Monday 12th to Friday 16th September
National Cupcake Week is here and what better way to celebrate than by popping into Fortnum & Mason for some mouth-watering cupcakes, along with cupcake themed tastings and demonstrations in store:

Be Upstanding for Cupcakes (Wednesday the 14th September from 12noon)
Sophie Harrison of Delicious Cupcakes will be demonstrating the fine art of flower cupcake piping on the Ground Floor. Exclusive to Fortnum & Mason, Sophie’s beautifully decorated cupcakes are available in chocolate, coffee, carrot and vanilla in both regular (£2.75) and mini chocolate cupcakes (£1.50). All of Sophie’s cupcakes have an exquisite buttercream flower adorning them. Enjoy with afternoon tea in The Gallery restaurant or take some home from the bakery to ensure celebrating the cutest of cakes in style.

A Cornucopia of Cupcakes (Thursday 15th September at 2pm)
Join us in the demonstration kitchen where Fortnum & Mason will be tasting a delicious demonstration of all their favourite cupcakes.

Cupcakes take an Encore (Friday 16th September from 12 noon).
End of cupcake week in style by joining us on the ground floor for tastings of our classic Fortnum’s cupcakes.

Cupcake stands and decorations are available in store and cupcakes can be ordered for special occasions and events. For Fortnum & Mason’s Gallery Restaurant tea reservations, contact 0845 602 5694
www.fortnumandmason.com

ORREFORS BY KARL LAGERFELD - A UNIQUE COLLABORATION IN DESIGN AND CRAFTMANSHIP, LAUNCHES 15 SEPTEMBER 2011

“What I enjoy most is doing something I’ve never done before.”

In his first ever line of crystal, Karl Lagerfeld has created a collection for Swedish glass designer Orrefors. The Orrefors by Karl Lagerfeld collection will launch exclusively in Harrods on 15 September 2011, followed by Selfridges as well as independent retailers on 15 October 2011.

Given his exacting perfectionism, Karl Lagerfeld could never have collaborated with less than the best: The Orrefors glassworks has been a Swedish institution for over a century, carrying on the age-old tradition of hand-blown glass shaped by master artisans. With its exquisite engravings, streamlined forms and colours ranging from delicate to rich, the Orrefors brand is one of the great symbols of Swedish design and luxury. It is a world-wide brand, gracing the finest tables such as the Swedish Royal Palace.

Knowing the artistic excellence of Orrefors to be comparable with the world of high fashion, Karl Lagerfeld designed a collection in his own image: Clean-lined, subtle and functional. The first members of the Lagerfeld crystal family are champagne flutes and coupes and wine, water and liqueur glasses. Transparent, black or milky white, sometimes engraved with the KL monogram, the series typifies the Karl Lagerfeld ethos of ultra-strict lines. And in the spirit of the designer’s well-known practicality, the series also includes monogrammed coasters to prevent any trace of an errant drop on an immaculate tablecloth.

Based on the same principle, the collection also features a large round bowl, a rectangular vase and a cylindrical vase, each poised on four crystal globes on transparent platforms. With its simple colour scale, its purity of lines and shapes, the flow of the material and the refinement of the details, each crystal contour of the Karl Lagerfeld series reflects timeless elegance. The collection bestows a new, harmonious and modern face on the century-old Orrefors expertise.

The Karl Lagerfeld collection of Orrefors crystal will also be available in gift boxes containing pairs of monogrammed champagne flutes and separately sold boxes of engraved coasters to place under them. The Karl Lagerfeld series exudes functionality down to the tiniest detail.

Prices for the Orrefors by Karl Lagerfeld collection range from £65 to £1,000.

COTTON USA SPONSORS FLOURISHING DESIGNER LOUISE GRAY AT LONDON FASHION WEEK

The catwalks are set to be awash with cotton yet again this season, as COTTON USA reveals flourishing designer, Louise Gray, as the recipient of its prestigious London Fashion Week sponsorship programme. Louise, an advocate of U.S. cotton, will unveil her latest collection at London Fashion Week, 16th – 21st September 2011.

Heralding the seventh year of the COTTON USA sponsorship programme, its support gives up-and-coming fashion creators an opportunity to explore the huge variety and versatility of premium U.S. cotton fabrics and use their design flair to transform them into exciting and original fashion pieces to showcase to the fashion elite in London. This marks Louise’s third season as the COTTON USA sponsored designer; previous winners of the prestigious grant include: Richard Nicholl, Meadham Kirchhoff, Nathan Jenden, Sinha-Stanic, PPQ, Preen, Gardem Paris and Deryck Walker.

Hailed as the one to watch by British Vogue and winner of the New Talent Award at the Scottish Fashion Awards 2007, Louise is a rising star in the fashion industry. The Scottish born designer studied at The Glasgow School of Art and went on to graduate with an MA from Central Saint Martins College in London.

Celebrating Louise’s sixth consecutive season at London Fashion Week, her Spring/Summer 2012 collection is inspired by ‘a spot, a stripe and a check’, and seeing how far she can take them. It includes prints developed into devores, patch work and new craft techniques. In classic Louise Gray style, texture will feature heavily as will hand embroidery, from beadwork to various takes on traditional stitch work. In addition to this, elements of Louise’s Scottish heritage will also permeate her latest collection.

Louise’s design signature is based on brightly hued, boldly textured garments whose shapes are simple and where movement and embellishment take centre stage. Employing a wide range of materials, including fabric made with extra-long U.S. cotton Supima® yarn, nothing is quite what it seems. Contrast is key and Louise reworks traditional stitches and embroidery techniques to create modern folk details and trompe l’oeil effects.

Stephanie Thiers-Ratcliffe, International Marketing Manager of COTTON USA, commented: “We have a strong commitment to young talent and the COTTON USA sponsorship programme is a huge boost for designers looking for ways to develop their work. We are delighted to be working with Louise for a third season – she is a perfect fit with COTTON USA. Her confidence and sense of adventure is unrivalled and we can’t wait to see what her latest collection has to offer”.

On being selected for the COTTON USA sponsorship programme once again, Louise said: “The past two seasons have been fantastic and I’m so pleased to have the ongoing support of COTTON USA”. She continued: “U.S. cotton always features heavily in my collections as it’s one of my favourite materials to work with. I’m looking forward to exploring new ways of using cotton in my Spring/Summer collection”.

Louise will show her Spring/Summer 2012 collection at 17:30 on Monday 19th September at Topshop Venue, Waterloo.

ME, MYSELF AND EYE

With the kids now back at school the EDF Energy London Eye invites parents to steal a moment to themselves...

Parents can finally enjoy a little quality time to themselves. London’s most iconic landmark, the EDF Energy London Eye is offering parents the opportunity to reward themselves for all the hours they have dedicated to entertaining their children over the Summer holidays.

This September, the EDF Energy London Eye is offering the chance to indulge in a little ‘me’ time, away from the kids on one of the London Eye’s luxury experiences. The Champagne Experience offers guests pure indulgence where they can take in the stunning views of the capital whilst sipping a flute of chilled Pommery Brut Royal Champagne.

With the children going back to school to brush up on their maths and literacy skills, parents can also learn something new on both the Green & Blacks Chocolate Tasting Experience and the Vinopolis Wine Tasting Experience.

Sample eight luxury chocolates on the Green & Blacks Chocolate Tasting Experience where an expert will explain what’s involved in producing one of the world’s most desired delicacies. For budding wine connoisseurs, the Vinopolis Wine Tasting Experience is the perfect choice as guests will be guided through the taste sensations, aromas and textures of five of the world’s finest wines by a Vinopolis expert.

After investing so much time and energy to make sure the kids have a great Summer, parents need to recharge their batteries.”

That’s not all for guests to the EDF Energy London Eye this September. Visitors can take a trip on the London Eye River Cruise. The 40 minute circular sightseeing cruise on the River Thames offers visitors the opportunity to see London from a different perspective as well as learning the history of the riverside landmarks. As a host describes the sites, historical and modern, guests feel the Thames breeze on their skin, blowing their stresses away.

With every ticket purchased customers will receive free entry to the EDF Energy London Eye 4D Experience. The three minute film showcases the first ever 3D aerial photography film over London, as well as exciting the senses with live effects such as wind, snow and bubbles, for a truly four dimensional experience. Watching this film will make any adult feel like a child again.

For more information on the London Eye and to receive a 10% discount on bookings visit www.londoneye.com or follow the London Eye on twitter www.twitter.com/thelondoneye

YCN AND THE FLOWER APPRECIATION SOCIETY COLLABORATE....
The Flower Appreciation Society will be selling beautiful hand tied seasonal bouquets in the YCN shop at 72 Rivington Street every Thursday and Friday.

Bouquets will all be presented in wrappings (a different design each week) embellished by guest YCN illustrators (first up Dawn Gardner), with limited bouquets offered for sale online and free delivery in
Central London.

Check out their website for more info...
http://shop.ycnonline.com/news/post/the-flower-appreciation-society-at-ycn/

Visit the shop to buy online...
http://shop.ycnonline.com/

www.theflowerappreciationsociety.co.uk

HONG KONG TOURISM BOARD LAUNCHES LIVE IN LONDON!

Celebrate Hong Kong ? Live in London! this September and experience the best of Hong Kong with a week long street festival 12-18 September in South Molton Street, including live entertainment with Face Changers, dancers, musicians plus lots more and a chance to win a holiday to Hong Kong every day! Then try the best of Hong Kong cuisine from the renowned Michelin starred Chef Tsang, with a Hong Kong menu at Mews of Mayfair http://www.mewsofmayfair.com in Lancashire Court available from 12 to 25 September. For more information see ‘Hong Kong ? Live in London!’ on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/HongKongLiveInLondon or follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/HongKongHotNews .

A TOUCH OF AUTHENTIC ITALY ARRIVES IN ELSTREE
Buca di Beppo, the much-loved Italian eatery owned by restaurant entrepreneur Robert Earl, is adding a fifth site in Elstree - opening on Monday 19th September.

The restaurant has launched in the UK exclusively in partnership with selected Village Hotels - alongside Elstree, Buca di Beppo have four other restaurants in Blackpool, Newcastle, Swindon and the Wirral.

Buca di Beppo is an authentic Italian restaurant offering flavourful Italian dining. All dishes are served ‘family style’ with generous portions designed to be shared. It embraces the true spirit of Italian culture with a firm emphasis on food, friendship and hospitality.

“The first 4 Buca’s have been a great success and the British public have taken to the family dining Italian concept”, says Gary Davis Village Hotels, CEO.

Robert Earl agrees: “I’m delighted that Buca is appealing to our many, many customers. The Brits have always loved Italian cuisine and with our authentic, quality food, served in generous portions we hope to continue our success across the UK. I’m thrilled that we are opening in Elstree, as I was born a stones throw away in Hendon - it’s great to have a restaurant that’s so accessible to the residents of North London and surrounding areas. Expect a big Hollywood-style opening party, as we put Elstree on the map!"

The first Buca di Beppo opened its doors in 1993 in the basement of a Minneapolis apartment building and has since grown to 87 locations across America.

The fantastic dishes come in three portion sizes; Buca Mio, a generous single serving, Buca Small which feeds up to three people and Buca Large, feeding up five. Guests can choose from a mouth-watering menu featuring classic family-favorites from pizzas and baked pastas, through to cured meats and bruschetta.

Dishes enjoyed for generations in villages throughout Italy inspire the menu, giving Buca its authentic Italian fare and sense of style.

The restaurant continues to innovate and create recipes beyond the traditional style by adding new menu items inspired by Northern and Southern Italian cuisine.

With its sharing attitude and friendly service, Buca di Beppo is the perfect place for celebrating special occasions with family and friends for lunch and dinner. Nobody throws a party like the Italians so for birthdays, anniversaries and office get-togethers, book with Buca.

To book a table and for information on special offers and events visit www.bucadibeppo.co.uk

Buca di Beppo
Village Hotel
Centennial Avenue
Elstree, Hertfordshire
WD6 3SB
0844 980 0302

MICHELIN STARRED LONDON RESTAURANT, TEXTURE UNVEILS A NEW WINE LIST CELEBRATING RIESLING AND PINOT NOIR WINES

Award winning London restaurant, Texture will be re launch its wine list this month with the aim of bringing it more in line with Chef Patron, Agnar Sverrisson’s modern European cooking. As Sverrisson’s menu has developed, since launching in 2007, co-founder and Master Sommelier Xavier Rousset has observed the obvious harmony between many of his dishes and white Riesling and red Pinot Noir. Widely considered to produce some of the best wines world, these grape varieties will have a strong presence on the new Texture wine list which will include around 80 bottles of each from producers from all over the world.

Rousset has worked closely with Texture head sommelier, Erica Laler to source the best Rieslings and Pinot Noirs available from central Otago to Mosel including some rare and old vintages. Although Xavier and Erica have worked hard to continually evolve the Texture wine list, this will be the most significant adjustment since the restaurant opened four years ago.

Rousset and Sverrisson met whilst working at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons as head sommelier and head chef respectively. Their aim in setting up Texture was to create a restaurant at which food and wine shared centre stage; Sverrisson’s Modern European menu combines excellent British produce with ingredients from his native Iceland and Rousset and Laler’s wine list seeks to balance interesting producers with accessible choices.

The pair’s vision has gone from strength to strength, adding a Michelin Star to its lengthy list of awards in 2010. In 2007 Texture was voted The Independent New Restaurant of the Year and from there went on to win a Remy Martin London Restaurant Award in 2008, Champagne Bar of the Year at the Drink Out Excellence Awards in 2009 and Best Newcomer in the 2010 Caterer and Hotelkeeper Catey Awards.

Opening Hours:
Lunch: Tues-Sat 12:00-14:30

Dinner: Tues-Sat 18:30-00:00
34 Portman Street
London
W1H 7BY

Tel: 020 7224 0028

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

THE BROMPTON BAR & GRILL LAUNCHES ‘THE GRILL CLUB’

On 19th September the award-winning Brompton Bar and Grill, will launch its first session of The Grill Club. Teaming up with the celebrated butcher’s Allens of Mayfair and the award-winning Hallgarten Druitt wines, the evening will be a truly unforgettable gastronomic delight.

The Grill Club will kick off with a demonstration of prime beef butchery by Allens of Mayfair entitled, ‘From Rib to Fillet and Rump to Sirloin – all you need to know’. Guests will have the chance to observe some of Britain’s finest butchers at work and also learn about the different cuts of meat, their sizes and different qualities. Allen’s has been a butcher’s for over 120 years and has won a plethora of awards for its excellent meat and service. Their famous Mount Street shop is manned 20 hours a day to supply the best produce to London’s finest hotels and restaurants.

This will then be followed by a talk and tasting by Rupert Bairamian of Hallgarten Druitt Wines which will explore Burgundy wines and demonstrate which wines are best paired with the different cuts of steak. Hallgarten Druitt wines is one of the historic names in the UK wine trade with over 70 years of experience and recent awards include European Merchant of the Year 2010 and Best On-Trade Supplier 2009.

Finally The Brompton Bar & Grill owner and chef Francois O’Neill will demonstrate how to make the perfect steak tartare from the beef that has been butcheredinto fillets. Guests will then enjoy a delicious two course meal of the Steak Tartare followed by Prime Cuts of Beef, Chips and Béarnaise Sauce with Burgundy wines selected to match the meat perfectly.

Occurring regularly and exploring different themes at each session, The Grill Club will provide the perfect Monday evening activity for meat lovers in London. The Brompton Bar & Grill is Knightsbridge’s stylish and local bistro offering superb seasonal cuisine, fine wines and delicious cocktails. Founded by Francois in 2009, it has gone from strength to strength and is the ideal place to eat, drink and enjoy regular live music.

The Grill Club at The Brompton Bar & Grill
19th September, 7pm start
£45
243 Brompton Road
London SW3 2EP
Tel: 020 7589 8005
Email: www.bromptonbarandgrill.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/BromptonBar

A RENAISSANCE IN WEST DULWICH

In the greenest corner of South East London, The Rosendale in West Dulwich has been reborn courtesy of award-winning Renaissance Pubs. Once a Victorian coaching inn, the pub boasts a spacious bar, large dining area, three distinctly individual gardens as well as two private rooms which now stands proud at the heart of the neighbourhood.

Owned by school friends Tom Peake, Mark Reynolds and Nick Fox, Renaissance Pubs are responsible for some of the finest taverns south of the river including The Avalon and The Abbeville in Clapham and The Bolingbroke in Battersea.

Totally transformed, The Rosendale exudes a handsome elegance. The high ceilings provide a sense of grandeur as large Victorian windows flood natural light into the room. Galvanised steel chandeliers, an original fireplace, vintage London theatre posters, giant maps, a plethora of antique prints and a beautiful wall of butterflies illustrate that design is certainly not an afterthought. Outside is similarly enchanting with three separate gardens. The front is reminiscent of your favourite local with proper pub benches, the side garden is a secret haven surrounded by lush green hedges whilst the rear is a stunning landscaped affair complete with olive and bay trees as well as a special children’s play area.

Eating and drinking
Attention has been paid to the real ale on offer and food is simple, seasonal and sustainable.

Head Chef Loris Dario, under direction of Executive Chef Massimo Tebaldi, has created, in keeping with Renaissance’s sister venues, a predominately British pub menu of the finest local sourced ingredients including meat from Renaissance Pubs’ very own Locks Drove Farm in Hampshire.
Signature dishes include ham hock and chicken croquettes with piccalilli alongside squid and cuttlefish salad to start. Pork belly and salsa verde with crushed Jersey royals; seabass from the new Josper Grill with samphire and crayfish plus Orkney sirloin steak, hand-cut chips and béarnaise sauce provide delicious main course options. Desserts are just as tempting: lemon posset with homemade shortbread, a devilishly good chocolate and amaretto mousse in addition to a homely sticky toffee pudding.

Private Dining
On the upper floor, there are two private rooms both bathed in natural light. The West Room, complete with DJ facilities, excellent sound system, wide screen and projector is ideal for weddings, family occasions and corporate events for up to 100 seated and 160 standing. The more intimate East Room can seat up to 20 guests for dinner and accommodate 40 people for a cocktail party.
The Rosendale in West Dulwich – an upstanding pillar of the community.

www.therosendale.co.uk
65 The Rosendale, West Dulwich, SE21 8EZ
Tel : +44 (0)20 8761 9008

TIME FOR AUTUMN COLOUR WITH THE NATIONAL TRUST

Take a stroll through National Trust woodlands and gardens and make the most of vibrant, autumnal hues and bronzed leaves crunching underfoot.

Here’s a selection of colourful National Trust events taking place across England, Wales and Northern Ireland this autumn:

Powis Castle and Garden, Powys
Autumn garden tour, 21 September, 5 & 19 October 11.30am – 1pm
Find out about the history of the world-famous garden at Powis Castle and discover how the gardeners keep it looking so good in the autumn months. Take some ideas and inspiration home.
Normal admission charges apply, plus £3.50 per person.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01938 551929.

Stonehenge Landscape, Wiltshire
Autumn archaeology walk, 24 September, 8&22 October, 19 November 2pm – 4.30pm
Enjoy an autumn afternoon walk up on the downs learning about the ancient archaeology of the Stonehenge World Heritage Site and the area's varied wildlife. On this three mile walk with views of the stone circle, visit ancient earthworks that have revealed much about the people who once lived and celebrated on the site. Talking points include the Cursus, the many and varied barrows, and an ancient avenue connecting ceremonial centres.
Adult £3.
Booking is advisable, please call 01980 664780.

Castle Ward, Co. Down
Autumn harvest ramble, 25 September 3pm – 5pm
An autumnal, guided ramble around the Caste Ward demesne, taking in the amazing vistas and landscapes.
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 028 4488 1204.

Arlington Court, Devon
Autumn celebration, 2 October 11am – 3pm
Enjoy all that autumn has to offer: go on a ramble through the estate to see its golden, autumnal cloak; join a story-teller to create a unique tale using the woods and wildlife as inspiration; make heart-warming food from Arlington’s walled kitchen garden produce, from stews to chutneys; and discover the results of Arlington's 'In Three Words' quest.
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01271 850296.

Claremont Landscape Garden, Surrey
Autumn’s harvest - a guided walk with Chris Howkins, 8 October 2pm – 4pm
Join Chris Howkins, a specialist in British ethnobotany, on a seasonal, guided walk around Claremont .
Adult £6, Child £4.
Booking is essential, please call 01372 467806.

Wordsworth House and Garden, Cumbria
Autumn Poetry, 10-13, 24, 26 October from 11.30am
Celebrate the changing seasons with seasonal poems scattered around William Wordworth's childhood home and readings on the day (at 11.30am and 2.30pm).
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01900 824805.

Claremont Landscape Garden, Surrey
Autumn dawn walk and early opening, 15 October 7am – 9am
The garden will be open early for visitors and early risers can enjoy a guided dawn walk to witness the magic of the autumn sunrise in the garden followed by a warming cooked breakfast in the tea-room.
Adult £13.5, Child £6.25.
Booking is essential, please call 01372 467806.

Claremont Landscape Garden, Surrey
Autumn colour, 15 & 22 October 2pm – 3.30pm
Enjoy a guided afternoon walk in the garden looking at the trees in their autumn beautiful colours.
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01372 467806.

Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire
Autumn Tree Walk, 16 October 11am – 12.3pm
Stroll around the pleasure grounds and parkland and enjoy the autumn colours with a member of Kedleston’s outdoor team.
Normal admission charges apply, plus £3 per person.
Booking is essential, please call 01332 842191.

Upper Wharfedale, North Yorkshire
Autumn in Wharfedale, 16 October 11am – 3pm
Experience the beautiful colours of autumn on a walk through the woods and limestone pavements of Wharfedale with a knowledgeable guide.
All £2.
Booking is essential, please call 01729 830416.

Antony, Cornwall
Welly wanders, 22-23, 25-27, 29-30 October 11am – 4.30pm
Get out and about with the kids this autumn Come and explore the gardens at Antony and take your wellies for a wander. Try out our autumn family activities along the way.
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01752 812 191.

Lodge Park and Sherborne Estate, Gloucestershire
Autumn colour walk, 23 October 10.30am – 12.30pm
Enjoy a walk with the ranger to discover the beautiful autumn colours at this wonderful time of year.
Adult £3.
Booking is essential, please call 01451 844257.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire
Fountains in autumn, 23 October 11am – 1pm
Join a guided walk and marvel at the splendour of the autumn colours.
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01765 608888.

Longshaw Estate, Derbyshire
Autumn fun, 25 October 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Enjoy creative fun for half term week - collect autumn colours and be inspired by the change of season. There’s the opportunity to create big, group artwork at the Moorland Discovery Centre and also something special to take home.
Normal admission charges apply, plus £3 per person.
Booking is essential, please call 01433 670368.

Knole, Kent
Autumn trail, 26-30 October, 11am – 3pm
Follow an exciting family wildlife trail through the autumn colours of Knole's deer park.
All £1.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01732 462100.

Stourhead, Wiltshire
Autumn Colour Walk, 30 October 10.30am – 12.30pm
Experience Stourhead in all its golden glory on a walk through the woodlands with the estate ranger. Discover how the National Trust manages the wider landscape for ever, for everyone.
Adult £10, Child £5.
Booking is essential, please call 0844 249 1895.

For more information on National Trust events, please visit our website at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

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