What do Joanna Lumley, Jodie Kidd, Celia Birtwell and Alex Monroe all have in common? The desire to save the UK’s Honey Bee.

Burt’s Bees has worked closely with the four celebrities who have designed beautiful limited edition bee hives to be auctioned this week (3rd-10th May 2011), with all proceeds going to The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) Adopt a Beehive Campaign Programme.

Adopt a Beehive is a fundraising programme run by the BBKA and sponsored by Burt’s Bees. Funds raised fund research into honey bee health, and essential education for beekeepers.

‘BUY ME’
Joanna Lumley has designed a honeycomb hive which incorporates the diverse and interesting life of one of Britain’s best loved actresses. From the iconic Patsy, to the sunset scenes denoting Joanna’s love of travel, this brightly coloured bee hive will be available for the public to purchase in the ‘Buy Me’ section of the special BBKA auction. http://www.britishbee.org.uk/burtsbeesauction Whether it’s to put in a garden or even to have as a fantastic talking point inside your home, this will be a statement piece for any household.

Joanna Lumley says: “It has been dismaying and frightening to read of the declining bee population and how this will affect all aspects of life on earth; so when I was offered a chance to get involved with the Burt's Bee's Design a Hive Campaign to raise money for the British Beekeepers Association I seized the opportunity. Not only does this campaign encourage and educate bee keepers, it helps raise awareness and funds for applied research in to the health of British honey bees. I hope someone enjoys owning the hive as much as I did designing it. Please visit (website address still to be confirmed) now to bid for my lovely hive online.”

Jodie Kidd’s quintessential English country garden design depicts her love for nature, horses and the honey bee. Jodie’s bright and cheerful hive will also be available for the public to purchase in the ‘Buy Me’ section of the BBKA auction website http://www.britishbee.org.uk/burtsbeesauction. Not only will this be a gorgeous limited edition keepsake - its purchase will help an incredibly good cause and be the best ‘feel good’ buy of the year.

Jodie says: “I am excited about the Burt’s Bees Celebrity Beehive Campaign. My love of the British countryside stems from my childhood and I have always spent a lot of my free time outside, enjoying nature. When I heard about the declining bee population and the impact this can have I was keen to find a way I could help. The work the BBKA does is wonderful and if this campaign can raise money which they can use to help the UK’s British bee then I would be thrilled that I have been able to make a difference. “

‘ADOPT ME’
Style icon and the name that launched a thousand prints – Celia Birtwell has used her trade mark style to bring her bee hive to life. Celia’s hive will be available to adopt in the ‘Adopt Me’ section of the BBKA auction website from the 3rd May. The public can adopt Celia’s hive of bees which will be in an artist's garden in south London and looked after by a member of the London Beekeepers association'. The ‘owner’ of the hive will be updated on the hive’s progress each quarter, and will even be sent them a jar of honey, from the hive itself.

Celia says: "We have kept bees for about two years, and I have developed a real taste for home-produced honey. I love learning how to keep my charges happy, and want to encourage anyone with an interest to get started. They are such fascinating little creatures, and it's so sad that they are just in trouble, so increasing awareness of their plight to help them thrive is a top priority. I hope that by contributing my hive design, I might encourage others to take honey bees seriously."

Nature has always been British jewellery designer Alex Monroe’s greatest inspiration and this has been reflected in the poppy field scene he has designed for his hive. Alex’s hive will also be available in the ‘Adopt Me’ section of the BBKA auction website. As with Celia’s hive, the public can adopt this hive and be updated quarterly on its progress as a working hive in Alex’s own private allotment, and they will be sent a jar of honey from the hive itself.

Alex comments: “I think we should give bees a break. These little fellows work so hard for us, making honey and pollinating our food crops. This is about the little guy, buzzing about doing his thing, never complaining and us, the big guys, all take and not much give. Modern farming techniques, pesticides and pollution aren't helping. And they're cute as anything and they make our summer what it should be. What's not to like? I have a hive at home and was keen to get involved with the Burt’s Bee’s Design a Hive Campaign raising money for the British Bee Keeper’s Association. The campaign encourages and educates bee keepers and will help with research in to the health of British honey bees. I hope whoever wins my hive enjoys it as much as I did designing it. Check out (website still to be confirmed) now to bid for my hive online!”

The ‘Buy Me’ and ‘Adopt Me’ hives are now available at http://www.britishbee.org.uk/burtsbeesauction. Bidding will close on 10thth May, and the highest bidders will be announced online.

More than just a sweet treat, honey has long been renowned for its health benefits. Naturally anti-inflammatory, a powerful antiseptic, soothing and moisturising it is no surprise that the unique properties of honey should be harnessed for use in a range of products from skin care to natural remedies.

However the hardworking, humble honey bee is under threat. In the US the bee-per-hectare count has fallen nearly 90 per cent since 1961, and in China some crops are now pollinated by hand using feather brushes because there aren’t enough bees to do the job.

Brian Ripley, Chairman of the BBKA said: “The situation isn’t quite this extreme in the UK but we can’t be complacent. Winter is always a hard time for bees; three years ago more than one in three of the UK’s honey bees died. The situation is improving, our bees are getting healthier, but they are still not out of intensive care yet.”

Bees are central to our food supply with one third of all crops relying on pollination. No one knows the exact reason why bees are suffering, but loss of habitat, disease, the use of pesticides and even vehicle emissions could all play a part. What we do know is that the impact of bees on our eco-system is critical and direct action is required to protect our environment.

To help raise money for the protection and conservation of the British honey bee, natural skin care brand Burt’s Bees has teamed up with four celebrities who have designed their very own beehives, which will be auctioned off to make as much money as possible for the BBKA. The four wooden hives were kindly donated by Maisemore Apiaries www.bees-online.co.uk

For more information on the British Beekeepers Association and how they are helping with the conservation of the British Bee, please visit www.adoptabeehive.co.uk or www.britishbee.org.uk

Tuesday 3rd May - Friday 13th May 2011:

For a limited period only, diners at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester will be given the rare opportunity to buy the Gourdon porcelain centerpieces that adorn each of the tables at the three Michelin star restaurant.

This exclusive sale will allow guests to own original creations from a 20 piece collection by French artist Jean-Paul Gourdon. The unique vegetable inspired pottery has been specially designed for the restaurant and each table hosts a different centerpiece. From Tuesday 3rd May to Friday 13th May guests will be able to purchase a lasting memory of their experience at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester that will inject French style and elegance to any dining table. The pieces will be available at lunchtime, displayed in the stunning private dining room, Table Lumiere.

The collection reflects Alain Ducasse’s passion for cooking seasonal produce, featuring beautifully hand sculptured artichokes, cauliflower, garlic, and asparagus. A small Gourdon centerpiece costs £450, with the large design priced at £580.

Artist Jean-Paul Gourdon is a self-taught sculptor who lives in the south west of France and brings to life everything he touches. Alain Ducasse is a valiant supporter of the gifted artisans who help him capture a warm and elegant ambience creating a remarkable distinction in each restaurant.
Visit www.alainducasse-dorchester.com to book a table and take part in this exceptional and rare opportunity to invest in a stunning piece of French talent.
The A la Carte 3 courses are offered at £78 per person. The savvy ‘Lunch Hour’ set menu - is offered at £50 for three courses and includes 2 glasses of wine, mineral water and coffee.

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester Park Lane, London, W1K 1QA
T: 020-7629-8866 / W: www.alainducasse-dorchester.com
Open for lunch Tuesday–Friday and dinner from Tuesday-Saturday

VINTAGE DANCE CLUB AT CANARY WHARF

VINTAGE DANCE CLUB - Wednesday 11 & Thursday 12 May

Weds 6pm: TEA DANCE
Thurs 6pm: SWING DANCE

Workshops from 6pm, dance club 7.30-10.30pm

East Wintergarden, Bank Street, Canary Wharf, E14

Tickets £12 per night or £20 for both nights (includes complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival)

Booking Information:
In advance: Visit ticketweb.co.uk or call 0844 847 2268 (Booking fee applies)
In person: On the door, subject to availability

Full bar and food available. Only items purchased on the premises may be consumed.

YOUNG BRITISH DRIVING STARS JOIN FORCES WITH HOT WHEELS

Four of the UK’s hottest young driving talents have joined forces with the most prolific car manufacturer in the world Hot Wheels to inspire and encourage the next generation of British racing stars.

With three British drivers now on the Formula One grid, the UK is enjoying an exciting period in its racing history. And with the leading boys vehicle brand Hot Wheels partnering with the prestigious British Racing Drivers Club based at the home of the Grand Prix Silverstone, the excitement is set to reach even the very youngest racing fan.

The four drivers that will act as ambassadors for the brand throughout the year are British Formula 3 racing star Jack Harvey, Sam Bird, a leading light within the prestigious GP2 Series, British Touring Car Championship contender Tom Onslow-Cole, and Oli Webb in his debut season in the World Series by Renault. Each driver will mentor a team in the popular Team Hot Wheels virtual racing championship www.teamhotwheels.co.uk allowing boys of all ages to see what life is like for a real-life racing driver.

Director of the BRDC Superstars Programme Tim Harvey commented: “BRDC Superstars is well-established as a programme, which any serious young British driver aspires to be part of. The scheme only selects the very brightest prospects. We are delighted to see four of our young drivers partner with Hot Wheels on an initiative that will bring the thrilling world of motor-racing to life for fans of all ages.”

THE ALGARVE TAKES POLE POSITION FOR THE THIRD ROUND OF THE FIA GT1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Europe’s most famous secret, the Algarve will host the third round of the FIA GT1 World Championship from 6th to 8th May.

Regarded as one of the most important of the international sporting calendar, the event will see over 160 drivers and 120 cars battling it out over the three days to take the chequered flag.

Highlight races of the championship include: GT3 category, the Mini Challenge and the Championship Circuit Portugal plus there will be loads of activities to keep the young and young at heart entertained off the track, including kart races, helicopter rides, hot laps and children’s games.

The championship will take place at the Algarve International Raceway, one of Europe's most modern circuits. The circuit is perfectly crafted by man and nature to meet any challenge and even offers 64 different paths, all with the picturesque backdrop of the Atlantic.

Taking pole position for Portugal is driver Paulo Pinheiro, who will team with Roger Green for the GT3 class.

Pinheiro said “this is one of the most important events of the year; it will bring together the most prestigious brands and will undoubtedly be one of the most hotly contested championships.”

“Not only will fans get to enjoy the main races but these will also backed by a range of support races, which will ensure a very intense and vibrant program. This is going to be a very special weekend that any racing enthusiast or even those after any interested short-break should not miss," he said.

Manuel da Luz, President of the Municipal Chamber of Portimão said "these events are very important to the country and even more so even the current economic situation. Events such as these greatly help to stimulate and boost the local economy, which is greatly needed at this time.”

“Hopefully this will lay the foundation for the Algarve and Portugal in general to host future international sporting and cultural events such as this,” he said.

Tickets to the event start at €70 (£107) for a one pass or through to €120 (£62) for a three day weekend pass with full paddock access.

*based on exchange rate as at 27/04/2011
For further information on the Algarve visit:
www.visitalgarve.pt / www.algarvepromotion.pt

COMMONWEALTH KITCHEN LIVE
Starting in June, on the first Saturday of every month, The Commonwealth Kitchen at The Commonwealth Club will be hosting a varied series of exciting and engaging Music and Reader Events. These events will be accompanied by a three course lunch or dinner designed by Head Chef Oliver Tobias.

A versatile, contemporary space conveniently located with an interesting blend of traditional structure makes The Commonwealth Kitchen the perfect venue to relax and enjoy the forthcoming calendar of special events:

• Saturday, 4th June ~ MUSIC~ Sam Kelly’s Blues Band Unplugged: With an impressive track record having featured on the UK Blues Circuit for years, the Band boasts lead guitarist Tony Quinta and Spy Austin on Bass, led from the drumseat by Sam Kelly. The Band’s combined wealth of musical ability creates a performance that embraces “The Blues” with their own unique interpretation.

• Saturday, 2nd July ~ TALK ~ Paul Barnett: “What does corruption look like?” Join us for a thought-provoking talk about a campaign to raise awareness about the inherent link between corruption and poverty. Paul Barnett talks about the goal of Artists Against Corruption to be an international independent organisation that encourages artists to portray the consequences of corruption in various art forms and to give voice to its victims.

• Saturday, 3rd September ~ MUSIC ~ The Greg Davis Quintet: “Groovy, sometimes funky, and always swinging quintet”, led by Greg Davis on Tenor Sax. Aided, abetted and accompanied by: Felix Rigg on Piano, Clifford Charles on Guitar, Manuel Alvarez on Bass and Denis Smith on Drums.

• Saturday, 1st October ~ TALK ~ Dudley Sutton: Known for his versatility and wit, Dudley Sutton is going to treat the audience to his story ‘An Actor’s Tale’. Sutton became a cult figure after playing the gay biker in The Leather Boys in 1964, and has appeared in many films during his career. Among the most notable of his television appearances are his roles in Lovejoy, Smiley’s People and in the Christmas special of Porridge in 1976.

• Saturday, 12 November ~ MUSIC ~ Ivo Neame Quintet: Multi-talented and multi-instrumentalist Ivo Neame creates jaw-dropping music and is fast becoming one of the rising stars of British Jazz.

• Saturday, 3rd December ~ TALK ~ David Redfern: Rock photographer with 45 years in the business and over 100,000 pictures in his collection, including famous shots of The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix.

The music and talks will alternate on a monthly basis. The music evening will commence with dinner at 7.00pm and the performance will start from 9.30pm. The three course is priced at £25.00 per person. The Readers Luncheon events will take place at midday and include a special three course menu followed by a thirty minute presentation.

The Commonwealth Kitchen’s Head Chef Oliver Tobias will create a British menu with a contemporary Commonwealth and international twist. Starter dishes include Norfolk asparagus, crispy quail eggs and black truffle vinaigrette followed by mains such as Roasted sirloin of beef, olive crust, courgette and lemon verbena houmous. Desert dishes include Slow poached nectarine, liquorice ice cream and pistachio biscuit or British Isle cheeses, celery, date chutney and seeded crisp breads.

The Commonwealth Club, 25 Northumberland Avenue, London, WC2N 5AP T: +44 (0) 20 7766 9200 F: +44 (0) 20 7766 9222
www.thecommonwealthclub.co.uk

WOULD YOU LIKE TO TEST YOUR WINE KNOWLEDGE?
- Amateur Sommelier of the Year Competition Launched -
Piper Heidsieck and the Academy of Food and Wine Service’s Amateur Sommelier of the Year competition has been launched with Decanter.com. The competition is running in parallel to the 2011 Piper-Heidsieck UK Sommelier of the Year competition, which is open to professional sommeliers.
The Amateur Sommelier of the Year 2011 is open to any budding amateur wine experts. The first round involves answering 20 testing wine-related questions including a tie-breaker. Three correct entries will then be selected to go through to the second round, in which the amateur sommeliers will be asked to complete a virtual wine and food matching task.

Anyone with an interest in wine can enter the competition by logging on to www.decanter.com/asoy. The overall winner will be awarded dinner for two at a Michelin-starred restaurant and be presented with a trophy and a case of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne at the Sommelier of the Year finals on June 1st 2011. The two runners-up with receive a magnum of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne. The winner of the professional UK Sommelier of the Year competition will also be announced during the dinner.

Some of the questions the amateur entrants face include:
- How many Anbaugebiete are there in Germany?
- What does MW and MS stand for?
- What is the most common name for the spatburgunder grape?
- What are the ingredients in a cosmopolitan cocktail?
- Where is Kamptal region situated?
Victor Lanson who represents House of Champagne Piper-Heidsieck said: “Consumers are becoming increasingly knowledgeable about wine and the production of wine. They know more and more about grape varieties, wine producers and wine producing areas of the world. This competition gives amateurs the opportunity to truly test their skills with the sort of questions we use in professional competitions.”
For more information and to enter visit www.decanter.com.

COCO DI MAMA - FLEET STREET’S NEW ITALIAN STALLION

Fresh food, Italian style, in just a minute
The Square Mile is having a gingham tablecloth thrown over it with the opening of Coco di Mama. Flashes of red and white are in evidence up and down Fleet Street as workers carry the brand’s trademark bags to their offices for breakfast, lunch and all the bits in between. Buon Appetito!

Coco di Mama (a play on the Italian for ‘Mama’s boy’) combines the finest ingredients from Italy and closer to home with a little but of fun, offering a fresh alternative to humdrum high street sandwiches, soups and wraps.

Join us for lunch and enjoy a freshly prepared pasta dish with homemade sauce. We use the finest Al Bronzo pasta from the heart of Sicily – it has been slowly drawn through bronze dies to create the tiny ridges that our sauces cling to – and our recipes have been painstakingly compiled and feature only the very best ingredients.

Choose from a variety of pasta shapes with classic sauces such as slow-cooked Bolognese with juicy pancetta, rich Portobello Mushroom or fiery Arrabiatta. Set to cause a real stir though are Coco di Mama’s less familiar choices including a decadent Blue Cheese Carbonara, a smoky pepper and Kalamata olive and a playful Bloody Mary with a splash of vodka. Daily-changing sauce-free ‘naked’ dishes, where the flavour of the pasta speaks for itself, are complemented with fresh herbs, spices, extra virgin olive oil and a choice of seafood, meat or vegetables.

All our pasta dishes cost between £3.70 and £4.90 and are freshly prepared in less than a minute; perfect for lunch-on-the-run, picnics in the City’s green eating spaces or just some time out from the office in the unique, contemporary 20-seat venue.

Coco di Mama may be kick-starting a pasta revolution in the Square Mile, but diners have been equally delighted by its range of freshly prepared lasagnes, artisan baguettes, inspired salads and decadent dessert pots.
Lasagnes are painstakingly layered by hand every morning and individually baked at lunchtime with flavours ranging from a classic beef and tomato to the more original courgette and Parmesan or mushroom and pesto. Baguettes are stone-baked daily and filled with delicious ingredients including Taleggio cheese, salami Napoli, Prosciutto and perfectly chargrilled vegetables. Salads fulfil more than just a supporting role with choices that includes Italian charcuterie, crumbled goat’s cheese and butternut squash and the ever-popular tricolore. Soups are either rich and hearty or simple and flavoursome, with choices such as farmhouse chicken and Tuscan vegetable or Portobello wild mushroom amongst others.

For a touch of Italian indulgence, a selection of dessert pots and cakes are the perfect sweet treat to accompany an espresso. Enjoy a Sicilian lemon cheese cake with zesty lemon curd on a crumbly base of ginger nuts, hazelnuts and flaked almonds; apricot zabaglione pot with fruity apricot compote topped with a deliciously light zabaglione cream; a very cherry brandy trifle with a cherry on top (of course!); or an unbelievably intense Valhrona chocolate pot.

Italy would not be Italy without its love of great coffee and at Coco Di Mama we are fanatical about the bean. We serve our own unique espresso blend - full-bodied and intense - created for us by the award-winning independent East London roasters, Climpson & Sons. Whether you like it straight or milky, our coffee perfectly complements our delicious breakfast dishes featuring delights such as oven-crisped pancetta rolls with spicy ketchup, stone-baked pastries and fabulously fresh fruit pots and yoghurts.

Leading interior designer Afroditi Krassa (Itsu, Dishoom) has created a distinct and striking look for the brand. Combing the classic with the modern by playing with stereotypical trattoria elements such as the trademark gingham, wooden fencing and mosaic flooring. The result is a re-imagined version of the Italian classic, without a Chianti bottle in sight!
Coco di Mama – a fresh approach to Italian food – mama would be proud!

Coco di Mama, 90 Fleet Street, London, EC4Y 1DH
www.cocodimama.co.uk

QUO VADIS GETS UNDRESSED.....

Originally founded in 1926, the award winning Quo Vadis restaurant is one of London’s most iconic and beautiful venues. Having been lovingly restored to its former glory in 2008 by brothers Sam and Eddie Hart, Tatler’s Restaurant of the Year 2009 is undergoing some refreshing changes to its menu, wine list and decor this summer.

The Hart brothers together with head chef, Philippe Patruno, have redesigned a more concise menu featuring the best British seasonal ingredients at more accessible prices. Starters now include dishes such as chilled cucumber and coriander soup (£6.50), ham hock terrine and piccalilli (£8.20) and English asparagus with a poached Bantam egg (£9.50), with main courses such as Cornish red gurnard with clams and sea beet (£18.50); Montgomery cheddar waffle with spring vegetables (£15.50) and rabbit baked in a sourdough crust (£17). Puddings include Pimms Jelly (£8) and strawberry and custard tart (£8). Lunch For Less and pre and post theatre set menus are also available with 2 courses priced at £17.50 and 3 courses at £19.50.

Jack Lewens (ex River Café sommelier) has joined the brothers and is overseeing the wine lists at Quo Vadis, Fino and Barrafina. The new wine list at Quo Vadis is focused on traditional wines, often from smaller producers who use sustainable agriculture and organic or biodynamic farming to produce wines of character. With a bias towards the wines of Europe the restaurant will have an accessible list with choice in all categories.

It is not only the menu and wine list that have improved: solid oak tables have replaced the white linen tablecloths and the decor has been re-touched to create a fresh, informal and more contemporary atmosphere. For summer dining, more generous seating has been added to the terrace outside and the central doors of the restaurant will open out onto the buzz of Soho.

Adjoining the restaurant is The QV Bar that was launched earlier this year. Overseen by Zdenek Kastanek and his team, the bar offers a great range of specially commissioned Ketel One Vodka cocktails as well as an array of classic QV cocktails and snacks, making it a perfect place to enjoy a pre or post dinner drink. Changes will be effective from Monday 9th May.

Quo Vadis
26-29 Dean Street
London W1D 3LL
For reservations please call: 020 7437 9585
www.quovadissoho.co.uk

SPEAKEASY BARTS OPENS SUMMER CUBAN GARDEN

Quirky speakeasy bar Barts has another surprise up its sleeve for summer, as they will open an exotic Cuban garden just in time for the warm weather. Brought to Barts by Havana Club Rum, the garden will be a secret oasis away from the busy streets.

The Cuban garden will be decorated in plush velvet, silks and Latin-inspired hues of red, gold and brown. Lush palms, tropical plants and Havana Club Rum barrels and bottles will cover the surfaces, a proud reminder of the true home of the mojito for all guests to see.

Havana Club Mojitos will naturally be the drink of choice, as well as the appropriately named, Fidel’s Fix, made with the finest Havana Club Especial, Vanilla Sugar Syrup, Banane Liqueur, Fresh Banana and Maraschino Cherry Juice. On certain nights a Buena Vista Social Club-inspired band will serenade guests as they sip their drinks underneath the stars.

Barts Cuban garden will house a humidor serving a wide range of authentic cigars served at the perfect temperature and the space will provide a stylish haven for smokers.

Opened two years ago, Barts has rapidly become a speakeasy institution, attracting people from far and wide and known for their unique décor, innovative drinks, sense of humour and the fancy dress box, of course.

Barts
T: 020 7581 3355
E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
W: www.barts-london.com

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