William Curley is celebrating National Chocolate Week (10th – 16th October) by hosting an array of exciting chocolate inspired events hosted in various locations around London...

William Curley’s GOLDEN TICKETS
To celebrate National Chocolate Week shop in store at one of William Curley’s outlets to have the chance of finding a lucky William Curley Golden Ticket for the chance to win one of the following 7 prizes to celebrate each day of National Chocolate Week:
Golden Ticket 1: A chocolate making master-class for 2 people
Golden Ticket 2: A Dessert Bar voucher for 2 people with champagne
Golden Ticket 3: A chocolate speed tasting for the winner and 5 friends
Golden Ticket 4: A free 3 month membership to the Curley Chocolate Club
Golden Ticket 5: A signed copy of William’s new book ‘Couture Chocolate’
Golden Ticket 6: Hot Chocolate and Patisserie for the winner and 5 friends
Golden Ticket 7: Brunch in Belgravia for the winner and 3 friends

William Curley’s Chocolate Week Events....
All events will be themed around the five senses...Touch, Taste, Smell, Sound and Sight... creating a stimulating chocolate experience for one and all...

· Sight, Taste and Touch - Monday 10th October (6pm – 9pm): Head down to St Martin’s Lane Hotel, W1 for the official launch of the William Curley Chocolate Box ...a pop-up chocolate heaven in the heart of the West End. Chocolate tastings, demos and champagne!

· Smell and Taste - Tuesday 11th October (7pm – 9pm): An exclusive evening of chocolate and perfume pairings with William Curley and luxurious fragrance house Ormonde Jayne. William Curley and Linda Jayne Pilkington will host the evening and talk guests through the ways in which the complex flavours of chocolates and floral notes of fragrances complement each other to create an exciting and unique fusion for the senses. £30 per ticket plus 20% off all William Curley and Ormonde Jayne products on the night.· Taste and Sight - Wednesday 12th October (7pm – 9.30pm): Head down to William’s Belgravia store for an evening of chocolate tastings, demonstrations, champagne and hot chocolate. William Curley will even be there to sign copies of his much anticipated book ‘Couture Chocolate’. Enjoy a 20% discount on all products on the night. Tickets £20 per person.

· Taste, Taste, Taste! - Thursday 13th October (7pm – 9pm): William Curley will be hosting a special Whisky and Chocolate pairing evening in The Wine Shop, Harrods. The Wine Shop at Harrods is hosting a special one-off chocolate and whisky pairing event. The event brings together the exquisite chocolates of William Curley with over 20 whiskies from Japan, Canada, Ireland, Australia and USA. Tickets £35. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

· Friday 14th October (6.30pm – 9.30pm): Kick start your weekend by enjoying a selection of specially made chocolate based desserts at William’s very own Dessert Bar...wash them down with some indulgent cocktails taken from William’s first book ‘Couture Chocolate’. Desserts, Cocktails and Chocolate.....what better way to start the weekend! Tickets £20.

A CULMINATION OF ALL THE SENSES-WEEKEND OF 16TH AND 17TH OCTOBER Chocolate Education
William Curley will be hosting a selection of chocolate master-classes in his Belgravia store for children and adults.

Children’s Master-Class (£50 for parent and child or £40 per child) Saturday 15th October (11am, 5-10 year olds. 2pm, 11 – 15 year olds) Book your children in for an educational chocolate master-class in which they will learn the origins of chocolate from bean to bar as well as being educated in the tastes of milk, dark and white chocolate. Parents can enjoy a speed tasting and hot chocolate upstairs’ in the shops dessert bar.

Sea Salt Caramel Master-Class (£75 per person) Sunday 16th October at 2pm Enjoy an introduction to chocolate with a fascinating talk on how chocolate is made from bean to bar. Taste a variety of different chocolate from various regions from around the worlds. Learn how to temper chocolate before going on to make the sea salt caramels under the guidance of a remarkable chocolatier.

INDULGE AT FORTNUM & MASON THIS CHOCOLATE WEEK 10th-16th OCTOBER 2011

Chocolate is widely known as the ‘food of the gods’ and this year, in celebration of Chocolate Week 2011, Fortnum & Mason is devoting an entire week of activities and indulgences dedicated to this heavenly delight.

Chocolate Talks

Tuesday 11th October
It’s the Academy of Culinary Arts at 2pm. A blissful tasting of the world’s most expensive chocolate – Amedei, all whilst enjoying a talk by Director of the Academy Sara Jayne Staines, OBE in the demonstration kitchen

Wednesday 12th October
Bean There at 6.30pm. Explore the world of the cocoa bean and artisanal chocolate with Philipp Kauffmann, founder of Original Beans. The company is committed to harvesting responsibly in South America and Africa and in supporting cocoa bean farming communities.
Tickets are priced at £15 and call 0845 602 5694 for reservations.

Delightful Demonstrations & Tastings

Monday 10th October
Pralus at 12noon. Enjoy tastings of breath-taking bars and pink pralines from the divine confectioner Pralus.

Tuesday 11th October
Handmade from 12noon. Audrey’s and Amedei will be on the Ground Floor for separate tastings of their heavenly chocolate.

Wednesday 12th October
Cute Chocolate Cupcakes from 12noon. Fortnum’s Chef Sophie Harrison will be demonstrating how to decorate cupcakes with chocolate flowers.

Thursday 13th October
Exploding Chocolate from 12noon. Fortnum’s will be showcasing their explosive range of popping candy and sherbet chocolates on the Ground Floor.

In Valhalla with Valrhona from 12noon. The Ground Floor is the venue for delicious dark delights from this supreme chocolatier.

Chocolate Alchemy at 2pm. Watch Fortnum’s chef Luke turn chocolate into gastronomic gold in the Demonstration Kitchen.

Friday 14th October
Terrific Truffles from 12noon. Marasu’s petit fours will take you through the tantalizing taste of the store’s truly historic truffles.

La Molina from 12noon. This wickedly rich authentic Italian gianduja is no run-of-the mill chocolate. Come and taste for yourself at the Ground Floor.

Decadent Indulgences and Gifts

The array of chocolates at Fortnum & Mason is really something to behold. All are the very best in their field, made to exclusive recipes with single estate beans in every flavor imaginable. The result is a comprehensive collection of single-estate chocolate bars (£5), the most luxurious of rich truffles (from £20) and beautifully packaged selection boxes (from £12.50).

Fortnum & Mason also has a range of the most luxurious hot chocolates (£12.50), made from pure single-estate grated chocolate shavings with the occasional extra ingredient such as Orange, Rose & Violet, and Marshmallow to name a few. For something that is extra special this Chocolate Week try the Fortnum & Mason Love Potion Hot Chocolate (£12.50). Based on the ingredients of an aphrodisiac spell, this intoxicating mixture of Fortnum’s chocolate and secret spices is guaranteed to fan the flames of affection, it can’t fail to please.

Pop down to the Parlour Restaurant at Fortnum & Mason where a variety of decadent chocolatey desserts await. Chocoholics should try the divine ‘Chocolossus’ (£15) where Amedei Chocolate, Vanilla Beans and Chocolate Macadamia Nuts are decorated with whipped cream and topped with shaved chocolate and warm pouring chocolate. Or, to share, try the Molten Amedei Chocolate Pot (£15), a chocolate fondue with marshmallows, fresh fruits and amaretti biscuits. Reservations: 0845 602 5694 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.fortnumandmason.com

MAYFAIR AND BELGRAVIA CELEBRATE THE LONDON RESTAURANT FESTIVAL

From safari suppers to chocolate trails, Mayfair and Belgravia celebrate the ultimate foodie fortnight (3 – 17 October 2011)

From 3 – 17 October 2011 the prestigious neighbourhoods of Mayfair and Belgravia will be taking part in the London Restaurant Festival - a city-wide celebration of the Capital’s outstanding culinary offering.

Grosvenor, the international property group that owns the 300 acre estate of Mayfair and Belgravia, are delighted to be headline sponsors of this year’s festival, unveiling a unique programme of events including sensational Safari Suppers, tantalizing tasting tours and mouth-watering exclusive menus across the area.

This vibrant corner of London boasts an impressive list of Michelin stared restaurants, with high-end fine dining complemented by an array of delicious delicatessens, indulgent chocolatiers and charming British pubs. Whether you are a true gastronome or simply after a moment of self-indulgence, Mayfair and Belgravia offers something for everyone.

Belgravia offers one of London’s most enticing gastronomic experiences, with an array of great restaurants, delis and bars. On Monday 10 October, the picturesque cobbled Motcomb Street invites visiting foodies on a culinary adventure that takes in Gordon Ramsay’s celebrated Petrus, Belgravia institution Motcombs and the ‘Picasso of pastry’ Pierre Herme Paris.

Giles Clarke, Executive Director of the London Estate for Grosvenor, comments: “We are delighted to be involved once again in the London Restaurant Festival and, this year, we believe that Mayfair and Belgravia’s gastronomic offering promises to be better than ever. The Motcomb Street Safari Supper, in particular, give London’s food enthusiasts the chance to discover some of the area’s most outstanding gourmet delights, all in one evening.”

For those with a sweet tooth, the Belgravia Chocolate Tours on Friday 14 and Sunday 16 October will guide chocoholics around the area’s finest delectable destinations.

Divine chocolate and sweet treats can be devoured at a range of specialist retailers, including the delicious and quirky Rococo Chocolates, renowned chocolatier William Curley, exquisite cake-maker Peggy Porschen and French patissier-chocolatier Pierre Hermé Paris. At Rachel Vosper, guests will have the chance to try their hand at chocolate candle-making, whilst Lowndes Bar and Kitchen will be offering chocolate afternoon teas.

In addition to these exciting events, several restaurants throughout the Mayfair and Belgravia area will be offering exclusive festival menus, dishing-up some of the finest, most delicious and innovative cuisine London has to offer.

Further information on Mayfair and Belgravia’s involvement in the London Restaurant Festival can be found at www.londonrestaurantfestival.com

Further information on Grosvenor’s London estate can be found at www.grosvenorlondon.com

Motcomb Street Safari Suppers
Monday 10 October 2011
Motcomb Street – tours will begin at 6:15pm at Petrus. Bookings can be made through Petrus ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 020 7592 1611)

Belgravia Chocolate Tours:
Friday 14 October 2011 and Sunday 16 October 2011
Booking online at www.chocolateecstasytours.com /Belgravia

IN SEARCH OF THE ULTIMATE GIFT

‘the Chocolate’ was born with a vision for the perfect synergy. Taking the finest chocolate in the world, beautifully bespoke, handmade champagne truffles have been created. Enrobed in edible pure 24 carat gold and presented in a contemporary, chic, Swarovski adorned boutique box, ‘the Chocolate’ provides the most luxurious chocolate experience in the world.

Tracey Jones created ‘the Chocolate’, (the definite article thoroughly intended and deserved), one of the world’s most expensive chocolates. Each handmade truffle offers the finest Champagne Ganache encased by 63% ‘Golden Bean’ awarded Toscano Black chocolate. The Toscano Black is made from granite-ground cocoa beans, ground to no more than 15 microns, creating one of the smoothest textured chocolates in the world. Chocolate perfection in its own right, but the final ingredient lifts Jones’ chocolate creation to another level. Each hand-crafted chocolate is flaked with edible 24-carat gold. The road to chocophile heaven really is paved in gold.

the Chocolate a unique chocolate experience, available in:

• The Boutique Box - 200g - Minimum chocolates of 15 individual chocolates displayed in a hand-crafted boxed decorated with more than 450 Swarovski Crystals inside and out– rrp £190
• The Bambina - large single truffle displayed in a hand-crafted box with more than 200 Swarovski Crystals, inside and out - £50

Celebrate Chocolate Week with the Chocolate. Chocolate Week takes place from 10-16 October.

Available online and exclusively at Harrods
Visit: www.the-chocolate.com

10-15TH OCTOBER – PLATEAU OFFERS A FIVE COURSE CHOCOLATE MENU TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL CHOCOLATE WEEK
Plateau restaurant in Canary Wharf will be offering a five-course tasting menu created by head chef Allan Pickett. It will feature the finest European chocolate in every course, with matching beverages if desired. Pairings will include foie gras served hot with a cocoa nib tuille, braised endive and planed 70% Cru Virunga original beans chocolate matched with 2007 De Wetshof Estate, Cape Muscadel, Robertson; roast venison loin, Savoy cabbage, pomegranate, and pancetta, brushed No 9 Amedei chocolate served with 2009 Le Bolte; and Omellaia and parfait cylinder, cookie crumbs, Puira Porcelana 70% matched with a Chocolate Martini. The tasting menu is priced at £49 per person, £69 with matched beverages.
http://www.plateau-restaurant.co.uk/

ARE YOU A CHOC-TAIL ADVENTURER? CELEBRATE CHOCOLATE WEEK AT LONGITUDE 0°8’ WITH 20% OFF CHOC-TAIL GRAZING SESSIONS

Longitude 0°8’, Le Meridien Piccadilly’s coffee-to-cocktails bar, is giving chocolate lovers the perfect excuse to indulge during Chocolate Week with 20% off its Choc-tail Grazing Sessions. From 10th-16th October, the Choc-tail Grazing Sessions will cost just £16 per person.

For the sessions, resident mixologists at Longitude 0°8’ create a selection of tasting cocktails to be served with decadent praline chocolates, carefully selected to marry the flavours of the two. Chocoholics, and those with an equal weakness for cocktails, can simply close their eyes, sit back and savour the exciting combination of tastes and aromas.

Speaking about Longitude 0°8’s Choc-tail Grazing Sessions, Roberto De Vivo, Food and Beverage Manager said, “By selecting the perfect cocktail to balance the rich flavours of chocolate, Longitude 0°8’ mixologists give choc-tail adventurers a renewed appreciation of two of mankind’s oldest favourites. Proving very popular to date is the Amaretto Truffle which is laced with liqueur and paired with a delicious Amaretto Sour – a perfect marriage of amaretto flavours with a hint of sour to break the sweetness – and what better time to treat yourself than during Chocolate Week!”

During Chocolate Week, each Choc-tail session will cost £16.00 per head including three tasting size cocktails and three chocolate pralines per person. For further information and bookings call Longitude 0°8’ on 0207 734 8000 or go to www.longitude08.co.uk/choc-tail-grazing.

MAY FAIR TAKES A STARRING ROLE IN THE 55TH BFI LONDON FILM FESTIVAL

The elegant May Fair Hotel, London, is proud to announce it will once again play a best supporting role to this October’s 55th BFI London Film Festival, in partnership with American Express. To celebrate the two-week film extravaganza The May Fair will be transformed into a giant movie theatre with screens in its famous facade, midnight shows, silver screen inspired cocktails and complimentary gourmet popcorn for guests.

The May Fair has been synonymous with the film industry since the 1950’s when it was owned by film impresarios, the American Danziger Brothers, founders of Elstree Studios will be marking it’s 3rd year as the official hotel partner for the BFI’s London Film Festival. The 201 – seater theatre, fabulous location and inimitable selection of suites has ensured that now, as then, the May Fair is the preferred haunt of celebrities, film and rock stars when in London

http://www.themayfairhotel.co.uk/
http://www.themayfairhotel.co.uk/lff

TELEGRAPH MAGAZINE’S 2011 SHOP AWARDS LAUNCHES WITH A SEARCH FOR BRITAIN’S BEST SMALL SHOPS

On October 8th 2011, Telegraph Magazine and retail columnist Mary Portas will launch a nationwide search to find this year’s Best Small Shops in Britain. Following on from the success of last year, where the focus was on small, independent retailers, readers of Telegraph Magazine will be invited to vote for their favourite small shop in nine categories, for the Telegraph’s annual Shop Awards.

Now in their sixth year the Telegraph Shop Awards are a well established event, celebrating Britain’s independent retailers. The Award categories include women’s fashion, men’s fashion, interiors, health and beauty, food, wine, books and children which are all subjects that Telegraph Magazine covers each week. In addition, the ninth category will be the best corner shop or village shop.

Readers will be able to vote online, by visiting Telegraph.co.uk/shopawards or by filling in a form in the magazine. All voters will be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win one of six prizes including a three-night stay for two, with flights and transfers included, at Hacienda de San Rafael in southern Spain and a four-night stay for a family of four at Polurrian Bay Hotel in Mullion, Cornwall.

Retailers will also be invited to nominate their own shop for an award. Every retailer who self-nominates will be entered into a draw to win one of three personal consultations with a retail expert from the National Skills Academy for Retail worth £500.

The three shops in each category with the most votes will form a shortlist, from which a panel of Telegraph experts including Tamsin Blanchard, Daisy Bridgewater and Rose Prince will select a winner.

The awards will be promoted in The Daily Telegraph and Telegraph Magazine and on Telegraph.co.uk throughout October and November. Voting closes on December 5th and the final results will be announced at an awards ceremony in London and in Telegraph Magazine in early 2012.

Michele Lavery, editor of Telegraph Magazine, said:
“We were delighted last year by our readers’ responses to the Shop Awards as people voted in their thousands for their favourite independent shops. We want to continue to raise the awareness of these small retailers who make a real difference to their communities and who are persevering through these tough trading conditions. Voting opens on October 8th and we hope all our readers and the local communities get behind this.”

Mary Portas, columnist for Telegraph Magazine, said:
“Retailers who are passionate about what they do, who are well-informed about what they sell, and genuinely engage with their customers, they are the ones who are not only surviving but thriving, despite tough trading conditions. However, it’s a two-way process. As customers, we have to show that we value and appreciate the really good shops out there, or we’ll only have ourselves to blame if they disappear. When independents get it right, they deserve our support.”?

RUINART AT P.AD.

The Pavilion of Art and Design London (P.A.D) takes place Wednesday 12th October – Sunday 16th October 2011.

Hosted by Patrick Perrin and Stéphane Custot have selected the final participants having collated 66 galleries from 11 countries to the prime location of Berkeley Square.

Honoring a long-standing relationship with the world of contemporary art, Maison Ruinart will be the pouring champagne at this years event, serving its cuvees by the glass and by the bottle from the Ruinart Bar, and a bespoke Ruinart trolley roaming throughout the fair.

Once again Moët Hennessy sponsors the donation of a significant piece of Design or Decorative Arts to the Victoria & Albert Museum as part of the Moët Hennessy-PAD London Prize. The prestigious judging panel, chaired by architect and designer Nigel Coates, is comprised of prominent figures in the fields of art, fashion, culture, communication and business, such as Allegra Hicks, Jasper Conran, Tom Dixon, Bella Freud and Karla Otto.

For further details please go to www.Ruinart.com

THE LUXURY PROPERTY SHOW MAKES ITS DEBUT AT THE HURLINGHAM CLUB
Property Expert, Melissa Porter, Confirmed to Host the Largest Two-day Event, which Celebrates the Most Exclusive Properties from Around the Globe
What: Showcasing only the finest properties from around the globe, The Luxury Property Show will be offering guests a unique opportunity to view and buy some of the world’s most exclusive properties.

Where: The Hurlingham Club, Ranelagh Gardens, Fulham, SW6 3PR

Dates: 1st- 2nd November 2011

Timings: Tuesday 1st November 11:00am- 6:00pm
Wednesday 2nd November 11:00am- 5:00pm

Tickets: To ensure you receive your complimentary ticket to this event, please register your details on the main website. Please note, there are a limited number of tickets for each day.

Details: Set within the stunning grounds of The Hurlingham Club, The Luxury Property Show promises guests will experience some of the finest properties on the international market.

Whether you are looking for a scenic real estate in the countryside, a city apartment in New York, or a luxurious beachfront home in Abu Dhabi, we will be showcasing the most celebrated estates from around the world and are sure to find your perfect match.

Come and meet property expert, Melissa Porter, who will be on hand to discuss all aspects of buying, selling, renovation and relocation. Melissa is best known for her BBC lifestyle and property shows including ‘To Buy or Not to Buy’, ‘Put Your Money Where Your House Is’ and ‘Own Britain’s Best Home’. With an extensive background in travel writing and premium property development, Melissa will be making her debut appearance at The Luxury Property Show to answer all your questions regarding the future of the luxury property market.

We will also be joined by a number of industry experts, who will be running various interactive workshops and seminars over the course of this prestigious two day event.

Alongside this, guests will also have the chance to meet with other specialists involved in the industry including currency brokers, architects and interior designers, who are all keen in making your dream a reality.

Situated in the idyllic surroundings of South West London, The Hurlingham Club, is a perfect location to host this year’s event. The prestigious private member’s club provides a small and intimate setting, to ensure that our exhibitors offer a dedicated service to all our guests. This stylish and sophisticated venue is regarded as the ultimate backdrop to enjoy some of the world’s most exclusive properties, whilst relaxing in their magnificent grounds.The event will be an ideal destination to network with like-minded people over coffee or afternoon tea.

Join us at The Luxury Property Show and find your next luxury home.

Register today, for upcoming news and exclusive offers.

Getting There:

Tube: Nearest stations, Putney Bridge / Parsons Green (District Line)

Rail: Putney overground

Car: Limited on-site parking available. Sat Nav users should key in ‘Napier Avenue’.

Website: www.theluxurypropertyshow.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Luxury-Property-Show/142678695820895

TRANSPORT FOR LONDON & INTERCONTINENTAL LONDON PARK LANE CREATE THE CITY’S MOST CYCLE HIRE FRIENDLY HOTEL

InterContinental London Park Lane and Transport for London (TL’s) have teamed-up to give guests an insider guide to Barclays Cycle Hire. InterContinental London Park Lane, which was the first hotel to offer complimentary cycle hire keys to guests, is also the first hotel to participate in the cycle training hosted by TfL. The training will help InterContinental London Park Lane associates become experts in London cycling by teaching them the basics of road safety and how to find the most interesting and hidden cycle routes in the city.

Alvaro Rey, General Manager of InterContinental London Park Lane, said “Whether on business or pleasure, our guests want to explore London and one of the best ways to do this is the Barclays Cycle Hire programme. We regularly take our associates out on bikes to experience the city so that their knowledge is enhanced and they can better inform guests how to discover London safely. TfL cycle training will give them even more knowledge to do this.”

The Mayor of London's Environment Director, Kulveer Ranger said: "Barclays Cycle Hire bikes are not just for Londoners, but are a fantastic resource for visitors and tourists in London too. So it's brilliant to see a hotel being so proactive and not only taking advantage of them, but also our free cycle training. It's all part of the Mayor's cycling revolution and one of many services available to encourage everyone to hop on a bike and experience London on two wheels."

In addition to complimentary Barclays Cycle Hire for guests, InterContinental London Park Lane also offers exclusive cycle programs as part of the hotel’s “Insider Experiences”. One example is the B-Spoke program that features a hosted bike ride with Rob Penn, who spent a year building the perfect bike and documented his experience in his best-selling book: It's All About the Bike: the Pursuit of Happiness on two wheels.

19TH OCTOBER - MAGNUM DINNER AT ORRERY
Marylebone favourite Orrery is hosting a dinner on 19th October, serving some rare and unusual magnums of wine with a menu created to match them. Guests will enjoy a glass of 1990 Jacquesson Grand Vin Signature champagne served with canapés, a 2001 Gaja Gaia & Rey Chardonnay from Piedmont accompanied by a seafood starter and a 1997 Comte de Vogue from Burgundy, served with duck. Head sommelier Shana Dilworth, who will guide diners through the wine will end the meal by offering a glass of 2001 Viader, Cabernet Blend from California with cheese. Tickets for the event are very limited, and will cost £180 per person.
http://www.orrery-restaurant.co.uk/

HSBC PREMIER LITERARY TOURS

A series of free literary tours specially commissioned by Manchester Literature Festival’s Principal Sponsor

Various dates and times from 12 to 22 October 2011

HSBC Premier - HSBC’s premium banking service - has commissioned a series of free one hour literary tours to celebrate its sponsorship of Manchester Literature Festival, a highlight of the bank’s global Cultural Exchange programme.

Join Blue Badge Guide and Manchester Confidential Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Schofield to uncover the fascinating literary history of the city and find out more about the writers who have lived, worked and travelled here.

Tours depart from HSBC St Ann’s Square. Dates and times vary. Places are free but limited – visit www.jonathanschofieldtours.com to find out more and to book.

HSBC Premier customers can also enquire in branch at St Ann’s Square and via their Relationship Manager.

EXPERIENCE TRADITIONAL SPANISH TAPAS TOURS IN LONDON THIS AUTUMN
?This autumn Londoners will be able to experience traditional Spanish style tapas crawls in the city. Eat tapas, drink Rioja wine and experience a taste of Spain with the ‘Tapas Tour’, brought to you by Wines from Rioja and London Restaurant Festival in October. The Rioja Tapas Tour recreates the spirit of bar hopping that is typical to the Riojan region, where people pop into different tapas bars tasting speciality tapas dishes alongside glasses of Rioja.

On sale now, Londoners can purchase a Tapas Tour ‘passport’, allowing them to hop across five of London’s best tapas restaurants, where they will be offered a different tapas dish expertly matched to a glass of Rioja wine in each location. Visitors will be able to make their way around tapas restaurants Brindisa, Pix, Copita, Fernandez & Wells, and Ibérica during the weekends of the 8th, 9th and 15th, 16th October.

Ricardo Aguiriano from Wines from Rioja comments “The Tapas Tour is the perfect way to learn more about Spanish food and wine matching at London Restaurant Festival. Your passport will take you on a unique journey – tasting mouth-watering dishes such as Jamón Ibérica croquetas and delicious boquerones on tomato toast. With each dish matched perfectly to a glass of Rioja, you can guarantee fun conversation alongside fine wine and food during the Rioja Tapas Tour at London Restaurant Festival!”

Rioja Tapas Tour passports are available through London Restaurant Festival and are priced at £50.00, visit http://www.londonrestaurantfestival.com/2011/05/22/tapas-tour/ to purchase tickets.

JAMIE OLIVER AND HUGH FEARNLEY-WHITTINGSTALL JOINCULINARY FORCES FOR A TASTE OF CHRISTMAS FIRST

• Chefs team up to share their top festive tips for a gourmet Christmas in front of 2,000 special ticket holders
• Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall to take part in individual cooking demonstrations during the first day at Taste of Christmas
• Tickets to the three day event go on sale to the public today
• For more information and tickets visit www.tasteofchristmas.com

Bringing festive cheer and the ultimate in Christmas culinary expertise to Taste of Christmas, Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall will be opening the show on Friday 2nd December and taking part in exciting demonstrations.

Not only will the chefs be sharing their gastronomic wisdom with guests at the event with separate cookery demonstrations, but they will also take to the stage together in a Taste of Christmas first for a unique session before the show officially opens.

The session will take place in front of the first 2,000 special ticket holders at 10am and will cost £25 including entry to the event with tickets going on sale today. Taste of Christmas will be the only place to see Jamie live this festive season where he will join Hugh to share their top ten tips for the ultimate gourmet Christmas.

For those who are not lucky enough to get hold of one of these tickets, Jamie and Hugh will also each be taking part in an individual demonstration at Taste of Christmas on the opening day.

Taste of Christmas at ExCeL London from 2nd - 4th December, is the ultimate one stop shop for all your Christmas shopping needs. Under one roof, it brings together a huge choice of quality ingredients from over 150 seasonal producers and handmade gift ideas from 50 boutiques. A host of the capital’s top restaurants including Benares, Roast and newcomers Rhodes W1 as well as renowned foodies such as Gary Rhodes, Michel Roux Jr, Rachel Allen, Atul Kochhar, Lawrence Keogh, Simon Rogan, Antony Worrall Thompson, Theo Randall and Mary Berry will also be on hand to educate and inspire with demonstrations and an array of seasonal activity.

Tickets for Taste of Christmas went on sale this week, priced from £17.50. For more information visit www.tasteofchristmas.com

BOOTS FIRST STAR GIFT OF THE WEEK BOSS ORANGE BEAUTY SET LESS THAN HALF PRICE AT BOOTS FOR ONE WEEK ONLY

Running from 7th October – 13th October 2011

Cross off the presents on your Christmas list with a series of fabulous ‘Star Gift’ offers available every week at Boots during the Christmas period.

The very first festive ‘Star Gift’ offer at Boots is the luxurious Boss Orange Beauty Set, which shoppers can bag at better than half price for just £29.50 (usual price £59.99).

The set contains the uplifting, captivating fragrance in eau de toilette 50ml, shower gel and body lotion in 50ml, a pocket mirror, make-up bag, and premium make-up brush set.

Boss Orange Woman is a captivating scent that opens with an uplifting burst of crispy apple and bergamot. The shower gel and body lotion help to achieve a long lasting fragrance that will stay on the skin all day.

Available exclusively at Boots, this limited edition gift set is the perfect Christmas present to make someone feel special and smelling sweet on Christmas day.

If you know someone who would love to unwrap the Boss Orange Beauty Set on Christmas morning then head to Boots from Friday 7th October or visit boots.com to purchase the item at this bargain price, but don’t delay as the offer is only available while stocks last.

Advantage Card holders earn four points for every pound they spend at Boots*, so take advantage of this amazing offer and be rewarded with Advantage Card points with this purchase.

*Exclusions apply

· This week’s ‘Star Gift’ will be available to customers on boots.com from 0700 hours, Friday 7th October. To ensure the offer is available to all customers, any boots.com shopping baskets containing the product, ahead of this date and time, will be reset

· This offer is not included in our 3 for 2 Mix & Match, from 7th October to 13th October in Boots stores and boots.com

http://www.boots.com/en/Boss-Orange-Beauty-Set_1226712/

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.