To mark this occasion, London’s most iconic restaurant has recently been re-furbished.

In keeping with the monochromatic aura of the restaurant, a new black marble floor will be laid and edged with pristine white marble. Undergoing significant work, the bar will reflect these materials and will remain a focal point of the restaurant. It will be slightly shortened in order to accommodate a larger cloakroom and an area for guests to have a drink before lunch or dinner. Up to 12 diners will still be able to enjoy the full à la carte menu whilst seated on chrome pedestal barstools with black leather cushioned seats and backs. Lighting will be a major focus, with back-lit shelving allowing bottles to be displayed in a more aesthetic manner. The overall effect promises to be stunning.

The waiter’s station will be revamped in the same materials as the bar, but will remain low key. On the lower halves of the windows, there will be a discreet sheer white material suspended from a rod. The original bomb-proof windows will be replaced with new windows etched with the familiar Caprice logo. Great pain will be taken to retain the ambiance created by the soft lighting, whilst the high level pelmet lights will be replaced.

And, to add a little more glamour to Arlington Street, Le Caprice now boasts alfresco dining with 5 tables (up to 15 covers) on its new terrace. Royal blue Caprice awnings are in place to provide some cover.

The restaurant will also be releasing a limited edition music book which includes personal quotes from a host of celebrities, alongside the score music of favourite songs.

Le Caprice
Arlington Street
London
SW1A 1RJ

http://www.le-caprice.co.uk/

A NEW DIRECTION FOR SPARKLING WINES

Grays and Feather was recently founded by Andrew Gray Wardle offering sparkling wines from around the world. They specialise in wines made by passionate, quality-driven winemakers. Following many years in the trade, Andrew established the company to provide sparkling wines based on four simple principles:

These wines are of the highest quality: many of their wines have won international awards for their exceptional quality

The wines are fantastic value: you don't need to save these wines for special occasions; they can be drunk whenever you fancy a glass.

They are perfect for all occasions: these wines can be matched with many more foods than people expect and are wonderful for casual drinking as well as for more formal occasions.

The wines have wonderful stories; Grays and Feather have worked really hard to source wines with a history and a sense of origin, speaking to local producers with a long heritage of winemaking.

Grays & Feather also hosts wine tasting parties each month (e.g. ‘Best of British’, ‘Food Matching’ and ‘Round the World’) to explore how unexpectedly versatile sparkling wine can be. Also ‘pop up’ and ‘you decide’ events take an entirely different approach, allowing customers to taste wines for free at ‘pop up’ events around London and special tastings for customers to select the wines Grays & Feather will stock in the future.

Grays & Feather consider each bottle of wine to be like a painting; the more you know about it the more it becomes alive. So they bring the stories of each wine alive for you – each one being carefully chosen for its quality, character, history and as the best example of their region.
Equally passionate about award winning English sparkling wines Grays & Feather feature a selection of the very best England has to offer.

www.graysandfeather.com

www.drinkaware.co.uk

THE CAR BOOTIQUE – THE ULTIMATE FASHION SHOWCASE WESTFIELD LONDON 27 September – 2 October 2011

Fashion lovers - prime yourselves - as the Car Bootique returns to Westfield London for its second year, and this season is in association with Mercedes-Benz. From Tuesday 27th September to Sunday 2nd October, the über chic Car Bootique will be taking the traditional concept of a car boot fair to new heights as Westfield London’s most sought-after fashion brands take the wheels of a luxurious Mercedes-Benz car filling the boot with exclusive lines and savvy stylish buys.

Over six days of pure fashion, try and buy new and one-off pieces to seamlessly transition your wardrobe for autumn winter from brands including Twenty8Twelve, Coach, Firetrap, French Connection, Biba at House of Fraser, Onitsuka Tiger, Reiss, Ted Baker, DKNY JEANS and River Island. Enjoy speed grooming with make-up artists who will be applying their expertise with the latest colour palettes and products and sharing their beauty top tips.

Want to tell the world about your Bootique experience? Pull-in at a Blogger Tutorial session for the chance to learn the art of blogging from high profile names in the bloggers realm. Masterclasses on how to post the ultimate fashion and beauty posts will be available for beginners, intermediate and advanced writers.*

A FABULOUS FASHION FINALE

If all the trunks of treasures haven’t completely satisfied your love for a fashion fix then get yourself a front row seat at Westfield London’s exclusive fashion shows, on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd October. One live show will take to the catwalk four times on each day showcasing the very best in autumn/winter style**.

For further information, please visit
www.westfield.com/london
www.facebook.com/westfieldlondon | www.twitter.com/westfieldlondon | www.youtube.com/westfieldlondontv

Like Westfield London on Facebook for the chance to win a car boot filled with £1500 worth of prizes. Every day for 10 days a new prize will appear in the car boot including a TV, Playstation 3, digital camera and more! Plus, 10 fans will instantly win a £10 Westfield Gift Card every day. To enter visit http://www.facebook.com/westfieldlondon

* To participate in Blogger Tutorial sessions, applicants will need to apply for a space at http://londonfashion.westfield.com/events/blogger-tutorials

** Fashion shows will be a seated event and free of charge for members of the public. Space is limited so the event will be operated by first come first seated. Participating brands are subject to change.

IT’S ALL HAPPENING ON THE HEATH!
The Affordable Art Fair adds NEW fair to its London portfolio
AAF Hampstead 27 – 30 October 2011

The Affordable Art Fair has added a brand new fair to its London portfolio – AAF Hampstead. Taking place on Hampstead Heath from 27-30 October, the week after the well-loved and established AAF Battersea, and complemented by a fantastic programme of workshops and events, it is set to be a big hit in north London. 90 galleries will be exhibiting an exciting mix of well-known and emerging artists and it promises to be a fun day out for both art lovers and families alike.

Originating in London over a decade ago, AAF is now a global success with fairs taking place in nine major cities around the world. With a record-breaking number of visitors from all over the capital attending the AAF Battersea fairs each year, founder Will Ramsay saw the demand for another London-centric, pocket-friendly fair, Ramsay says: “AAF’s winning formula is simple – a relaxed, unstuffy environment for people to feel confident to explore and learn about contemporary painting, sculpture, photography and original print from a huge variety of both established and emerging artists all priced between £40 to £4,000.”

Roll with it: free education programme
The Affordable Art Fair is not just about buying art; it also offers a host of free activities to get the whole family involved. This year AAF Hampstead welcomes the wonderful Printmakers in Residence, who will be inviting visitors to create their own piece of art using their ‘Heath
Robinson’ inspired printing press made primarily from a garden roller. Each print created will contribute towards a large mural of Hampstead Heath that will be on display throughout the fair, really giving the community a chance to get involved and create their own masterpiece. Hampstead School of Art tutors will also be providing daily hands-on workshops across a range of media.

The Cass Art Prize at the Affordable Art Fair Hampstead

AAF Hampstead is also introducing an exciting new competition for undiscovered and emerging artists. Artists have been submitting original art work inspired by Hampstead Heath for a chance to win £1000 and have their artwork exhibited at the fair. The winner will be chosen by a panel of judges including AAF Founder Will Ramsay and announced at the fair’s Private View on Wednesday 26 October

Walking talks
The Affordable Art Fair’s ethos is all about making art accessible and fun, that’s why the Contemporary Arts Society (CAS) will be onsite throughout the fair offering daily talks on ‘how to start collecting art’, helping you to spot the next big thing!

Charity Private View
To catch a glimpse of what’s on offer ahead of the crowds why not head on down to the Charity Private View on Wednesday 26 October. All ticket proceeds will benefit the Royal Free Charity whose tireless work ranges from pioneering research that revolutionises patient care through to displaying artwork to create a healing environment.

Information: 020 8246 4848
Website: www.affordableartfair.co.uk
Follow us on Facebook: The Affordable Art Fair, UK

Ticket Prices In advance On the door
Thursday Late View £20 £20
Thursday & Friday £10 £12
Thursday & Friday Concessions £8 £10
Saturday & Sunday £12 £15
Saturday & Sunday Concessions £10 £13
Children under 16 Free

Affordable Art Fair, Battersea
Venue: Battersea Park, London
Dates: Thurs 20 – Sun 23 October 2011
Affordable Art Fair, Hampstead
Venue: Lower Fairground Site, East Heath Road, Hampstead Heath, London
Dates: Thurs 27 - Sun 30 October 2011

NEW ART FORM ENHANCES VISUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF CHERISHED NOVELS AND ALBUMS

A new art form is emerging that offers collectors timeless and inimitable one-off pieces of fine art that enhance the visual significance of their cherished novels and albums.

Master Bookbinder and Artist David Lalubin, crafts individual works-of-art that allow collectors to obtain the very finest in book design.

He handles any and all materials, from feathers to fur to wood, ensuring that the themes that collectors request are matched down to the finest detail.

Lalubin acts as a conduit for collectors wishing to realise their passions in an unlimited palette of design possibilities.

The bespoke pieces are drawn by Lalubin at his Parisian atelier in detail so that clients know exactly how the finished artwork will look.

He said: “My belief is that the personal detail that each piece contains will encourage people to appreciate the beauty and tactile significance of their favourite passion.

“I have a passion for the craft of book-binding and I aim to create pieces of art that help the book owner to enhance the visual significance of their cherished novel, album or key piece.”

Inspired by artists such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Louis Vuitton and Pierre Loti, the unique artwork can be as proudly displayed in the home as any statue or painting.

His ability to create bespoke pieces allows myriad opportunities, from celebrating a great occasion through to investing in fine art that will last for generations.

The bespoke commissions can produce works of such beauty and quality that they could well become precious family heirlooms.

David Lalubin is a Master Bookbinder and Artist who has developed his talent to produce a completely new form of art.

He combines both artistic flair with expertise in the art of book-binding to produce Lalubin signature pieces, a form of creativity that is unique.

Lalubin accepts commissions on a range of projects, from a simple one-off commission through to restoration. Working from a Parisian atelier, David travels internationally and accepts commissions globally.

Examples of Lalubin’s unique designs are available on his website www.david-lalubin.com .

APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR FOODIE DREAM JOB

One hundred lucky foodies are to be offered gourmet quality food hampers for free every month as part of the UK’s first ever consumer taste testing scheme.

WestinGourmet.co.uk http://www.WestinGourmet.co.uk is pioneering a first for the UK food and drink industry by inviting members of the public to rate its products.

The ratings will be used by the gourmet food retailer as a quality control to ensure only the highest scoring products are offered for sale on its website.

Consumers will be able to read the ratings and comments of the gourmet tasters – enabling them to make more informed buying decisions.

Thousands of food lovers are expected to apply for the role of gourmet food taster. The lucky 100 chosen will receive some of the finest meats, condiments and cheeses by post – all for free.

The only catch is that every two months a new panel of 100 tasters will be recruited to ensure no one becomes complacent in their role.

Those chosen will receive between two and five gourmet products per month. They will be asked to rate them for taste and for taste versus value. They will also be asked to write a review of at least 100 words for each product and a 30 second video review of one of the products will also be required.

Products will be rated using a points system with those receiving the fewest being removed from the Westin Gourmet range. The role will last for two months to ensure a high volume of feedback from a diverse range of the British public.

A spokesperson said: “Currently consumers can only take the word of the vendor that the product they are being offered is ‘the finest’ but is it really? Now WestinGourmet.co.uk is letting the people decide. We are not interested in self-proclaimed pompous experts and celebrity food critics – who often have their own agendas, we want to know what the public think.

“Having our products judged by members of the public enables us to provide transparent quality that has been proven by our customers, for our customers.

“The Gourmet Food Taster application process is rigorous. Those who enter don’t need any foodie qualifications but we do ask for honesty and a real commitment. We have built the process to ensure that we get the most passionate and best possible candidates.”

The spokesman added: “We believe selecting our Gourmet Food Tasters from the British public is the best way for us to ensure we offer the best products available. Transparency is very important for our business.”

The deadline for registration is 15th October 2011. Applicants can register online at http://www.westingourmet.co.uk/gourmet-food-tester/ or at http://www.consumertasteawards.com

From 1st November until midnight on 10th WestinGourmet.co.uk customers – as well as friends of those who have entered – will have the opportunity to cast their votes and select the 100 Gourmet Food Tasters. Successful candidates will be announced on 11th November 2011.

The newly founded Gourmet Food Tasters will receive their first box delivery on 14th November with reviews posted on the Westin Gourmet website on 30th November. In January they’ll receive a second box with reviews unveiled on 25th January.

HOTEL MISSONI HOSTS AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH GIORGIO LOCATELLI
After the success of last year’s exclusive White Truffle Dinner, Giorgio Locatelli will return to Hotel Missoni Edinburgh for one night only on Friday 7th October, to celebrate one of Italy’s finest ingredients.

Michelin star chef, Giorgio Locatelli, has been working closely with Cucina’s head chef, Mattia Camorani and his team, to create an exclusive and indulgent six-course white truffle menu that will be served in the stylish surroundings of the hotel’s award-winning restaurant Cucina.

The exclusive event presents a rare opportunity for guests to meet the inspirational Italian chef, before enjoying a truly decadent meal, with each course created using the authentic Italian delicacy – so rare and sought after they are also known as the ‘diamond of the kitchen’. Dishes include Parmigiano reggiano risotto and Pan fried veal fillet with mashed potatoes, and all courses will be served with San Pietro a Pettine white truffle from the Piedmont region of Northern Italy.

The evening begins at 6.30pm with dinner at 7pm and Giorgio Locatelli himself will greet diners before they indulge in the six-course set dinner. The menu can also be matched with a wine package and an Italian wine will be married perfectly with each dish by one of the hotel’s expert sommeliers.
Giorgio Locatelli said: “The white truffle is so incredibly unique because it is extremely fragile and impossible for man to cultivate artificially. Our truffles come from the San Pietro a Pettine estate in Italy and grow in the ancient woods until they are perfectly ripe. I know our guests will simply love their delicate and decadent taste.”

Carina Svensen, General Manager, Hotel Missoni Edinburgh said: “Giorgio has been part of the culinary team at Cucina since the hotel opened and has been mentor to our head chef Mattia Camorani since their days together in London’s Locanda Locatelli. What they create together is the perfect infusion of authentic Italian food with unashamed indulgence. For any foodies in the city this is certainly an evening not to be missed.”

Tickets are now on sale priced £80 for six decadent courses. The menu can also be purchased with a wine-matching package for £120. Availability is limited. To book tickets please call Cucina on 0131 220 6666.

Earlier this year, Cucina at Hotel Missoni Edinburgh was awarded Best Italian Restaurant of the Year at The Scottish Restaurant Awards 2011. The restaurant continues to go from strength to strength with a seasonal a la carte menu, exclusive limited regional menus that celebrate Italy’s finest ingredients, and intimate masterclasses with head chef Mattia Camorani.

HOTEL MISSONI
1 George IV Bridge?Edinburgh EH1 1AD
Tel: 0131 220 6666 Fax: 0131 220 6660
www.hotelmissoni.com
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

STYLE IN THE CITY
Stay at the Radisson Edwardian Berkshire and enjoy an exclusive personal shopping experience
Looking to book a girly weekend away, or just fancy a spot of retail therapy? The Radisson Edwardian Berkshire has an exclusive offer for shopaholics and fashionistas alike. Teaming up with the best in the business, the hotel has joined forces with personal stylist and shopper, Gabrielle Teare, to offer you the ultimate fashion treat; up to 25%[1] off a half-day personal shopping and styling experience, with Gabrielle, when you quote your hotel booking reference!

Book a stylish stopover at the Radisson Edwardian Berkshire, from just £215[2], and you will entitled to this fabulous saving with leading London stylist and style consultant for hit, chick flick Confessions of a Shopaholic, Gabrielle Teare. Taking you to all the fashion haunts, hot spots and hidden gems in the fashion capital, Gabrielle will offer her expertise and insider knowledge, ensuring you’ll come away loving the ‘new you’. Based on your shape, colouring and style preference, Gabrielle will search the stores beforehand so you can hits the shops straight away!

The Radisson Edwardian Berkshire is located in the heart of London’s shopping district; just a short walk away from fashionable Oxford Street and Regent Street. This stylish stay can be booked for one, two or four people; so it’s ideal if you’re looking to book a weekend away with the girls and would love a helping hand in the fashion department.

For more information or to book an overnight please visit www.radissonedwardian.com/berkshire. To book a personal shopping experience with Gabrielle Teare call 07985 319300 and quote your unique booking reference number.

AN EVENING WITH LIZ MCCLARNON AT ZILLI FISH

Celebrity Masterchef winner takes over Aldo Zilli’s Soho kitchen for one night only-

Iconic Soho seafood restaurant, Zilli Fish on Brewer Street, will play host to An Evening with Liz McClarnon on Wednesday 5th October for one night only.

The former Atomic Kitten will be taking over celebrity chef Aldo Zilli’s kitchen and cooking up some of her favourite seafood dishes to hungry Soho-ites.

Aldo Zilli and Liz McClarnon share their passion for cooking but are also firm friends outside of the kitchen, where Liz is also pals with Aldo’s wife Nikki. Aldo has shared tips and recipes with Liz and she is a regular at his restaurant. Since winning Celebrity Masterchef in 2008, Liz has developed her friendly and accessible approach to cooking with her natural culinary ability. Now it’s time for Italian chef Aldo to hang up his chef whites for one night only - and let Liz serve him up some of her delicious dishes.

Liz, who describes herself as ‘The Sociable Cook’, has created a three course set menu for £40 including a glass of prosecco on arrival. Keeping to the spirit of Zilli Fish, starters include a choice of Oysters Rockefeller with a Shot of Vodka Gazpacho or Stir-fried Udon Noodles with Thai Scallops & Squid. For mains, guests can choose from a Homemade Sea-Bass Kiev in a Macadamia Crust with Mango Salsa or Lasagne of Grilled Courgette with Scallops & Monkfish in a Saffron infused Fish Veloute. To finish off the evening, there are a choice of two desserts, Pina Colada Cheesecake with Pineapple Salsa or Sticky Toffee Pudding with Thunder & Lightening Ice Cream.

Aldo Zilli comments: “Liz and I first met on Daily Cooks Challenge and since then we have met up almost every Wednesday with my wife Nikki – she has become almost one of the family! Liz certainly shares my passion for cooking and in particular seafood – we love eating, drinking together and sharing recipes. It will be very strange watching Liz in the chef whites as I sit down to eat in my own restaurant – it’s hard for me to stay out of the kitchen! – but she is a great cook and her menu sounds fantastic.”

Liz McClarnon comments: "I've known Aldo and his wife for a long time now and Zilli Fish is our place to meet up and put the world to rights. I am also a big fan of his menu and jumped at the chance to work for one night is his kitchen using Zilli Fish ingredients just as long as he doesn't make me do the washing up too!"

There are limited tables available for An Evening with Liz McClarnon at Zilli Fish, so to reserve your space, contact the restaurant directly on 020 7734 8649.

Zilli Fish
36-38 Brewer Street
London, W1F 9TB
Tel: 020 7734 8649
Web: www.zillirestaurants.co.uk

CELEBRATE BRITISH CHEESE WEEK WITH QUAGLINO’S
To celebrate British Cheese Week (24th Sep – 2nd Oct), Quaglino’s will be hosting a wine and cheese pairing evening in partnership with local artisan cheesemonger and fellow local business Paxton & Whitfield. The event will take place on Tuesday 27th September, and guests will be given the chance to sample carefully selected British cheeses paired with wine chosen from the Quaglino’s wine list by sommelier Alexis Meszoly. Examples of the pairings will include Cheddar Westcombe with CDR white Jaboulet, Smoked Lincolnshire Poacher with Kings Fumé and Stilton Cut with Taittinger Nocture amongst others. The event is priced at £25 per person with the offer of 10% off for guests who choose to dine in the restaurant that evening.
http://www.quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk/

DIWALI HIGH-LIGHTS AT CINNAMON KITCHEN

Standing for a reaffirmation of hope, a renewed commitment to friendship and a celebration of the simple joys of life, this year Diwali or festival of light as it is often known, is brightening one of London’s best Indian menus.

Shining bright in the heart of the City, Cinnamon Kitchen, the modern, fine dining Indian restaurant is inviting diners to indulge in a special four-course Diwali tasting menu.

Available from 17th to 22nd October at £45 per person, dishes include a collection of delicately spiced treats including tandoori king prawns, grilled partridge, roasted rack of lamb, Bombay spiced vegetables and a creamy saffron malai hawa dessert.

For those looking to extend their celebrations after dinner, Cinnamon Kitchen will be hosting two special Diwali events.

On Tuesday 18th October, get your dancing shoes polished for a cocktail and canapé evening with Bollywood dancers from Honey Kalaria’s Dance Academy and renowned magician Bjarat Patel entertaining guests. The evening is in support of ‘Find Your Feet’ (a UK based charity that works in rural India supporting those in poverty). Tickets are £35 and can be purchased by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For late night party people, Thursday 22nd October sees the lights turned low for a party at Anise, Cinnamon Kitchen’s stunning bar and lounge. Black Rock Events have organised a party with palm readers, henna tattooists and a DJ spinning until the light comes up again. Tickets are £10, available by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or through www.chillitickets.com/blackrock

Guests who dine in Cinnamon Kitchen beforehand will receive free entry to the party on 22nd October, just email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to make your reservation.

Cinnamon Kitchen, 9 Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4YL
www.cinnamon-kitchen.com t. 020 7626 5000

THE PENNY BLACK RESTAURANT LAUNCHES WELLINGTON WEDNESDAYS

From Wednesday 5th October, diners can celebrate one of the nation’s most treasured dishes every single week at The Penny Black Restaurant in Chelsea, by indulging in a special menu dedicated to the Wellington. Every Wednesday, there will be an exciting selection of different interpretations of this indulgent British dish, from the classic Beef fillet, to lobster and a spiced pumpkin and parsnip filling, with something to suit all tastes.

Originally based on the classic French ‘boeuf en croute’, beef wrapped in pastry, beef Wellington quickly became popular with the British. Named after the Duke of Wellington in 1851, it has graced British dining tables ever since. Now, The Penny Black Restaurant is helping to celebrate this tradtional dish offering 3 versions every week. Prices will range from £17 for roasted vegetable, to £25 for the great Beef Wellington.

Overseen by Tony Ho and Head Chef Jan Chanter, The Penny Black Restaurant showcases some of Britain’s favourite nostalgic dishes, from Toad in the Hole or a traditional Sunday roast with all the trimmings to classic desserts such as raspberry baked Alaska and rice pudding. Diners can also choose from a fantastic selection of over one hundred and fifty wines from around the world including some superb English wines such as the Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs, 2001, making the perfect accompaniment to any Wellington dish.

www.thepennyblack.com

AUTHENTIC THAI STREET FOOD FESTIVAL AT MANGO TREE
Fine-dining restaurant Mango Tree is celebrating the very best of Thai cuisine with a five-week Thai Street Food Festival from 5th September to 9th October. The restaurant has devised a mouth-watering menu using the freshest ingredients and spices to create authentic Thai street food that is guaranteed to transport diners’ taste buds to the Far East.

The Thai Street Food Festival will offer diners a selection of tasty starters including Kai Nok-krata Tord, deep fried quail eggs wrapped in golden wanton skin served with home made sweet chilli sauce. As well as Look-chin Moo Ping, grilled homemade pork balls served with spicy tamarind sauce and Pla-muek Yang, grilled marinated squid in Thai style served with spicy lime sauce.

Guests can choose from delicious mains with Pad Khee-mao Nuer, stir fried thick noodles with beef, bamboo shoots and Thai sweet basil in spicy sauce, Kuay-tiew Kuae Thale, stir fried thick noodles with mixed seafood in soya sauce and egg and Pla Bo-ran, deep fried crispy seabass filets served with mango salad.

Vegetarians need not be left out, with dishes such as Tow-hoo Tord, crispy tofu served with sweet chilli sauce topped with peanut and Pad Ba-mee Jay, stir fried thin noodles with mixed vegetables in black soya sauce.

Award-winning restaurant Mango Tree is located in the heart of Belgravia. The spacious feng-shui designed venue has a minimalist decor coupled with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu offers delicious Thai cuisine using the finest ingredients that is sourced from the best suppliers both locally and abroad.

So head down to Mango Tree’s Thai Street Food Festival for a flavour of the best Thai-cuisine in town!
Mango Tree
46 Grosvenor Place
London
SW1X 7EQ
0207 823 1888
www.mangotree.org.uk

EAT, DRINK AND SHARE THIS CHRISTMAS AT ALL BAR ONE
It may be hard to believe, but the festive season will soon be upon us once again. All Bar One is taking the hassle out of organising those Christmas get togethers with their new online booking service and festive sharing menus.

Catching up with old friends, or celebrating the upcoming holidays with colleagues? Head down to All Bar One and indulge in their Festive Sharing Platter for £30. For parties of six-eight guests, All Bar One can create a selection of small plates such as Camembert & caramelised onion brushchetta, Chipolatas wrapped in bacon and Crispy pumpkin parcels for just £30. Perfect for sharing with a few cocktails.

Toast the season with a Yule Tide Strudel cocktail with Stolichnaya gala applik vodka, Chambord black raspberry liqueur, apple juice and and all festive cocktails are just £5.95 throughout the Christmas period.

All Bar One are also launching a range of Festive Menus and Festive Buffets options, and for a limited time are offering complimentary additions for early bookers. Make a festive booking for a party of six before 4th November, and receive a bottle of Prosecco for you and six guests. Also, when pre-ordering wine before 30th November, the sixth bottle is complimentary.

A Festive Set Menu is also available at just £20 per guest and example courses would be Chicken & duck liver parfait with toasted onion bread to start, Roast turkey wrapped in bacon with stuffing & cranberry jus for main and Winter spiced pannacotta & mandarin jelly to finish. To round off the meal, hosts can add coffee and mints for £2.50 a guest. If you are looking for a more relaxed affair, the Festive Buffet can fit a range of tastes and events by serving a variety of small plates for just £10 per guest.

To find out more about the menus on offer or to make a booking, visit: www.allbarone.co.uk/christmas/
For a full list of All Bar One sites, please visit www.allbarone.co.uk

HARVEST HANGOUTS FROM I-ESCAPE.COM
What better way to enjoy the ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’ than to head off on a foodie foray? From apples and grapes to olives and truffles, autumn sees Mother Nature at her most abundant. To celebrate, the team at i-escape has picked out a selection of harvest holiday hangouts where you can feed your senses and feast on the finest regional produce.

Langford Fivehead, Somerset, UK

Set in 7 acres of secluded parkland in the Somerset Levels, this 15th-century manor house is a stunning rural retreat. Stylishly restored by owners Orlando Murrin and Peter Steggall, who once ran the acclaimed Manoir de Raynaudes in France, it has 7 cosseting bedrooms offering B&B accommodation during the week and catered country house breaks at weekends, plus a self-catering cottage for 6. Spend your days taking in the foodie haunts nearby, then return to log fires and delicious meals cooked by Orlando, former editor of BBC Good Food and Olive.

Harvest highlights: Head to local farm shops for organic meats and vegetables, visit the famous Brown & Forrest Smokery in Hambridge for smoked cheese and fish, and taste the tipple at Julian Temperley’s Somerset Distillery. And in October visit nearby Barrington Court for Chutfest - a celebration of chutneys, jams and preserves (1-2 October) - or for its annual Apple Day (22 October).

Cost: From £175 per room per night for a weekend break in low season (1 October – 31 December), based on 2 sharing for a minimum of 2 nights. This includes tax, breakfast, dinner on Friday and Saturday evening (excluding wines), Sunday brunch, Sunday afternoon tea, wine tasting, and an optional cookery demonstration. Book through i-escape and get a free copy of Orlando’s cookbook, A Table in the Tarn.

www.i-escape.com/langford-fivehead.php

· Higher Westcott Farm, Devon, UK

This cosy boutique guesthouse is set in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, surrounded by rolling hills. Owners Jo and Sam escaped London to renovate the thatched 300-year-old longhouse and the result is a thoroughly homely hideaway with 3 comfy yet contemporary bedrooms, valley views through crittle windows, a magnificent granite fireplace, and tasty home-cooked meals with an organic and local lilt (many of the ingredients used come from the farm’s biodynamic kitchen garden).
Harvest highlights: The farm organises mushroom foraging sessions in autumn and can even set up shooting afternoons in the local woods, with the yield of the day cooked for dinner on request. From 2-9 October head to the orchard at Killerton House near Exeter to help out with the annual cider apple harvest.
Cost: Bed and breakfast from £110 per room per night based on 2 sharing, including tax. Book through i-escape and get a free jar of homemade jam or piccalilli.

www.i-escape.com/higher-westcott-farm.php

· Finca Buen Vino, Andalucia, Spain

This elegant guesthouse in the wooded Aracena hills offers a relaxed family atmosphere coupled with great food and – as the name suggests – excellent wine. Scottish owner Jeannie is a Cordon Bleu-trained cook with a passion for Andalucian cuisine, so dinner never fails to delight. Fill your days with a range of activities, including walking, horse riding and fishing, and spend your evenings sampling local specialities in the candlelit dining room.

Harvest highlights: As well as cookery courses, Jeannie can arrange chestnut-harvesting afternoons, visits to Sherry bodegas, and trips to local farmers’ markets.

Cost: Bed and breakfast from £95 per room per night (plus 8% tax), based on 2 sharing.

www.i-escape.com/finca-buen-vino.php

· Fattoria Barbialla Nuova, Tuscany, Italy

Set on a 500-hectare private estate, Fattoria Barbialla Nouva’s 3 farmhouses have been tastefully converted into 7 rustic-chic self-catering apartments and a villa, all surrounded by nothing but wooded hills and utter tranquility. Forests full of wild boar, deer and locally-prized white truffles cover half of the estate, and there's a remote wildness quite unlike postcard-Tuscany. This place is all about slow food and a slow, relaxed pace of life. Harvest highlight: Throughout autumn guests can take part in a number of gastronomic activities on the estate, including guided truffle hunting, pasta making, bread making and foraging. During the last 3 weeks of November the nearby village of San Miniato holds its annual white truffle festival, the Mostra del Tartufo Bianco. This internationally recognised fair attracts gastronomes from across the globe, with stalls offering plenty of opportunities to sample Tuscan cuisine at its finest.

Cost: From £71 per apartment per night (plus 10% tax), based on 2 sharing a 1-bedroom apartment. Book through i-escape and get a free jar of organic honey from the estate.

Special offer: 5 nights for 4 and 50% off truffle hunting – get the 5th night free in a 2- or 3- bedroom apartment, plus 50% off the cost of truffle hunting (normal price €60pp for groups of 6-8). Valid 15 October - 15 December 2011.

www.i-escape.com/fattoria-barbialla-nuova.php

· Lama di Luna, Puglia, Italy

Lama di Luna is a gorgeous boutique hotel on an 18th-century fortified farm, set above an olive-studded coast in Puglia, southern Italy. It offers simple and soothing bedrooms, excellent eco credentials, and pure and perfect food. Breakfast is a lovely organic affair and owner Pietro organises occasional dinners – but make sure you book into the fabulous Michelin-starred Antichi Sapori, one of the region’s best restaurants, which is located just 2km away.
Harvest highlights: During the harvest months guests can pick grapes, olives and cherries from the farm - 190 hectares of organic heaven. There’s also the chance to get hands-on with pizza making around the huge wood-fired oven.

Cost: Bed and breakfast from £121 per room per night, based on 2 sharing and including tax.

www.i-escape.com/lama-di-luna.php

· Herdade da Malhadinha Nova http://www.i-escape.com/herdade-da-malhadinha-nova/overview, Alentejo, Portugal

This bucolic boutique hotel is located on a working vineyard with a reputation for excellent reds, rosés and whites. It has 10 sumptuous rooms and suites, a big range of outdoor activities and a subterranean spa. The icing on the cake is a gourmet restaurant where dishes are created especially to complement the estate’s wines.

Harvest highlights: Join in the annual grape harvest, learn how wines are created, enjoy a tasting (or two!) and take part in one of the occasional cookery classes.

Cost: Bed and breakfast from £221 per room per night based on 2 sharing. This includes tax, a winery and wine cellar visit, and use of spa facilities and bicycles. Book through i-escape and receive a bottle of Peceguina wine, a bottle of olive oil and a jar of local jam.
www.i-escape.com/herdade-da-malhadinha-nova.php

· La Vigna, Colonia Valdense, Uruguay

Uruguay’s harvest season falls in the UK spring, but this Latin-cool farmhouse hotel has a foodie focus all year round. Add in the fact that our autumn and winter is the best time to visit Uruguay weather-wise, and it makes a great base for a tasty South American break. Set on a working farm in Colonia Valdense, a town famed for its cheese, it has 5 unique rooms and a secluded self-catering house for 4-6, all tastefully decorated with a mix of antiques, original paintings and recycled furniture.

Harvest highlights: Owner Augustin is Uruguay’s only sheep’s cheese producer. His crumbly Pecorino is gaining a growing reputation with top chefs, and all the food served is home-grown or home-reared (the farm’s lamb is particularly delicious). Sniff, swirl and taste Uruguayan wines and nibble on the farm’s finest cheeses at a wine- and cheese-tasting session in La Vigna’s cellar, book a cookery class, or go fishing for your dinner on the farm’s lagoon.

Cost: Bed and breakfast from £101 per room per night, based on 2 sharing and including taxes. Book through i-escape and receive a free bottle of wine plus one of the farm’s homemade cheeses.

www.i-escape.com/la-vigna.php

· Babylonstoren, Cape Winelands, South Africa

The incredible kitchen garden on this organic Winelands farm, a 45-minute drive from Cape Town, has a vast crop of delicious produce all year round - even in the South African spring (October – December). Pick whatever takes your fancy and cook it all up in your elegant self-catering cottage, with its sublime all-white interiors, or stay in a suite and eat at the fantastic on-site restaurant, which serves colourful dishes using straight-from-the-farm ingredients and organic meat.

Harvest highlights: Wander through the large garden to find pumpkin patches, olive and citrus groves, mulberry bushes, berry blocks, a prickly pear maze, stone fruits and vegetable beds. There are 300+ edible plants for you to help yourself to, and staff are happy to stop and explain the growing and harvesting processes. You can also borrow a bike and cycle to tastings at one of the many vineyards nearby.

Cost: Bed and breakfast from £336 per suite per night in mid season (1 October – 31 December), based on 2 sharing and including tax, minibars, guided farm walks and use of bicycles and canoes.

Special offer: 4 nights for 3 – book 3 nights and get a fourth night free. Valid until 31 December 2012.

www.i-escape.com/babylonstoren.php

Please Note: ?All information is supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. The views and opinions expressed by the individual companies, agencies and other contributors are theirs alone and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Hot Brands Cool Places. Inclusion in a news item does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Please check with individual organizations for the latest information about all events, products, promotions, or news items. Recipes have not been tested by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site.