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Top London restaurants that now deliver to your door

With the Eat Out to Help Out scheme now over (thank you Rishi) and the nights beginning to draw in, cosy evenings at home are the order of the day. Food fanatics no doubt rushed back to their favourite restaurants as soon as they could during the summer but as the weather now turns colder, House of Coco have rounded up a selection of top London restaurants that are now delivering to your door. Fire on, feet up and let the fine-dining feasting begin.

Aquavit London

The Michelin-starred Nordic-inspired restaurant located in St James’s Market, sister to the highly acclaimed two Michelin-starred restaurant of the same name in Manhattan has launched a new delivery and takeaway menu. Bringing the Michelin-star to you, Aquavit London has partnered with food delivery service platform Supper and Deliveroo. Head Chef Jorjon Colazo’s food is defined by clean flavours, simple presentation and healthy ingredients. Stand-out choices include the Nordic salad with hot smoked salmon, pickles, lettuce and rye; langoustine bao buns with torched infused seaweed oil, a Swedish twist on the classic steamed Chinese bread roll and traditional Swedish meatballs served with mashed potatoes, pickled cucumber, mushrooms and lingonberries. To create the perfect at home restaurant experience, a selection of fine wines, beers and inventive soft drinks are also be available to order. The perfect choice for a hygee night in.

Available to order from Wednesday to Sunday. Delivery is available within a 4km radius of the restaurant. aquavitrestaurants.com

Lina Stores

Everybody has heard of Lina Stores. The stalwart and equally sumptuous pasta provider for the capital. For those living outside London and unable to make it to the delis (Soho and Kings Cross), Lina Stores now offers nationwide delivery. Having successfully developed its online shop, the team at Lina can now provide their most popular Italian products to the whole of the United Kingdom. From antipasti and olives straight from the deli counters, Lina Stores also offers a wide selection of cured meats and cheeses including Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella with truffle, Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, smoked Mozzarella Scamorza and creamy Gorgonzola amongst many others. For those looking for the essentials, the online shop is well stocked with everything needed for the store cupboard, from the deli’s own brand of dried pasta and olive oil, to tinned San Marzano tomatoes and a selection of specialist flours, risotto rice, Italian beans and pulses. It time to live la dolce vita, in your own kitchen.

National delivery is now available four days a week. linastores.co.uk

Lina Stores

Ormer Mayfair

The new delivery and collection service, Ormer at Home is led by Executive Chef Kerth Gumbs (BBC TWO’s Great British Menu 2020 finalist). The Mayfair menu is bursting with a wonderful bounty of Channel Island and British fare that is simply prepared and cooked to perfection. Dishes include Yellowtail Ceviche with avocado, tomato and Vietnamese dressing, Black Cod with pickled squash, orange, pack Choi and sake dressing, or Dorset Lamb Cutlets with spiced aubergine, pomegranate and pine nuts. Ormer Mayfair has consistently been rated as one of the top ten restaurant in London for fine dining, perfect for a high end date night in the comfort of your own home. On Sunday, a high-end sharing roast for two will be available and desserts including Ormer’s signature apple crumble and rhubarb and white chocolate panna cotta will also feature, alongside wine, beer, cocktails and champagne.

Available for delivery and collection from Tuesday to Saturday from 12pm to 9pm. Delivery is available within a 2-3 mile radius of the restaurant. flemings-mayfair.co.uk/fine-dining-london/ormer-mayfair-restaurant

FishWorks Fishmonger and Restaurant

FishWorks has launched a new delivery service including an at home Oyster Box for those looking for a more epicurean night in. The delivery menu is carefully prepared and packaged to order by FishWorks’ expert chefs and fishmongers. Ready-to-eat dishes will include oven roasted sea bass with lemon and thyme, seared yellow fin tuna and garlic butter lobster with chips. The gourmet Oyster Box includes a mixture of a dozen Jersey, Carlingford and Morecambe Bay oysters. Covering all preferences, an assortment of condiments including lemon, merlot vinegar, and Tabasco will be included – all to be perfectly paired with a bottle of FishWorks’ Fernão Pires white wine. For those new to the oyster game, FishWorks have you covered with a shucker and a link to a ‘How to Shuck an Oyster’ video tutorial. Delicious British and Irish oysters can be brought to your doorstep at £60 per box.

Available to order seven days a week for London zones 1 – 4. fishworks.co.uk

FishWorks Fishmonger and Restaurant

OPSO

Greece is well and truly having a moment. The white-washed towns of Mykonos and Santorini have featured in every enviable holiday snap this summer. For those who have missed out this year, the team at high-end restaurant OPSO, serving up modern Greek dishes, have introduced OPSO at Home for you to have a taste of Greece in your own kitchen. Centred around a special menu of home-cooked authentic dishes, this new collection and delivery initiative reflects the favourite childhood memories of the executive chefs/co-owners Georgianna Hiliadaki and Nikos Roussos. The menu features seasonal dishes such as Chicken Lemonato – roasted chicken thigh with lemon-oregano gravy and creamy potato mash; Beef Stifado – braised beef shin with onions and sweet onion gravy; and Spanakorizo – spinach rice pilaf with fresh herbs and barrel matured feta cheese. OPSO is an ancient Greek word for a delectable morsel of food, and with sumptuous Greek tapas dishes using the finest ingredients and an exclusively Greek wine list to pair with the delicacies, you will quite literally, savour every last bite.

Opso at Home is suited for two or more, the delivery menu is also available throughout the week delivered to doorsteps in Marylebone and nearby neighbourhoods. opso.co.uk

OPSO

Bocca di Lupo

Bocca di Lupo at Home will see Head Chef Jacob Kenedy introduce a menu featuring some of Bocca di Lupo’s most popular dishes. Echoing the restaurant’s focus on stripped-down, regional Italian cuisine, diners will be able to choose from antipasti dishes such as creamy burrata with grilled aubergines and caramelised datterini tomatoes, spinach and ricotta Malfatti pasta, Orecchiette with ‘nduja and the umami-packed Spaghetti with Bottarga. For the risotti there is an earthy Girolle, an indulgent Chard & Scamorza and a classic Venetian Risotto Nero made with cuttlefish ink. The menu aims to bring the gourmet buzz of Soho into your own home. Each dish comes with a step-by-step recipe guide and video tutorial, making them accessible to even the most unaccomplished home cook. A few bottles of ever elusive orange wine also feature on the menu making it the perfect option to sip something unusual on your own sofa!

Bocca di Lupo at Home is available for delivery Wednesday to Saturday with free delivery on orders over £80. Delivery to a wide variety of London postcodes. athome.boccadilupo.com

Bocca di Lupo

Wun’s Tea Room & Bar

The restaurant and bar located in the heart of Soho, where Old Compton Street meets Greek Street is offering the delivery of one of its most beloved dishes, the mouthwatering Iberico Char Siu pork. The launch of the Iberico Char Siu home delivery kit means that Londoners can taste authentic Cantonese flavours at home. The kits can be cooked to perfection and easily assembled within 25 minutes. The kit includes Iberico Fatty Char Siu, pillowy Blini Buns, House Spiced Sugar Pack as well as cooking instructions and is designed to serve between two and three people.

Delivery is available from Wednesday to Sunday or can be picked up from the restaurant. Delivery within a 4 mile radius of the restaurant. tearoom.bar

Benares

Vibrant and inventive Indian cooking with modern British flair with Executive Chef Sameer Taneja at the helm. Using his classical training and experience working alongside some of the best chefs in the world, Sameer embraces and elevates traditional Indian cuisine which can now be enjoyed at home. Fan favourites include a lamb seekh kebab, prawn kasundi, chicken makhani, dal makhani and saag aloo.

Delivery is available from Monday to Saturday from 12pm to 9pm and Sundays 12pm to 8pm. Collection is available from Tuesday to Saturday only. Delivery is available across Greater London and for delivery further than a 6 mile radius, three hours’ notice is needed. benaresrestaurant.com

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Adventures

Relax at the Algarve’s hottest beach club

With the Portuguese travel corridor currently open I decided to squeeze in a dose of vitamin sea and take a few days out to unwind in the Algarve. Just a two-and-a-half-hour flight away and sunshine guaranteed right up until November, makes it the perfect place to escape and relax. Within 24 hours of Portugal going back on the ‘safe list’, my hotel pool was quickly filling up with families also looking to take advantage of not having to quarantine so I decided to escape all the chaos and booked myself into Purobeach, Vilamoura.

With eight beach clubs around the world, this global lifestyle brand is fast becoming the ‘go-to’ if you are looking for luxurious beachside socialising. These iconic beach clubs successfully combine al fresco dining, poolside partying and beach glamour. Set in the vibrant Vilamoura marina amongst the million-pound yachts, bustling restaurants and bars is their chic, super luxe Portuguese club.

Purobeach, Vilamoura offers two distinct areas, the garden and beachfront, both with a different vibe. The garden is an oasis of lush greenery, with the swimming pool taking centre stage. Crisp, white Balinese beds and loungers flank the azure pool, a DJ plays chilled tunes while the super friendly staff serve drinks and attend to your every need. I opted to spend the day on the beachfront which offers the same sophisticated ambiance as the garden but with a livelier atmosphere. The music is a notch louder and the DJ pumps out the kind of music that makes you want to get up off your lounger and dance. All the big comfy beds come with fluffy towels and face out to the Atlantic Ocean making it the perfect spot to soak up the sun. Staff flit across the beach serving drinks and checking in on the guests throughout the day.

Food is served in both areas. I chose to eat lunch on the beachfront. You can sit inside or out, both spots have amazing views of the sun kissed sand and cobalt ocean. The restaurant is light and airy with a buzzy vibe, small groups begin to gather around tables, sharing plates and chatting above the music. The menu successfully fuses international flavours alongside local Portuguese produce and influences. Fresh seafood, tasty salads and poke bowls sit alongside burgers, meat dishes and snacks, providing lots of culinary choice as well as vegan, vegeterian, gluten-free and lactose-free options. There’s an extensive drinks menu which also includes healthy juices and smoothies for those who don’t fancy a glass of the renowned Vinho Verde. I declined on the juice and tried a glass of famous crisp, lively Portuguese white which paired perfectly with my grilled sea bream. Served with baked new potatoes and a selection of vegetables and salad, the portion sizes are generous and you certainly leave the table satisfied. For those just wanting to visit the restaurant you can book a table direct. To celebrate the club’s 10th Anniversary they are currently offering a Seaside breakfast up until 12pm everyday until the end of August for 25 euros per person.

After a leisurely lunch I retreat back to my comfortable bed to read my book and people watch. By mid-afternoon the drinks are flowing, and people are socialising at the edge of the Ocean. As the afternoon crawls into the balmy evening the temperature is still in the mid-twenties. The beach is thinning out as people head back to their hotels, here at Puro things are still underway as the cool crowd carry on mingling and soaking up the last of the rays.

To book a bed or reserve a table at the restaurant visit purobeach.com/en/beach-club-vilamoura/

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Behind the bar

Escape the heat at London’s new Rosé Retreat

The Folly’s stunning new pop-up bar dedicated to all things pink is the perfect place to sip on some exquisite rosé and escape the heat in the city. The Rosé Retreat in the heart of London, minutes from Monument and Bank Stations, has made going ‘out out’ stylish, yet safe, with a floral decorated Insta-worthy pop-up serving the lightest of Provence wines to cerise cocktails. Guests can enjoy three 100ml tasters of Provencal varieties including Le Petit Ballon, Petale de Rose and Le Source Gabriel (£13.95), perfect for feeling like you are indulging in a wine tasting at a rolling vineyard abroad.

There is also an extensive new wine list to explore which features every shade of pink under the sun with tipples from South Africa to the South of France. For bubbles with your bubble, there’s a beautiful rosé spumante from Veneto for just £29.50 per bottle to share with friends. To enhance the holiday feel, the Rosé Retreat offers delicious sharing boards including the Mezze Board with hummus, baba ganoush, tahini, harissa, vegan feta served with flatbreads and olives and the Charcuterie Board with salami, chorizo, prosciutto and manchego – perfect for grazing. Still feeling peckish? The Folly offers all the fan favourites that we have all been missing during lockdown from juicy burgers to finger licking fish finger sandwiches, gnocchi mac & cheese, decadent salads and green bowls.

Sticking to all things floral, the talented bar team have also created stunning blush cocktails including the Frozen Paloma, a refreshing mix of El Jimador Tequila, freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice, lime juice, agave syrup and London Essence Rosemary & Grapefruit tonic (£8.95); the Sweet Tooth of Roku gin, rhubarb & custard syrup, lemon juice, along with rhubarb liquor and egg white (£9.95); and Poppies of Oz, a delicate serve of Martin Miller Gin, Briottet poppy liqueur, vanilla syrup, raspberry powder, soda and a dash of lime juice (£9.95). The Rosé Retreat transitions perfectly from afternoon to evening, lights dimmed and mood music on, for that ‘night out’ fix in a safe, secure environment this summer… teaming with roses and rosé!

The Folly will be participating in the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out Scheme so everyone dining can enjoy up to £10 off their meal Monday to Wednesday throughout August.

www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk/the-folly/

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City breaks

The best roof top bars in LA

LA does roof top bars like no other city. A combination of warm balmy nights and Instagrammable views of the Los Angeles skyline make it the perfect place to take in dreamy, tangerine sunsets and cocktails.

Here at House of Coco, we’ve sussed out the best bars for sky-high views, delicious drinks, good tunes and a sprinkle of that cool Cali-vibe.

Skybar at the Mondrian, West Hollywood

If you are looking for that hip, Hollywood glamour then the Skybar at the Mondrian is the place to visit. During the day it’s a chic poolside lounge, perfect for soaking up some rays and relaxing and, at night, it turns into one of the hottest party spots in LA. World-class DJs pump out the tunes while guests hang out sipping on champagne, signature cocktails, spirits and beers. Boasting some of the finest views of the city, this popular rooftop bar is the place to be seen; so, dress to impress.

Hot tip: If you aren’t staying at the Mondrian, arrive after 1pm when the bar opens to the public.

Mama Shelter, Hollywood

Take in the sweeping views of Hollywood at this casual, chilled rooftop bar. Settle down on one of the bright, cosy sofas and sample the rustic, home-cooked food. Think baby back ribs that just drop off the bone and home-made cookies; just like mama would bake. This is a great venue to meet up with friends, grab a bite to eat, sample a cocktail from their infamous Moscow Mule menu, lounge on the day beds or have a go at the table games and foosball.

Hot tip: Mama’s has a first come, first served policy so try and get there early in the evening.

Above SIXTY, Beverly Hills

Located on the rooftop of the SIXTY Beverly Hills, Above SIXTY was named LA’s best rooftop al fresco bar and restaurant. With an extensive bar and 360 views of the city, it’s easy to see why. There’s a contemporary and stylish split-level terrace; the lower has a bar and lounge seating while the roof terrace has a pool, lounge areas and cabanas. This is a great spot for brunch on a weekend or, if you are looking to hang with the cool crowd, reserve your table for sundowners.

Hot Tip: A great place if you are looking to splurge.

Upstairs Bar at Ace Hotel, Downtown

The Upstairs Bar at the Ace has it all; DJ sets, live music, splendid drinks, book release parties and rooftop yoga. With stunning views of the city, this bar has definitely upped the rooftop game. It’s more than just a bar, it’s a great social space that offers a daily line up of events.

Hot tip: Check out their website before you visit, as there are lots of different events on each night.

High Rooftop Lounge at Erwin Hotel, Santa Monica

As the only rooftop bar in Venice Beach, you can count on epic sunset views year-round. The vibe here during the day is laid back, with 360 views that take in Muscle Beach, Catalina Island, Malibu, Downtown LA and the Hollywood Hills. When the sun goes down, the energy goes up a notch as the hip crowd dance around the glass fire pits, while the guest DJs spin out the beats.

Hot tip: Even if you are staying at the hotel, make a reservation as it gets busy.

Petit Ermitage, West Hollywood

You might well believe that you are in the Mediterranean, rather than Hollywood, when you arrive at Petit Ermitage. This beautiful boho bar is like an Italian secret garden. The pool and bar area is flanked with citrus trees, scattered with twinkly fairy lights. Sip on cocktails created by the Spirit Master in the Butterfly Bar and escape the ordinary. This Hollywood hideaway is humming with birds and butterflies. On an evening, step in the gypsy wagons and have your tarot cards read or snuggle under a blanket and watch an exclusive film premiere on the fire deck.

Hot Tip: This is guest-only, so you need to be staying at the hotel to get in.

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Food & Drink

Tavolino, the new Italian restaurant coming to London Bridge

Tavolino, a new London neighbourhood restaurant located in the heart of London Bridge will open the doors and outdoor terrace on Friday 31st July. The kitchen will be headed up by Louis Korovilas, formerly Head Chef of Bancone and godson of famed chef, Giorgio Locatelli. Tavolino – meaning ‘small table’, will serve simple dishes cooked with produce from across Italy and the UK, carefully sourced by Louis from individual suppliers.

“I respect the Italian approach to cooking: a dedication to quality ingredients, eaten at their peak, with the flavours coaxed from each one. At Tavolino, we’ll be steering away from using overused produce of mediocre quality and have spent the last six months going directly to suppliers who have been perfecting their produce for several generations. For example, we’ve found the best Pecorino Sardo DOP and a 24-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano for our pastas, and our lemons are sourced directly from a farmer on the Almalfi coast,” says Louis.

For lunch and dinner, guests can begin as the Italians do with a selection of bread baked in-house by pastry chef Taylor Sessegnon-Shakespeare including honeyed garlic focaccia, and an olive and parmesan roll. Dishes for the table can include cured salume such as Tuscan fennel salami, or lardo and parmesan bombolini and zucchini fritti and starters including fresh burrata from an artisanal dairy in Puglia, served with grilled zucchini scarpece.

Every morning, Louis and his team will make their own fresh pasta from scratch for dishes including his signature dish of silk handkerchief pasta sheets with walnut butter and Burford Brown yolk (served in Bancone); tagliatelle, spicy ‘nduja and pork ragù; and hand-rolled potato gnocchi with tomato, basil and Barilotto cheese. A selection of pizzas are made Romagna-style on thin, crispy sourdough base, topped with ingredients such as Puglian burratta, ‘nduja from Spilinga, black Taggiasca olives and Gorgonzola Riserva. Desserts include all the crowd pleasers; an Amalfi lemon meringue, tiramisu, balsamic chocolate mousse and skillet polenta cake with cherries and caramelised white chocolate made to share. La Dolce Vita!

On the south bank of the River Thames, Tavolino will be split across two floors with floor-to-ceiling windows with sensational views of the water and the the interiors will take inspiration from classic Milanese coffee bars and the traditional trattorias of Florence.

tavolino.co.uk

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Cocktails

London’s Flour & Grape launches new DIY pasta kits with expert wine pairings

Flour & Grape, the Bermondsey restaurant famous for its delicious, yet affordable and authentic pasta and wine, has launched Flour & Grape At Home, giving Londoners the chance to recreate their favourite dishes in the comfort of their own home. The move to create an At Home range allows Flour & Grape to stand out even further amongst London pasta purveyors. The restaurants website will be live for pre-orders on Tuesday 28th July 2020.

Perfect for cosy date nights in, dinner parties or for simply savouring the pasta flavours and expertly matched wines from the comfort of a sofa, Flour & Grape is offering a selection of crowd-pleasing pasta dishes, as well as a bespoke selection of antipasti, scrumptious desserts and cocktails. Cocktails include the Bermondsey Grapefruit Americano (£12) and the Nectarine Negroni (£15), which both serve two people. The choice of products is designed to bring restaurant standard freshness and quality straight to every London home.

Each pasta dish can be paired with a specially chosen wine to help elevate the tasting experience. Choices range from a ‘posh Pinot Grigio’ to a delectable and ‘very gulpable’ Catarratto. With only regional Italian wines on the menu, the team at Flour & Grape are truly passionate about serving the best options and strive to feature more unusual choices at a reasonable price in order to make exciting flavours more accessible. The At Home range gives customers the confidence to sample different types of wines alongside their dishes, without breaking the bank.

Pasta dishes to cook up at home in less than ten minutes will be available to collect from the restaurant, or those who live within a five-mile radius of the pasta powerhouse can have it delivered straight to their door. Each kit includes everything needed to create the highest quality dish, including pasta made freshly that day, alongside sauce and parmesan, with step-by-step recipe cards so that lovers of the carb can enjoy hassle free indulgence.

With staying in being the new going out and many consumers still feeling cautious about returning to restaurants, as well as tables at Flour & Grape being like gold dust even on the quietest of days, the team is looking to recreate the tasty and indulgent experience at home. After months of experimenting, the restaurant has perfected the preparation process and have developed clever packaging, allowing the freshest ingredients to be delivered without compromising on taste. Flour & Grape uses only the finest ingredients and produce to ensure the best tasting and freshest flavours each time. Dishes are also affordable as well as delicious, starting from only £7.

Founder and trained chef Nick Crispini commented: “Flour & Grape Pasta At Home has been something we were looking to develop long before lockdown – so it was imperative we got it exactly right rather than rushing to get something over the line. This is very much a long-term shift in our business model rather than a stop-gap response to the pandemic. With many consumers staying in during this time, we are looking to bring the experience of eating out to their door.”

The menu features a range of Flour & Grape’s most iconic pasta dishes, including:

  • Tortelloni (Roasted pork shoulder, sage butter)
  • Taglierini (Preserved truffle, butter emulsion, parmesan)
  • Pappardelle (Beef short-rib ragu)
  • Bucatini (Tomato, black olive, caper, chilli) vegan
  • Fazzoletti (Spinach, mascarpone, nutmeg, parmesan)
  • Linguine (King prawn, tomato, garlic, chilli)
  • Fagottini (Ricotta, spinach, tomato, parmesan)
  • Vegetable Lasagna (Summer vegetables, tomato, bechamel, parmesan)

Collection and delivery will be available at the following times:

Wednesday & Thursday: 3pm – 6pm
Friday: 3pm – 5pm
Saturday & Sunday: 1pm-5pm

The restaurant is currently closed but is looking into re-opening safely in August for Londoners to enjoy once more.

www.flourandgrape.com/home/at-home

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Lifestyle

The London Cabaret Club launches James Bond inspired ‘London Never Dies’

October 2020 will mark the launch of ‘London Never Dies’, a new and re-vamped show from The London Cabaret Club. Life will be brought back to the capital with the show being held at the iconic Bloomsbury Ballroom. Guests will be encouraged to channel their inner ‘Bond girl’ or ‘super-spy’, as a series of unique acts will transport audiences into a glamorous world of romance and espionage.

Following a highly successful run in 2017, ‘London Never Dies‘ returns to London this Autumn with a whole host of brand new surprises, featuring some of London’s most talented West-End performers, with beautifully choreographed dance routines, intricate costumes, gravity defying acrobats and mesmerising vocalists performing iconic tracks from the Bond movies.

Proceedings will be enhanced by pioneering 4-D special effects by internationally renowned lighting designer Tom Sutherland and a state of the art audio visual system by Eclipse Global. The show will be accompanied by a fine dining menu created by new head chef Burim Asllanaj, a talented culinary expert with over 20 years of experience working for exclusive private clients, who will be serving tantalising dishes befitting of the 007 theme, along with signature cocktails and martini’s (shaken, not stirred).

‘London Never Dies’ will take place in The Bloomsbury Ballroom – a strikingly beautiful Art Deco building situated between The City and The West End, that has in recent years been refreshed and revitalised by The London Cabaret Club. This setting combined with a sumptuous menu and one of a kind show will make ‘London Never Dies‘ a unique night to remember.

The evening takes in everything that a great evening out should be – music, sensational food, pageantry, glamour and the chance to dress up to the nines and don the perfect outfit. It’s time to head back out in London with a bang.

Prices from £45.00 per person. www.thelondoncabaretclub.com/londonneverdies

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Health

Woodies: The CBD Hand Sanitiser

Looking for a hand sanitiser glow up? Look no further. CBD has been the ‘it’ topic in the world of health, wellbeing and cosmetics since it’s legalisation in 2016, and Woodies is a new brand on the block set to push the boundaries of CBD with a moisturising hand sanitiser, perfect for the times we live in.

Founded by Jamie Wood, son of model Jo Wood and step-son of Rolling Stone guitarist Ronnie Wood, Woodies offers a constantly growing array of products which hope to aid health and happiness. The brand strives to showcase the groundbreaking positive effects it can have on the body and mind. Experts believe that CBD can assist in the maintenance of the Endo-Cannabonoid system, the primary function of which is to maintain stability across all of the body’s systems and processes, including: pain, digestion, metabolism, motor control, liver function, mood, stress, sleep, muscle formation, brown growth, cardiovascular system function, skin and nerve function.

Woodies CBD Hand Sanitiser Spray £14.99

Whilst excessive hand washing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitiser tends to reveal the cracks in people’s dry skin, CBD works to counteract this with moisturising properties. Endocannabinoids regulate the functionality of skin cells, including keratinocytes which form the protective outer layer of the skin. When CBD is applied onto the skin, the cannabinoids activate and can inhibit inflammation, itching and proliferation. At Woodies, every dose of CBD in each bottle is broken down into nanoparticles using advanced ultrasound technology to ensure that the CBD can be easily absorbed and that the skin can experience maximum moisturisation.

woodiesuk.com

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Destination Inspiration

The Top 5 Wineries in England to Visit

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

Nyetimber, West Chiltington, West Sussex

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

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

nyetimber.com

Rathfinny Wine Estate, Polegate, East Sussex

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

rathfinnyestate.com

Tinwood Estate, West Sussex, Chichester

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

tinwoodestate.com

Camel Valley, Bodmin, Cornwall

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

camelvalley.com

Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, Surrey

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

denbies.co.uk

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Austria

4th July Drinks

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

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

Independence Day Wines

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

Kendall-Jackson®, Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay 2017

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

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

Priced at £19.95, from winedirect.co.uk

La Crema, Monterey 2017 Pinot Noir

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

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

Priced at £22.95, from winedirect.co.uk

Alcoholic Drinks

Halo

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

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

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

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Little Rick, CBD Cans

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

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

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

DRGN Turmeric Superdrink

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

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

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