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Cocktails November 22, 2020

How to experience Thanksgiving at home this year

With lockdown in full swing, we certainly don’t need an excuse to try out new cocktail recipes or have a themed evening filled with delicious food. Why not recreate American Thanksgiving at home, held on the fourth Thursday of November every year. From pumpkin pies, puzzles and pre-dinner cocktails, we have rounded up the best ways to celebrate, stateside style, to suit every type of reveller. Thank us later.

Mix up some American-inspired drinks

Lift the spirits this lockdown with some classic USA tipples, inspired by the land of the free. Dazzle with creative cocktail recipes named after famous places in America or simply ‘pimp your prosecco’ with delicious flavours loved by our friends across the Atlantic. While the food and drink focused holiday may be observed primarily in the USA, there’s no reason why we can’t join in the fun too!

Make the ultimate American cocktail, the Manhattan, using J&B Rare Scotch blended whisky with sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, a dash of angostura bitters and a maraschino cherry to garnish. Following the end of Prohibition in the USA, J&B Rare was created to appeal to the American palate, hitting shelves in 1933 – it is the perfect drink to enjoy in the secrecy of your own home
Another classic stateside cocktail is the Long Island Iced Tea, made with five different ingredients. It is a trickier creation to make on your own but the team at Bottle Bar and Shop are a step ahead and have one ready-made and delicious. Simply pour and top up with cola

Apple pie is a longstanding symbol of America. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, apple pie became a symbol of American influence and prosperity as well as national pride. Zymurgorium My My Apple Pie Gin Liqueur is the perfect autumn accompaniment to any fizz that you have available – it is also utterly fantastic on its own. Be whisked away to a Midwestern home with fresh apple pie ready and wafting flavours of spiced pastry and warm caramelised fruits
What could be more American than serving a cocktail that was declared the official drink of the nation’s capital, Washington DC. The Rickey is gin-based and even has a plaque dedicated to it at the JW Marriott Washington on Pennsylvania Avenue, which stands on the original site of the Shoomaker’s Bar where the cocktail was first created. Simply fill a highball glass with ice, add two ounces of gin and half an ounce of lime juice, top up with soda water and garnish with lime wheels
The aptly-named Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon creates the perfect Old-Fashioned cocktail. The distillery is located in Kentucky, situated on a deep limestone shelf on the Kentucky River and makes for an explosion of vanilla and caramel flavours that progress to bitter orange. This is the perfect premium drink to wash down any Thanksgiving meal

Create a Thanksgiving feast

The first Thanksgiving meal, according to lore, took place in 1621, where a feast of venison, lobster, clams, berries, fruit, pumpkin and squash was shared. Nowadays, Turkey is a key component with potatoes in abundance and an array of side dishes piled onto plates, with families coming together to share a feast only comparable to Christmas in terms of extravagance. A plethora of well-known restaurants have put on new and exciting Thanksgiving menus year on year from barbecue favourites to fine-dining spots offering sharing menus. Dining out is currently not on the cards, but fear not, we have gathered together different ways to indulge without having to venture too far away.

Whole Foods Market is pulling out all the stops this year with delicious Thanksgiving offerings, making it easy to experience a traditional Turkey dinner on the 26th November. Pick up dinner for one or for four people to share – depending on the size of your bubble! The larger meal includes classic Thanksgiving fare: butternut squash with onion and cranberries as well as tasty cranberry sauce. Available to order and pick up in-store throughout November from one of the seven London stores, Whole Foods Market is the one-stop-shop for all things Thanksgiving this year. Showcasing its American roots, it also offers non-alcoholic apple cider, pure pumpkin puree and gluten-free cornbread baking mix to make the celebration a little more authentic and special
With World Vegan Month in full swing, sample the deliciously seasonal ‘Gobble Gobble’ lemon-caper seitan burger with sauteed kale, rosemary gravy, harvest stuffing, fresh cranberry sauce with a potato bun from By Chloe. Founded in New York, By Chloe quickly became a household name before opening in the UK in 2017. It now has three eateries across London: Covent Garden, Oxford circus, and Tower Bridge and offers a 100% vegan and plant-based menu
If you aren’t ready just yet to deck the halls and whip up a Thanksgiving turkey with Christmas just around the corner, why not recreate a simple yet classic American staple – the loaded hot dog. Order the delicious chilli from new kids on the block, Stocked, who provide delicious portionable frozen food direct to your door. The chilli, along with some other easy ingredients that wouldn’t look out of place stateside, creates The Cherry Dog. Stocked have even put together their own recipe for you to follow along
For dessert, look no further than Jack and Beyond, the online cake shop offering home delivery with a bakery and café on Fulham Road. Indulge in homemade American classics including a delicious Pumpkin or Pecan pie. Jack and Beyond also offer peanut butter and chocolate pies and celebrity-inspired treats featuring the Trump and the Barack cookie

Take a moment to reflect

Thanksgiving in America is all about loved ones coming together, taking a moment to pause and to give thanks for the year. Thanksgiving is the start of the festive season, with presents left for Christmas Day. It is more important than ever to take time to switch off from life’s everyday pressures and to reconnect with your nearest and dearest. What better than games or puzzles to enjoy a minute of calm, away from screens, during lockdown.

Piecemeal Puzzles is a new, female-founded, contemporary jigsaw puzzle brand. Carefully curated to evoke the sentiment of the jigsaw design, each puzzle has its own epic Spotify playlist, which is found by scanning a unique code on the back of each box. The 500 piece jigsaw puzzle named California Nights is part of the debut collection and is the perfect accompaniment to any Thanksgiving celebration, instantly transporting you to the Sunshine State as well as to moments of zen.

Set the scene

Put the fire on, get cosy and tuck into a great movie – The Holiday anyone? CK creations candles are hand-poured in London and have been tried and tested so that each scent is just right. Started by two sisters in the first lockdown, this small business helps customers turn their homes into a sweet-smelling haven. The candles are also fantastic presents and can come gift wrapped. Choose from gorgeous scents that are great for a Thanksgiving celebration and create the perfect ambience, including cinnamon & orange, gingerbread house, hot apple pie and mulled wine.

Give thanks

With the theme of this time of year being focused on gratitude and giving thanks, now is the perfect time to write cards to loved ones that you are not able to see face to face, to express how grateful you are for them. There is nothing more personal and thoughtful than a handwritten note – zoom, be gone! The Martha Brooke Personalised Bee Notecards Gift Set is ideal for sending to friends and family to say thank you, to plan an exciting activity in the future or simply as a brilliant gift. The products are beautifully designed to uplift and inspire and come in an exquisite array of colours and patterns, just what is needed in 2020. Being grateful never goes out of style.

Italy November 19, 2020

Christmas Gifts to Restore your Zen

2020 has been a stressful year, so this Christmas give yourself or loved ones the gift of calm and relaxation. Whatever your budget and wellness need, we have curated our favourite wellbeing boosting gifts to help restore your zen this Christmas.

Lunar Chi Candles

These handmade crystal candles are created with love, light, charged with Reiki energy and come in a range of beautiful scents. Their best seller, Solicitude, is good for anxiety, combining a sprinkling of Geranium and Lavender Essential oils, as well as Amethyst, Rose Quartz and Blue Chalcedony stones. If you cannot find a scent you like, Lunar Chi offers a bespoke candle service to create the perfect candle to suit your needs.

From £20, available at lunarchi.co.uk

Sensate

For anyone feeling stressed out, Sensate is a smart piece of wellness tech that emits low frequency vibrations. These work through bone conduction to calm you down and put your body into repair mode. The device links to your phone via an app. All you have to do is select the soothing soundscape you want to listen to, pop on the eye mask provided and place your Sensate on your sternum. There are 10, 20 and 30 minute sessions you can complete depending on how much time you have. When used regularly it can improve sleep, mood, reduce anxiety and stress. Davina McCall is a fan.

The Sensate is available from Indiegogo at a special price and free shipping for House of Coco readers, of £172 CocoSensate

Be Strong Be Kind Florence Bangle

The Be Bangle is a beautiful, handcrafted enamel and 18ct rose gold plated piece of arm candy that not only looks good but is also your daily motivational reminder to be strong and kind. With an engraved quote on the inside it is a perfect dose of positivity.

£70 from florence-london.com

Lumie body clock

Light at the start of the day is the most effective way to reset your internal clock and the daily cycle of hormones, metabolism, and sleep. The Bodyclock Glow 150 from Lumie will introduce you to the benefits of sleeping and waking with light, so that you can experience a more regular sleep and wake pattern.

£99 from johnlewis.com

Positive Planner

This mindful gratitude journal inspires better mental wellbeing every day with positive affirmations, daily reflections and mindfulness activities.

£20 from www.thepositiveplanners.com

Subscription to Buddy Box

This little box of loveliness is a great monthly pick-me-up. Packed full of thoughtful, self-caring, mood-boosting goodies, the BuddyBox is a subscription box to nourish, inspire and encourage self-care.

Starts at £21.50 per month, available at blurtitout.org/buddybox

This Works Great in Bed gift set

On days where you need a little extra help to wash off stresses and prepare for sleep reach for this trio of sleep solutions by This Works.

£25 from thisworks.com

Ginger Fox 100 Thoughts Positivity Cards

100 motivational memo cards to inspire a better you. When you need a boost, pick a card, place it in the front of the handy desktop frame and focus on the positive affirmation.

£9.99 from amazon.co.uk

Food & Drink November 2, 2020

Olly’s launches free ‘In The House Mix’ care package for students and to send to loved ones in time for lockdown

London-based start-up food brand Olly’s is launching a new initiative focused on sharing delicious (and nutritious) treats with loved ones. The initiative is purpose-built for the lockdown lifestyle that is now on our horizon. Olly’s has brought together some of the most exciting start-up brands to offer 500 free boxes of a bespoke ‘In The House Mix’. These gift boxes will be available online, first come first served from 6:30pm on the 2nd November.

For many of us during lockdown, seeing loved ones is impossible. With this in mind, the team at Olly’s, known for their range of healthy snacks, have decided to devise an initiative that could withstand the heaviest social restrictions, and provide people with a unique chance to surprise and treat loved ones to something healthy and tasty.

Containing a selection of treats perfect for every palette, Olly’s new ‘In The House Mix’ features all of Olly’s signature snacks, as well KIND’s famous breakfast bars, an all-natural energy drink from Tenzing and MOMA’s mouth-watering porridge pot, as well as many more. The full contents of Olly’s ‘In The House Mix’ are:

– Olly’s Pretzels

– Olly’s Nuts

– Olly’s Olives

– Tony’s Chocolonely Bar

– KIND Protein Bar

– KIND Breakfast Bar

– Manilife Peanut Butter Pot

– Tenzing Drink Can

– Mr Lee’s Noodle Pot

– MOMA Porridge Pot

– Livia’s Dunx Pot

– Phizz Hydration Tablet

– Patch Plants Coupon

– MOJU Coupon

Olly’s hope to lift the spirits of those facing a winter very different from the one they were promised. With their new lockdown snack selection, anyone looking to brighten the dark November days of a loved one will be taking note.

Founder Olly Hiscocks says, “I don’t think we need to say much more than that 2020 has been tough, and with the latest restrictions already here for some and looming for others, we wanted to do something to put a smile back on your faces

There are many of us that don’t have the opportunity to see, say hi and hug a loved one. We wanted this box to go some way for people to be able to surprise and treat their loved ones. With a lot of noise being made around the lacklustre treatment of students at the moment, we initially curated this box especially for them, but we know there are loads of people who are having a tough time at the moment and we hope this gift box would be a beam of light in what has a tendency to be darker times at the moment.

We’ve got 10 awesome brands who have contributed to the box and their generosity is a testament to the world of startups in the UK at the moment. The box and all its contents are completely free, all one has to do is pay postage to send it to a loved one. Great Britain – we’ve got your back.””

Olly’s Household Mix will be available on www.ollys-ollys.com from Monday 2nd November with 500 available.

The box and its contents are completely FREE, with a postage fee of £3.50.

Adventures October 29, 2020

Wake up here: Crown & Garter, Inkpen, West Berkshire

Staycations are here to stay. The Crown & Garter in idyllic Inkpen near Hungerford, West Berkshire is the perfect spot for a great British getaway, in any season. Crisp country air, long leafy walks and cycle routes with award-winning, wholesome food waiting for you by a fire. This is exactly what we all need after the events of 2020. Come away feeling totally refreshed and rejuvenated without getting on board a plane, or indeed applying any sun cream.

The Crown & Garter has ten stylish rooms, just adjacent to the pub property for a relaxed night sleep, each with plush super king beds. The rooms make for the perfect cosy base to head off on glorious walks nearby. Cobwebs, be gone. Inkpen Common is right next door and contains beautiful and ancient heathland, a myriad of flowers, birds and wildlife. We opted for the ten kilometre walk that begins at Inkpen Common but there are options to go on for even longer. The staff at the Crown & Garter are extremely helpful in recommending routes to help to get the most out of the surrounding countryside and to advise which ramble is best for the specific season. On our arrival back, we enjoyed a well-deserved local ale in the Crown & Garter’s large beer garden in the sun, taking in panoramic views of the Berkshire countryside.

The pub offers fresh, seasonal food and a large selection of drinks from local distilleries, breweries and producers. The wine served is exclusively sourced from small producers in the UK and Europe. Food aficionados will appreciate the Crown & Garter’s commitment to sourcing a large portion of its ingredients locally with the fish served in the restaurant coming from UK coastal waters and rivers. The pub’s menu is small, concise and expertly curated. Mouth-watering starters include the broad bean and pea bruschetta, soused mackerel and mini scotch eggs to have alongside a crisp and cool glass of white wine. The dinner menu includes the hearty British pub classics as well as some superb vegetarian options such as a vegan aubergine and chickpea stew with a homemade flatbread, dukkha and soya yoghurt and lighter bites such as the heritage tomato salad with buffalo mozzarella and a roast carrot and spelt salad. The award-winning pub is part of the Honesty Group, which includes nine coffee shops, a bakery and a cookery school across the Berkshire countryside. As a result of being part of Honesty Group, bread is extremely important to the Crown & Garter. Fresh loaves and rolls are supplied from the pub’s local Honesty Bakery and of course the butter is homemade (and delicious).

The private garden is a tranquil setting where guests can start their day with a newspaper, coffee and a freshly-baked croissant, or a full English of course, before embarking on the day’s activities. Although the Crown & Garter feels like it is tucked away in one of the most glorious and secluded parts of the country, guests are not far away from activities and well-known places to visit. The historic Bombay Sapphire Distillery is in the neighbouring county and nearby lies UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace, making the Crown & Garter well located for visitors wishing to experience some quintessentially British days out.

Bombay Sapphire Distillery

Just thirty minutes away from the Crown & Garter lies Laverstoke Mill and the home of Bombay Sapphire. The extremely knowledgeable staff take visitors on a journey right from the beginning of the brand’s origins to the present day. The history of Laverstoke Mill is recorded as far back as the 1086 Doomsday Book. The Mill has been under the ownership of William the Conqueror, Henry VIII and enjoyed four royal visits, most recently Queen Elizabeth in 1962.

Guests to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery learn about the ten botanicals which make the gin so delicious in the iconic glasshouses designed by Thomas Heatherwick. Guests are then able to configure their own gin flavour profile during a hands on activity that incorporates all the senses. Once the flavour palette is chosen, visitors can match their preferences with a complimentary speciality cocktail that is enjoyed at Mill Bar at the end of the tour.

Blenheim Palace

Great Britain in all its glory. Grand, majestic and seeped full of history. Guests can enjoy the expansive grounds with awe-inspiring views of the property or wander inside and take in centuries of pomp and pageantry. The palace was home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family and was also the birthplace of one of the most famous Britons, Sir Winston Churchill. Grab yourself an audio tour and go back through three hundred years of history or take a ride on the miniature train which runs through the grounds between the palace and the Pleasure Gardens. For the more glamourous ‘staycationer’, sip a glass of Searcys Selected Cuvée Champagne in The Orangery and enjoy Blenheim Palace’s famous Afternoon Tea with delicious cakes, scones, pink rhubarb choux buns and strawberry macarons. What could be a more British ritual.

Until the 3rd January 2021, guests to Blenheim Palace can enjoy a major solo collection by acclaimed British female artist, Cecily Brown. Brown’s works display various stylistic influences from Francisco de Goya and Francis Bacon and the exhibition is the first to be comprised solely of new work created in response to the Palace’s history as an English country estate and as the home to successive generations of the Spencer-Churchill family and their impressive collection of paintings, tapestries and decorative arts.

Holidays within the UK are certainly not going anywhere soon with travellers discovering that there is so much to explore, right on the doorstep. Having stood on the same spot since 1640, we predict we will be seeing more of the Crown & Garter as exploring more locally becomes the order of the day. The staycation at the Crown & Garter was everything a luxurious short break should be and a great place to escape from London or any big city. In the words of Sir Winston Churchill who resided just forty-five minutes away at Blenheim Place, ‘my tastes are simple: I am easily satisfied with the best’.

To book and for more information, see: www.crownandgarter.co.uk

Adventures October 27, 2020

Tokyo Tripping

To mark their 10th anniversary, The Capitol Hotel, Tokyo invited House of Coco to join their virtual celebrations and gave us a sneak-peak around the hotel along with the inside scoop on some of the best places to visit in the city.

The hotel was recently awarded five stars by the Forbes Travel Guide and it is easy to see why. This luxury hotel successfully juxtaposes slick city chic with the calming aesthetics of traditional Japanese living. The interiors at The Capitol were designed by Kengo Kuma, the architectural genius behind Tokyo’s 2020 Olympic stadium. Clean lines, lots of glass and natural, light wood are set against a subdued palette. The impressive timber-clad lobby dominates the entrance along with the stunning water feature, which brings the tranquillity and serenity of nature, indoors. This is continued throughout, and the addition of the Japanese garden creates a zen feel, making this a great place to retreat from the bustle of the city.

The hotel showcases an art collection worth two million dollars and guests have the opportunity to admire and revere the works hung around the building.

Each of the 251 stunning guest rooms are large and contemporary, effortlessly blending minimalist Japanese tradition with modern style. Most of the rooms offer stunning views of the Tokyo skyline and on a clear day you can catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji.

When it comes to dining, there is a choice of three restaurants, all offering delicious dishes. Each restaurant has their own speciality chef. Indulge in teppanyaki grilled meats and vegetables, superb sushi, tempura, or the classic banquet-style kaiseki meals.

This sophisticated, modern hotel is in the heart of the city and connected with two major subway stations, so getting around is not a problem. From the hotel you have easy access to Ginza, Harajuku and Roppongi, all great for shopping and dining. If you like trendy cafes, boutiques, and vintage shops, the nearby Daikanyama neighbourhood is worth visiting. Despite being a vast city with lots of skyscrapers there are plenty of green spaces to enjoy. Just a short walk away is the famous Hie Shrine and the Imperial Palace grounds, both surrounded by lush, serene gardens. In the north west part of Tokyo you will find Okutama, home of forest bathing and a great place to reconnect with nature.

Japan has quickly catapulted to the top of my travel bucket list. Offering a plethora of experiences, a taste of Japanese culture and style I cannot wait for travel restrictions to lift so I can visit Tokyo.

For more information on The Capitol Hotel visit, capitolhoteltokyu.com

Cocktails October 16, 2020

UK Coffee Week offers £10 bottomless Gin Espresso Martinis in London

Coffee Gin creators Lava Spirits Co have teamed up with Peckham’s Coffee & Cocktails (@coffeecocktails_peckham) to offer bottomless Gin Espresso Martinis throughout the whole of UK Coffee Week which runs from 19th to 25th October. With the weather getting colder and potential restrictions getting stricter, this is just the positive news that Londoners have been waiting for. To make the offer sweeter, 25% of the proceeds go to Project Waterfall which is UK Coffee Week’s official charity and combats the water crisis in some of the world’s poorest areas.

To celebrate UK Coffee Week in its tenth year, cocktail bar Coffee & Cocktails will be offering bottomless Gin Espresso Martinis throughout the week on a walk-in basis from 5-7pm or 4-6pm on Monday, for just £10 a pop. The Gin Espresso Martinis will be made with award-winning Lava Spirits Co Coffee Gin.

Lava Spirits Co, launched by female entrepreneur Laura Bridge, has crafted a truly delicious blend using South American sourced Arabica coffee beans with comforting aromas and satisfying richness, alongside wonderfully sweet notes of marzipan, chocolate and cherry. The gin is ideal for creating the perfect Gin Espresso Martini (drunk on a bottomless basis) for coffee lovers to enjoy throughout UK Coffee Week or to purchase in order try your own hand at recreating the perfect cocktail at home this autumn.

lavaspirits.co.uk

Health October 1, 2020

5 Reasons to Practice Breath Technique

Do you ever feel like you just want to press pause, slow everything down and take a breather from life? Let’s be honest, the past few months haven’t been the easiest and while we are all doing the best we can, there are days when we are just not feeling it and our mental wellbeing is in need of a boost. One of the quickest most effective ways to boost your wellbeing is breath technique and the best bit – you can access it for free anytime, anywhere. There are so many wellbeing benefits to practicing breath technique, so grab a cup of tea, take a deep breath and read my top five reasons we should all have this tool in our emotional first aid kit.

It calms you in moments of stress and overwhelm

Breathing activates your vagus nerve which shifts the brain from fight or flight mode to a calmer state. It activates our parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) which is primarily responsible for relaxation, its job is to restore, rejuvenate, heal and conserve energy and it is a bit like activating your contentment reserves.

It improves your concentration

It is easy to feel distracted when we are overwhelmed or worried. Breath technique stimulates the cerebral cortex, which is the part of the brain that plays a key role in memory, attention, perception, cognition and awareness.

It increases energy

Breathing balances our autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary body functions like temperature. It can lower blood pressure and improve your mood as well as boost your energy levels. As we take oxygen into our body it enters the bloodstream and is carried to your muscles, where it is either used immediately or stored.

It boosts happiness

Deep breathing triggers the release of endorphins which are chemicals produced naturally by the nervous system to cope with pain or stress. They are often called “feel-good” chemicals because they can act as a happiness booster.

Gets rid of a headache

A headache is an indicator that the brain is deprived of oxygen. By practicing breath technique, you fuel your brain with oxygen, calm your mind and should feel instant relief.

Try this simple breath technique, perfect for beginners.

Sit or lie in a comfortable position.
Close your eyes.
Relax your muscles, let your body connect with the chair or the floor.
Breathe easily and naturally.
Tune into your breath, begin to breathe in through your nose for five counts, hold for five counts and release for five. Focus on your breath. Continue for three to five minutes. When you finish sit quietly for a few minutes.

Cocktails September 18, 2020

The Great British Picnic: Match Your Cans to Your Crisps

As a nation, we made the most of staycations this summer, with garden gatherings, BBQs and evenings in the sunshine. With a selection of delicious and convenient ready to drink cans, plus tasty ‘on the go’ food options lining the shops, the picnic possibilities are practically endless.

Food and drink expert, AbbieMoulton, curator of some of the finest drinks lists across London, has shared her ultimate crisps and ready to drink cans pairing guide, that’s sure to help enhance any picnic game.

Abbie says, “This year we’re all getting used to ‘the new normal’ and spending more time closer to home. As a drinks writer, I’ve been looking for those products that are easy to purchase, consume, and work well for outdoor moments in the sun. Crisps and cans are my go-to picnic staple as they are so easy and convenient. I’ve also seen a surge in popularity of cocktails in cans and see them becoming THE hot new picnic addition, as modelled by a certain celebrity and his chain…”

Read on for the best combinations for the perfect picnic to end the great British summer. Why can’t even the simplest of picnics be an epicurean affair with perfect pairings?

Smirnoff Seltzer Orange & Grapefruit and Raspberry & Rhubarb

NEW Smirnoff Seltzers blend Smirnoff No.21 Premium Vodka with sparkling water and natural fruit flavours: either orange and grapefruit or raspberry and rhubarb.

Perfectly paired with… vegetable crisps such as parsnip, beetroot and carrot crisps which are naturally dried and salty, which will work well with the natural fruit flavours in Smirnoff Seltzers.

Pimm’s No.1 with Lemonade

If there’s one drink that captures the spirit of British summer time, it’s Pimm’s. This quintessential picnic favourite has just the right balance of a fruity flavour taste with a combination of herbal botanicals, caramelised orange and warm spices. Pimm’s No.1 with lemonade deserves a snack that’s equally sophisticated, with a delicious complimentary flavour.

Perfectly paired with…crisps with a bold flavour, such asprawn cocktail. The spice and hint of sweetness in this flavour will complement the flavours of Pimm’s.

Tanqueray Gin & Tonic

Elegant and smooth with a fresh citrus finish, there’s a reason why Tanqueray Gin is popular with cocktail experts. Now available expertly mixed in miniature glass bottles, you can enjoy a G&T that tastes just like you’re sitting at your favourite cocktail bar, on the go! The best crisp pairing will be bold enough to enhance the classic gin flavours, and elegant enough to lift the juniper freshness, without overpowering it…

Perfectly paired with… crisps which have a full-bodied taste and robust aromas such as cracked black pepper, to entwine with the juniper notes for a pairing that has style andsubstance.

Gordon’s Premium Pink Gin & Tonic

Enjoy the sunshine with the effervescent berry flavours of Gordon’s Premium Pink Gin & Tonic. Premixed to perfection, the distinctive taste of Gordon’s mixes with the natural sweetness of raspberries and strawberries for a great drink pairing for an afternoon picnic. The ideal crisps flavour matches the drink’s vibrant tastes, and captures the spirit of the sunshine.

Perfectly paired with… sweet chilliflavoursome crisps, which are sweet yet boast satisfying heat that works wonders with the berry notes.

Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold & Cola

The mix of Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold & Cola is now available in a can, to be enjoyed at any picnic. The ultimate crisp pairing should be something bold, perhaps with smoked flavours.

Perfectly paired with… crisps which are packed with a delicious savoury flavour, such as flame grilled steak. This will match the subtle spice of rum and caramel notes of cola, for that sizzling summer combo of salty and sweet.

City breaks September 14, 2020

Wake Up Here: The Fontenay, Hamburg

Destinations are finally opening up and are ready to be explored after months of lockdown; people are coming out of their homes with wide eyes, ready to dive back in. Hamburg, the sophisticated water city which is just a short plane ride from the UK, is the perfect place to start. At Hamburg’s heart lies Lake Alster and the lush oasis of parkland that hugs it. The Fontenay, is located on the shimmering shoreline and encapsulates lakeside luxury. The five-star hotel opened in March 2018 and represents the perfect balance of nature and urban living which is exquisitely found throughout the whole of Hamburg.

Hamburg is known for being a green city, and not without reason, 27% of the city comprises of natural areas that surround the lake at the heart. Designed to be a reflection of modern Hamburg and the natural urban shoreline, The Fontenay has a free-flowing, sculptural architecture, stylish and spacious interiors and luxury living spaces. The ‘Heaven Mirror’ fountain in front of the hotel, which weighs one hundred tonnes, greeted us and we were welcomed in the lobby by the gracious staff and accompanied to our room which had freshly made pink macarons on arrival and sweeping views of Lake Alster.

The lake provides a great way to get a different view of Hamburg. Locals set sail on picturesque wooden boats, canoes, pedal boats, rowing boats or even venetian gondolas. We jumped aboard for an Alster Boat Tour which circumnavigates the lake in just under an hour and gives a glimpse of the centre of the city. We meandered from the south of Lake Alster to the older parts of the city, taking in the imposing Rathaus and Gothic Revival church, Mahnmal St. Nikoli. The jewel in the crown is the Elbphilharmonie concert hall in the HafenCity quarter of Hamburg which showcases the maritime history of the city as well as its elegant present. The building resembles a hoisted sail and has a free viewing platform to see the working port on the Elbe River from above. The city’s port, known as the ‘Port of Dreams’, was the last stop for millions of migrants from Europe before traveling to America. Fascinating tales of discovering the New World can be heard at the Ballinstadt Emigration Museum. Rich historical tales of when Hamburg was the ‘Gateway to the World’ should not be missed.

After a full day of exploring, we were welcomed back to the hotel and enjoyed a drink at The Fontenay’s 500m² outdoor bar terrace with a 320° view of the Hamburg skyline. All five of Hamburg’s main churches, the inner and outer Lake Alster dotted with sailings boats, the Elbphilarmonie and the Town Hall can all be seen from the bar. Lakeside al fresco living continued with dinner in the grounds at Parkview restaurant. Foodie highlights included the chef’s sashimi, beef tartar, crustacean ravioli, all paired with the house white, named after the hotel itself. Not forgetting the sorbet we had with champagne in between courses. We learnt a new word after our feast – ‘fertig’ which in German means ‘full up’ or ‘completely finished’. We definitely were, and it was fantastic. As we indulged our full feeling, we enjoyed the restaurant views of the lake and watched locals trickle out to the water for an after dinner walk with loved ones, after months apart.

From The Fontenay, it is a fifteen-minute walk along the banks of Lake Alster into the city centre, making the destination a perfect weekend break. Although close to the centre, the hotel remains incredibly peaceful and tranquil. The entire lake can be conquered on foot in just over two hours, or longer if visitors linger over cafes, museums and piers en route. The Fontenay also has bicycles to borrow to explore further afield for more active tourists. Our guide Tomas took us via bike to the fresh and green boulevards surrounding the hotel, to St. Pauli, the ‘shoulder blade district’ and we ended at the Ratsherrn Brewery for some refreshing beverages. We knew the St. Pauli region was more than meets the eye and headed back to chow down on delicious Levantine food at Salt and Silver, overlooking majestic and gigantic ships on the water, as the sun went down.

The day at The Fontenay starts in relaxed luxury with breakfast at Parkview. Tiered stands full of delicious regional delicacies are placed on the table for each guest including a range of cheeses from Northfriesian Backensholzer Farm, a selection of local charcuterie and smoked fish specialties. Egg-based dishes like omelettes, pancakes with local speciality Rote Grütze (berry compote), or buttermilk waffles with fresh berries can be ordered additionally. The weekend stay ended with time reflecting at the rooftop spa pool at the hotel, looking over the city. Hamburg is chic yet down to earth, which is also the same as The Fontenay; sophisticated and welcoming, never stuffy. The city has a high-end foodie scene but fantastic local cheap eats, is a working, industrious city yet laid back with huge open spaces. The balance was just right and the hotel refreshed and revitalised, just like fresh water.

A Deluxe Room at The Fontenay, Hamburg is priced from €350 (from £309) per room per night including breakfast. Rate includes full breakfast, Wi-Fi, a selection of drinks from the minibar, in-room coffee machine, VAT, city tax and service. To book, visit www.thefontenay.com. For more information about Hamburg, visit www.hamburg-travel.com.

Brunch September 4, 2020

Get your five a day with Pret A Manger

Move over Netflix, there is a new subscription service in town and it’s offering even better value. Pret is launching the UK’s first in-shop coffee subscription on Tuesday 8th September 2020. With the subscription, YourPret Barista, coffee fiends can enjoy endless caffeine for just £20 a month. That’s five red stars from us.

To celebrate, the subscription is completely free for the first month and is available at participating Pret A Manger shops nationwide. All barista-prepared drinks are included from silky smooth flat whites, hot chocolates to refreshing iced lattes, teas and smoothies. Theinitiative is the first of its kind and indicates the start of Pret’s recovery in London and the wider UK. Ready to transform the way the UK buys its coffee, YourPret Barista lets subscribers enjoy Pret’s full range of barista-prepared drinks, up to five times a day. Organic milk alternatives are also available free of charge.

Briony Raven, UK Food & Coffee Director at Pret, said:

“Not only is YourPret Barista incredible value and something that has not been done in the UK before, it’s also a chance to enjoy and celebrate the huge range of drinks our expert baristas offer every day.”

While more and more people are heading into its shops, Pret has also launched a host of new products specifically designed for customers to enjoy from wherever they are. Examples include Pret’s ‘Heat Me at Home’ meals, its first ever range of ground coffee and espresso beans, available via Amazon and a new dinner menu available for delivery.

YourPret Barista subscription – how it works:

Customers can subscribe at your.pret.co.uk or can be guided through QR codes available in every Pret store nationwide
The subscription is loaded onto customers’ Apple or Google digital wallets or can be accessed via emailed QR codes. Scanners installed in Pret shops enable customers to verify their subscription status and redeem hot drinks
YourPret Barista coffee subscription is valid for one month, and auto-renews with no minimum term contract. Customers can unsubscribe at any time
Only redeemable in-shop for takeaway or eat-in. Redemption is limited to one drink per transaction, up to five per day, with 30 minutes intervals between each transaction to prevent misuse
For a full list of participating shops see pret.co.uk/YourPretTerms