessee are all famous for spearheading their respective musical genres. Georgia has a wide-ranging musical history that spans as many genres as it does decades – from bluegrass and rock to gospel and rap and everything in between. Situated in the north-eastern reaches of the Peach State, Athens is an unmistakably southern city steeped in a vibrant college culture. It has an eclectic music scene and is known as the birthplace of some of rock and roll’s biggest names, including R.E.M. and the B-52s.
As well as taking in some of the local gigs, you can even take the Athens Music History walking tour which is led by local music historian Paul Butchart. Wander around the city’s iconic landmarks that showcases Athens diverse music legacy such as the Morton Theatre – an old dilapidated railroad trestle, which famously featured on R.E.M.’s 1983 debut album Murmur. If you are a music lover, you will enjoy hearing some anecdotes from Paul’s times as a member of the band The Side Effects and memories of hanging out with rock legends R.E.M.
Marvel at the historic architecture
From the glistening skyscrapers of Atlanta to the Victorian splendour of Athens, the architecture of Georgia is intriguing and varied and highlights include the Taylor-Grady House in Athens – an 1840s which still retains many of its original features and furnishings.
Do give a damn about the Margaret Mitchell House which was where she wrote most of her acclaimed novel ‘Gone with the Wind’. Looking to delve deeper Gone with the wind story? Take a trip to the Gone with the wind Museum on historic Marietta Square where you can see sights such as Scarlett’s honeymoon gown and original promotional material for the film.
Pan for gold
The California Gold Rush may be more famous, but did you know that the first gold rush in the U.S. started in the north Georgia mountains in 1929? There’s still some gold to be found in the rivers of the Peach State, but if you want a quick win when it comes to the golden goods head over to the Crisson Gold Mine in Dahlonega where you can pan for gold and other gems. Whilst you are there you head underground to the Consolidated Gold Mine where you can explore the 200 feet underground tunnels.
Check out the amazing cuisine
Georgia’s diverse terrain and long-standing culinary traditions makes it the ultimate foodie destination. With typically Southern dishes on offer like Biscuits & Gravy, Fried Okra, Grits and of course the ubiquitous peach pie (Georgia, of course is known as the Peach State) you really will be spoilt for choice! From TWO Urban Licks, a fabulous restaurant on Atlanta’s nationally-acclaimed Beltline to the rustic home-spun cooking of The Smith House in downtown Dahlonega – there really is something for everyone.
Drink it all in
From wine to mead and everything in-between Georgia is chock-full of distilleries, breweries and vineyards. Visit the Etowah Meadery where you can see honey turn into mead which just happens to be the oldest alcoholic beverage on earth. You can do try some mead and learn more about the process (including the importance of the honey bee!)
Love wine? Georgia won’t disappoint thanks to incredible vineyards and wineries such as Chateau Elan and the Wolf Mountain Vineyard which comes with not only a superb selection of wine but also an impressive display of guitars and vinyl from the likes of the Rolling Stones. Both places offer great wine tasting which includes reds whites and roses.
Gainesville certainly seems to be a bit of a hub for alcohol, this town has an impressive selection of distilleries such as the Gainesville Distillery – they create hand-crafted artisan spirits from locally sourced ingredients in a super cool modern setting. There is also the Left Nut Brewery that is located inside an historic building in Chicopee Mills which is ideal for a cheeky cider or a beer.
In Athens you can pay a visit to the Terrapin Beer Co which is Athens’ original brewery and is famous for its collaborations with hit TV shows such as The Walking Dead.
Learn about a history maker and legend
It is certainly worthwhile taking a guided tour of Atlanta, ATL Cruzers offer both electronic car and Segway tours of the city. Travel from downtown Atlanta into some of the city’s historical and eclectic neighbourhoods which includes Old Fourth Ward – the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement and home to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
You can expect to see Martin Luther King Jr.’s boyhood home and the original Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he was baptised and where both his father Martin Luther King Sr. and he were pastors.
A visit to the Experience Centre for Civil and Human Rights is a truly humbling and inspiring experience. We have all heard Martin Luther King’s iconic speeches but to hear his words as you walk around this fantastic exhibition brings a whole new meaning and perspective.
