THE DORCHESTER & THE NEW YORK PALACE LAUNCH TRANSCONTINENTAL SEX AND THE CITY 2 - STYLE GIRLS PACKAGES

April 2010 – Just in time for the eagerly awaited release of Sex and the City 2, which features key scenes shot in London and New York, Dorchester Collection hotels in each city are offering a Girls Weekend package styled around the fashionable foursome.

In New York, the hotel’s retail partner Saks Fifth Avenue, will not only style guests but provide a trendy tote bag filled with must-have beauty items. In London, zealous style-hunters will be offered a complimentary room over UK Bank Holidays when London shops tend to be unusually quiet and a unique relationship with Harvey Nichols will ensure a collection of clothes awaits guests at the store, based on the character whose style they most desire to emulate. For a weekend where the cocktails are as much of a fashion statement as the corsage or the beautifully manicured hand holding it, both hotels’ packages provides the perfect accessories for the fun, fashion and friendship of a Girls Weekend.
In New York, at The New York Palace, the package, priced from $549.00 per night based on double occupancy, the SATC2 Style Package includes the following for each guest:

• A personal stylist appointment at Saks Fifth Avenue. The hotel’s concierge will brief Saks Fifth Avenue on each guest’s style preference based on which stylish SATC girl most inspires their look
• Saks Fifth Avenue metallic tote bag filled with luxury beauty items and the option to have an in-store beauty make-over to complete their look
• A Spa Manicure at The New York Palace Spa
• Nightly signature cocktail in the glamorous setting of the hotel’s GILT Bar
• Accommodations in The Towers, a “hotel within a hotel” and luxurious sanctuary that is truly above it all occupyings the property’s top 14 floors, with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline

The New York Palace SATC Style package starts at $549.00 per room per night based on double occupancy and is valid for accommodations in The Towers only from May 1, 2010 through August 31, 2010. The package is based on availability and is exclusive of taxes.
For reservations and more information, please call 1-800-NY-PALACE (1-800-697-2522) or visit www.newyorkpalace.com.

In London, at The Dorchester, the package, priced from £425 per room, the Girls Weekend includes:

• A personal stylist appointment at Harvey Nichols. The Dorchester’s concierge will brief Harvey Nichols on each guest’s style preference based on which stylish SATC girl most inspires their look
• Two interconnecting rooms for easy post shopping analysis
• 4 handmade corsage (pin, or bracelet as above) from Florist at The Dorchester
• 4 cocktails at The Bar at The Dorchester; legendary barman Giuliano Morandin, famous for his ability to read people the moment they step in his bar, will choose from a Classic Cosmo for those most like Carrie, The Casanova for Samantha, a Perfect Ten for Charlotte, or The Prickly Colada for Miranda
• 4 lip gloss from The Dorchester Spa with signature light and mirror for mid-evening touch upsBased on two double rooms priced at £425 each, The Dorchester’s Girls Weekend is valid from 1 May 2010 until 30 April 2011. Rates are exclusive of VAT and subject to availability. The complimentary second room offer is limited to specific UK holiday periods: May bank holiday, August Bank Holiday, Christmas and Easter 2011.

For more information or to make a reservation, please contact The Dorchester on
+ 44 (0) 20 7319 7102 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

THE ART OF SHOPPING – BURLINGTON ARCADE CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF THE LONDON ORIGINAL PRINT FAIR

29TH APRIL – 3RD MAY 2010
The stunning Burlington Arcade, Britain’s first ever shopping arcade, is set to be transformed into its very own art gallery. A ‘print trail’ celebrating ‘Great British Artists’ will run through the Arcade in honour of the 25th anniversary of the London Original Art Fair (29th April – 3rd May), held at the Royal Academy of Arts which runs adjacent to the Arcade.

Each year, collectors flock to the longest-running print fair to see an unrivalled variety of works including coveted pieces by the likes of Damien Hirst, Rembrandt and Picasso. For the first time, the experience has been extended to encompass the Burlington Arcade, allowing shoppers to browse not only the most beautiful gifts and accessories but some of the world’s finest art.

Until Monday 3rd May, many of the Arcade’s retailers will showcase a number of dramatic prints from an array of British artists from the traditional to contemporary -including pieces by Peter Blake, George Stubbs, Gilbert & George and Hockney. A number of stores will also have a limited number of Fair passes to give away to customers.

FLORAL TRIO AFTERNOON TEAS BLOOM AT PETER JONES With Chelsea Flower Show fast approaching, green fingered enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the horticultural event of the year. This year, Peter Jones, the Sloane Square branch of John Lewis, will launch an exclusive Floral Trio Afternoon Tea. Available from the 25-29 May, the Afternoon Tea will cost £16.85 and be available from The Brassiere from 3.30pm until close.

Chris McLean, Head Chef at Peter Jones, says: “Food and flowers are perfect companions and in celebration of Chelsea Flower Show, we wanted to re-work the popular Afternoon Tea and create a unique floral treat for our customers - using traditional English garden flowers.”

The Floral Trio Afternoon Tea will include three freshly baked warm miniature scones to include lavender, rose water and heather with honey. Served with a selection of mini conserves and English honey, the floral infusion will be complimented by a pot of clotted cream.

The Floral Trio Afternoon Tea will be served with a refreshing jasmine and yulan infused green tea. A treat for the senses, the tea leaves release a floral scent and blossom into a beautiful flower on contact with hot water. For those who prefer the more traditional option, Earl Grey and English breakfast tea will also be served.

MELT INTO SUMMER WITH HÄAGEN-DAZS LEICESTER SQUARE

Experience the taste of summer with Häagen-Dazs’ new Limited Edition Pomegranate, White Peach & Orange Blossom sorbet, available exclusively at the Häagen-Dazs’ Shop in London’s Leicester Square.

The experts behind the UK’s leading luxury ice-cream brand have developed their most refreshing sorbet yet, with the tantalisingly unusual combination of sweet pomegranate, light white-peach and delicate fragrant notes of orange blossom.

The new sorbet adds to the already impressive choice of 24 indulgent Häagen-Dazs flavours available at the Leicester Square shop, and a special new Summer Collection Menu features the Limited Edition Pomegranate, White Peach & Orange Blossom sorbet in three delectable eat-in creations.

Fruit Journey is the ultimate pleasure for fruit lovers, with an indulgent four half scoops of different sorbets and ice-cream smoothies, served in individual glasses and layered with fresh fruit.

Sorbet Sensation encapsulates summer in a glass, with a scoop of the new Limited Edition Pomegranate, White Peach & Orange Blossom sorbet and a scoop of Raspberry sorbet, layered with waffle cone pieces, whipped cream, fresh raspberries, peach slices and raspberry coulis.

Or, you can cool down with the refreshing Pomegranate Peach Crush, a blend of two scoops of new Limited Edition Pomegranate, White Peach & Orange Blossom sorbet, fresh orange and peach juices and a shower of crushed ice.

In addition to the New Limited Edition sorbet, a further two new flavours join the shop’s extensive ice cream list in time for summer – Chocolate, Pralines & Caramel and Mango & Apricot Ice-Cream Smoothie. The choice of which ice-cream delicacy to enjoy has also been made harder by the addition of four new menu creations utilising Chocolate, Pralines & Caramel, which include Chocolate Brownie Sensation, Choca-Mocha Milkshake and Chocolate & Strawberry Dome.

Häagen-Dazs Limited Edition Pomegranate, White Peach & Orange Blossom sorbet is available at the Häagen-Dazs shop in Leicester Square until October 2010, priced from £2.70 for one scoop to take-away.

• One scoop of the Limited Edition Pomegranate, White Peach & Orange Blossom sorbet costs £2.70 to take-away and £2.85 when enjoyed at the Leicester Square shop
• Häagen-Dazs Leicester Square Shop is located at 14 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7NG

TOP UK GARDENS REVEALED IN GARDENERS’ WORLD MAGAZINE
The public’s best UK garden days out have been named in a special 2-for-1 Gardens To Visit guide with the May issue of Gardeners’ World Magazine. Some 4,500 Gardeners’ World magazine readers and http://www.gardenersworld.com web users voted for their favourite gardens from each UK region. The winners in each of the regions will receive the accolade of ‘the readers’ choice rosette’, with the second and third placed gardens also named. The May issue of the magazine also reveals the winners of three special categories including: ‘best afternoon tea’; ‘most romantic garden’; and ‘best day out for kids’.

According to the editor of Gardeners’ World Magazine, Adam Pasco: “With the long winter now well behind us, people will be keen to get out and explore some of the beauty the UK has to offer. We have gathered a wealth of beautiful and inspiring gardens for our 2010 ‘Gardens To Visit’ guide and it was fascinating to get the public’s insight into their favourites and interesting to see the results in the new categories. Our 2-for-1 entry is an even greater incentive to get out and enjoy the best British gardens and see if you agree with the results.”

Gardeners’ World magazine’s free Gardens to Visit guide contains 251gardens and is packed with reviews, images and visitor information. Readers can benefit from a special 2-for-1 entry offer to every garden listed between now and April 2011. May’s Gardeners’ World Magazine is on sale Wednesday 28 April, priced at £3.60, with a free Gardens To Visit Guide 2010.

The regional UK winners are :
South-East: Waterperry Gardens
South-West: Stone Lane Gardens
Central: Ryton Gardens
Northern: Harewood House
Wales: The National Botanic Garden of Wales
Scotland: Attadale Gardens

The category winners are:

Best afternoon tea
South-East: Waterperry Gardens
South-West: Eden Project
Central: Ryton Gardens
Northern: Harewood House
Wales: National Botanic Garden of Wales
Scotland: Attadale Gardens

Most romantic garden
South-East: Hever Castle and Gardens
South-West: Stone Lane Gardens
Central: Moors Meadow Garden and Nursery
Northern: Harewood House

Wales: National Botanic Garden of Wales

Scotland: Attadale Gardens

Best day out for kids
South-East: Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway
South-West: Eden Project
Central: Trentham Gardens, Lake & Adventure Play
Northern: Harewood House
Wales: National Botanic Garden of Wales
Scotland: Attadale Gardens

AVOID THE BANK HOLIDAY RUSH WITH THE NATIONAL TRUST
This year why not really make use of the long weekend and discover somewhere amazing to visit on your doorstep. With over 300 historic houses and beautiful gardens as well as stretches of stunning coast and countryside across England, Wales and Northern Ireland you’re never more than 40 minutes from a great day out.

Or if you’re going that little bit further and hitting the highways why not take the scenic route and stop off at one of our extraordinary places along the way.

Here are just some of the great places to visit near major travel routes:

Acorn Bank Garden and Watermill, Cumbria
Just 10 minutes from the M6 motorway you will find Acorn Bank http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-acornbankgardenandwatermill.htm tea-room situated in wonderful gardens. Treats from the menu include dishes made with culinary herbs from the garden and fruit from the orchards used in delicious puddings and cakes. Wander along the Crowdundle Beck to the partially restored watermill, spot some wildlife then enjoy the views across the Eden Valley to the Lake District.

Close to M6, 6 miles east of Penrith

Anglesey Abbey http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-angleseyabbeyandgardenandlodemill.htm , Cambridgeshire
Stretch your legs in the beautiful gardens, not far from the M11, which are home to one of the finest collections of historic garden statues in the country. The house contains paintings, furniture and silver in the unique collection of the last occupant, plus one of the National Trust's largest collections of clocks!

Close to M11

Baddesley Clinton, Warwickshire
Break up your journey between Warwick and Birmingham at this fifteenth century manor with tall chimneys, timber beams and wisteria. Cross its calm moat by the small stone bridge to step inside Elizabethan rooms and find the secret hideaways where priests hid 400 years ago. Then enjoy the fresh air around the nature trail, lakeside walks and medieval fishponds.

Close to the M40 and M42

Charlecote Park, Warwickshire
Close to Stratford upon Avon, the motorway will be a distant memory as you arrive through the Tudor gatehouse and spot the mellow stonework and high chimneys. Head indoors to see grand family portraits. Or, here in Shakespeare country, hear how the young William Shakespeare poached deer in these very grounds. Or maybe you would simply like a picnic or stroll beside the River Avon in the ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped gardens.

Close to the M40

Chartwell http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-chartwell.htm, Kent
If the M25 is getting you down, escape to Chartwell instead. Bought by Sir Winston Churchill for its magnificent views over the Weald of Kent to Sussex, this was his home from 1924 until the end of his life. The rooms and gardens remain much as they were when he lived here, with personal mementos strongly evoking his career and wide-ranging interests.

Close to M25

Cliveden http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-cliveden.htm, Buckinghamshire
Home of the ‘fabulous Astors’, the magnificent retreat next to the River Thames is surrounded by spectacular gardens. Enjoy zigzagging through the geometric beds and hedges of the 5 acre Grade 1 listed Parterre- it was inspired by Louis XIV’s great garden at Versailles.

Close to M40

Cragside http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-cragsidehousegardenandestate.htm, Northumberland
Discover one of the largest rock gardens in Europe, a vast woodland garden, as well as lakeside walks, an adventure play area and labyrinth. If travelling north of the border, make this your last stop before Scotland.

Off A697

Dyrham Park http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-dyrhampark.htm, Gloucestershire
The lavish collections inside this beautiful country house set in extensive parkland reflect the fashion in the 17th-century for all things Dutch. Victorian domestic quarters will give you a unique insight into life below stairs. Situated between Bath and Bristol, you would never believe you were just off the M4.

Close to M4

Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
Between Nottingham and Sheffield, a powerful Elizabethan lady- Bess of Hardwick- still shows off her wealth at this spectacular hall with huge windows and towers. The ‘Threads of Time’ exhibition tells of her life and of the beautiful tapestries on display. Outside explore a walled herb garden, cattle-filled parklands and the Stone Centre that shares the secrets of traditional stonemasons.

Close to the M1

Killerton, Devon
Six miles from Exeter, this relaxed eighteenth century estate makes an ideal place to stop for a few hours. See the famous collection of costumes or wander the sweeping grounds. Magnolias and rhododendrons, woodland walks, an ice-house and a summer-house known as the “Bear’s Hut” are just some of the highlights to be found outside.

Close to the M5

Lanhydrock http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-lanhydrock.htm , Cornwall
Going to or from Cornwall, this is a real treat. One of the most fascinating and complete late 19th-century houses in England, Lanhydrock is full of period atmosphere. There is also an adventure playground, with wobbly bridge, scramble nets and animal sculptures, to keep the kids entertained.

Off A38

Little Moreton Hall, Cheshire
On your way to the Lake District, Manchester or Liverpool, you simply must call here. The manor house has all the Tudor ingredients; patterned beams, cobbled courtyard and long gallery. If you think it looks uneven from the outside, the slopping floors and walls inside are a real joy, slightly at odds with the well-ordered knot garden. Award-winning tea room offers home-made cakes, scones and local, seasonal menu.

Exit 17 from M6 and follow signs to Congleton.

Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion
Perfect for visiting the Welsh coast John Nash designed the eye-catching Regency villa here in the 1790s. Peer into the everyday life of a rustic eighteenth century Welsh estate and see the traditional welsh pigs, sheep and cows on this working farm, then buy seasonal plants and produce from the walled garden. Pop into the laundry, brewery and salting house too, before rounding the day off in the beautiful Aeron Valley.

2? miles east of Aberaeron off A482

Mount Stewart, Co. Down
Just 15 miles south of Belfast visit this Neo-classical house (famed for its George Stubbs painting) and walk through the beautiful grounds. Find statues and fountains in the delightful parterres- a formal garden whose patterns are best seen from above- and take a moment to gaze across the peaceful lake overlooked by the Temple of Winds.

15 miles south east of Belfast

And if this has whet your appetite the following properties are also close to major travel routes and are well worth a visit…

Castle Drogo, Devon
Castle Drogo café is located at the visitor centre, so come along and enjoy a relaxing speciality coffee, outside on our patio area. They’re also open for a traditional English breakfast served daily 8.30-10.30 and offer a wide selection of light lunches, sandwiches and cakes all made from fresh, seasonal and local produce
Off the A30

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, North Yorkshire
Just 15 minutes from the A1 stop off at the World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal. With abbey ruins, deer park, Elizabethan hall and Georgian garden stretch your leg around this stunning 800 acre estate. The visitor centre has a restaurant serving local and seasonal produce on all of its dishes and there is also a National Trust shop to pick up some treats for your onward journey.

Off A1

Nostell Priory & Parkland, West Yorkshire
Close to both the A1M and M62, Nostell Priory is a grand mansion with many stories to tell from the last 350 years. Surrounded by acres of parkland and gardens, it's a tranquil spot to unwind within urban west Yorkshire. There's a large adventure playground for children to explore and let off steam in, whilst for essential refreshment, the tearoom has snacks, sandwiches, soup, puddings and other tasty dishes on the menu.

Off A1M / M62

Plus if the ideas below aren’t quite along your chosen route, you’ll find plenty more on google maps visit http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-beta-map.htm

HOT PICKS! Get your kicks on Route 66!
The current trend for more meaningful holiday experiences means that the famous Route 66 is the ultimate destination for a memorable and experiential holiday – it is a real slice of iconic Americana with 2,448 miles of pleasure.

Recent research shows that 89% of British adults are now prepared to save up for a more meaningful holiday experience and 44% of adults also say Chicago is a ‘must see’ for anyone seeking a real taste of America. Almost half of the British public consider Route 66 the most iconic road trip in the world, reminding them of classic Hollywood glamour!*

Route 66 is one of the US´s original highways and runs between Chicago and Los Angeles. It is known as the ‘The Mother Road’ in popular culture; it is the driving experience of a lifetime and will let you live the American Dream!

Visit www.gochicago.com for help with planning an itinerary for a road trip to remember.
*Research carried out by www.opinionmatters.com on behalf of the Chicago and Illinois Tourist Office

THE SUMMER HANDBAG ESSENTIAL - THE BLACKBERRY BOLD 9700 IN WHITE
This summer, forget about the Mulberry Alexa, double denim and the Chanel Particuliere nail varnish, BlackBerry maker Research In Motion introduces the latest must-have accessory with a new, sleek and stylish Smartphone available in white.

The perfect antidote to the flashy neons and candy colours that have been dominating runways recently, the Blackberry Bold 9700 in white sits perfectly in the summer capsule wardrobe, where white is a staple colour and the design follows the clean lines of the simple, sportluxe look seen this season.

Recreated with a bespoke white cover and white keys on the face of the device, this is an essential item that no style conscious fashionista should be without.

The BlackBerry Bold 9700 in white will soon be available online and in store from Carphone Warehouse, Vodafone and T-Mobile on selected tariffs.

FLOAT AWAY WITH NEW GALAXY® BUBBLES...

The chocolatiers at GALAXY®, famed for their luxuriously smooth signature chocolate, have recently launched a more bubbly way for women everywhere to indulge in their favourite chocolate brand: guaranteed to help bring out the lighter, less serious side of life for women - with its great new bubbly texture and shape.

GALAXY® Bubbles is the latest addition to the brand’s chocolate family and will be available nationwide, later this year. Made from the smoothest GALAXY® chocolate, full of bubbly bubbles – every bar offers chocolate lovers an exciting new way to melt into GALAXY®.

GALAXY® believes that true chocolate indulgence is about the whole experience, which is why everything about GALAXY® chocolate, from its smooth and creamy taste, to its sumptuous shape, is created for the perfect GALAXY® moment.

Bars of GALAXY® Bubbles are available to buy singularly (RRP £0.52) as well as in multipacks of four (RRP £1.69).

DECADENT WORLD CUP 2010 EVENTS SPACE

BROWNS COURTROOMS
Don’t miss out on this year’s World Cup, watch privately in one of the unique and exclusive Courtrooms at Browns with your colleagues or friends. Packages are available for all World Cup games, subject to availability.

PACKAGE 1
£19.95 PER PERSON

JUDGES COURT – Minimum 50 places
BARRISTERS COURT & JUDGES CHAMBER – Minimum 15 places
JUDGES STUDY – Minimum 8 places
• 2 Bottles of Lager or 2 Glasses Wine* per person
• Hot and Cold Food Platters
• Access to room 30 mins before kick-off and 1 hour after game

PACKAGE 2
£30.00 PER PERSON

JUDGES COURT – Minimum 50 places
BARRISTERS COURT & JUDGES CHAMBER – Minimum 15 places
JUDGES STUDY – Minimum 8 places
• 3 Bottles of Lager or ½ Bottle Wine* per person
• Canapés on arrival
• Hot and Cold Buffet
• Access to room 30 mins before kick-off and 1 hour after game

Don’t miss out on this year’s World Cup, watch privately in one of the unique and exclusive Courtrooms at Browns with your colleagues or friends.
Packages are available for all World Cup games, subject to Availability.

PACKAGE 3
£40.00 PER PERSON

JUDGES COURT – Minimum 50 places
BARRISTERS COURT & JUDGES CHAMBER – Minimum 15 places
JUDGES STUDY – Minimum 8 places
• 3 Bottles of Lager or ½ Bottle Wine* per person
• Canapés on arrival
• Set 3 Course Chef’s Menu
• Access to room 1 hour before kick-off and 1 hour after game

* 175ml glass from our House Recommended Selection
A discretionary service charge of 12.5% will be added to the bill.

http://www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/news-48.php <http://www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/news-48.php>

AUSTIN REED LAUNCH WORLD CUP COLLECTION

Austin Reed is launching a capsule range of World Cup product in support of the England football team in the lead up to the World Cup in South Africa this June.

The classic cotton polo, complete with Austin Reed shield and ‘England’ print under collar, comes in red or white and is in Austin Reed stores nationwide and online from the end of April 2010.

Cufflinks - in the St George’s cross, football boots and footballs - plus novelty England socks are your essential mascot for football fever.

To find your nearest Austin Reed stockist call: 01845 573 135 or buy online at www.austinreed.co.uk

ONE MILLION RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011 TICKETS GO ON SALE AS NEW ZEALAND UNVEILS DETAILS FOR ITS FESTIVAL OF RUGBY
With just 500 days to go before the Rugby World Cup (RWC) kicks off in New Zealand (Auckland 9th September 2011) more than a million tickets have gone this week for matches across all the country’s 13 venues. In addition further details of the country’s ‘festival of rugby’ have been announced including the people’s wharf in Auckland harbour, a giant ‘wharewaka’ in Wellington and plans to convert Christchurch’s Cathedral Square into a mini rugby field with ‘World Ruck’ cafe.

Tickets will be sold in three phases*, with fans able to apply to purchase phase one from today and phase two tickets from August through www.rugbyworldcup.com. Phase three tickets to the semi-finals and final are only available through an open ballot.

Another option for British fans is to purchase tickets for the matches together with travel packages through the official RWC travel agents. England Rugby Travel is the first agent to go on sale and is already reporting more than 1,200 tickets have been purchased over the past two months by British rugby fans planning to make the journey to New Zealand in 2011.

“With just 500 days to go before the event kicks off tickets sales to the tournament are looking really encouraging. Online tickets went on sale in the early hours of this morning and already 90,000 have been sold. The whole of New Zealand is getting set to welcome the world to what will undoubtedly be the largest ever nation wide rugby festival,” comments Gregg Anderson, Regional Manager for Tourism New Zealand Europe.

* RWC ticket sales guide

Phase one - 27 April to 21 May, 2010 - will see 750,000 tickets released for venue or team pool packs. This will comprise one ticket to each of a chosen venue or team’s pool matches.

Fans who choose the phase one option may also apply for a quarter-final weekend pack and/or tickets to the bronze final.

Venue pool pack prices range from NZ$60 – NZ$1750 per adults. England Team Pool Packs start at NZ$270, Scotland at NZ$230, Wales at NZ$240 and Ireland at NZ$220 per adult.

Phase two - August / September 2010 - individual tickets to all matches will be released, except the semi-finals and final.
Individual adult ticket prices for pool matches and quarter finals range from NZ$30 – NZ480.
Phase three – Semi-final and final tickets will only be available by ballot. The ballot is open to fans who applied for phases one or two - with each ticket application qualifying for one entry into the ballot. The ballot is expected to take place towards the end of 2010.
Individual adult ticket prices for the semi-finals and final range from NZ$290 – NZ$1250.
Phase one tickets can only be purchased by individuals who are at least 18 years old, although an application can include tickets for family members who are under 18. Fans can apply for a maximum of four pool packs.

GOURMET BURGER KITCHEN GOES BACK TO ITS ROOTS WITH NEW SPRING MENU
Tuck into gbk’s new Spring menu and help save New Zealand’s Kiwi bird

Gourmet Burger Kitchen (gbk) is kick starting Spring by doing their bit to save New Zealand’s endangered Kiwi. For every Kiwi burger purchased from the new Spring Menu, gbk will donate 25p to the Save the Kiwi Whakitane Trust to help protect New Zealand’s iconic bird.
The Kiwiburger is a tower of mouth watering, fresh ingredients with lashings of Kiwi charm – beetroot, egg, pineapple, cheese, relish and salad atop a 100% Aberdeen Angus Scotch Beef Burger cooked just the way you like it, for £7.95, including a generous 25p donation to the Save the Kiwi Whakitane Trust.

So you can indulge happy in the knowledge you’re helping to protect the cute little Kiwi Birds all the way over in New Zealand The first 5,000 customers will get a gbk Save the Kiwi Whakitane Trust charity wrist band too.

The charity partnership launched on 26th April as part of the new gbk Spring Menu. Doing what they do best, gbk’s chefs have combined mouth watering flavours and top quality ingredients to create three brand new burgers.

Alongside the old favourites like the Kiwiburger, you can try the Wellington with mushrooms, rocket and horseradish sauce, the Babaganoush Chicken or Babaganoush Beef burgers, a secret recipe by top chef Peter Gordon which includes grilled aubergine and tahini.

If you’re looking for a lighter option in the Spring sunshine there are new salads to tuck into too: the classic Chicken Caesar with cos lettuce, croutons, Caesar dressing and grana padano shavings and the tangy Chicken Singapore which combines rice noodles, succulent cherry tomatoes, coriander, cashew nuts covered in a peanut dressing. Don’t feel pressured to pick though, take your time and enjoy a pre burger bite of polenta chips with feta, also new this Spring time.

Cat Kebbeh, Head of Marketing at Gourmet Burger Kitchen said: “GBK is very proud of its Kiwi roots and we wanted to do something to help the endangered Kiwi as it’s a symbol of where we’re from and what we’re about. The great thing about the Save the Kiwi Whakitane Trust partnership is that it costs the customer nothing to help this endangered bird. All they have to do is be hungry enough to handle a Kiwiburger!”

Visit the new Gourmet Burger Kitchen website at www.gbk.co.uk to join the gbk Gang for updates and exclusive offers
· Gourmet Burger Kitchen was first established in the UK by three New Zealanders. There are now 50 restaurants across the UK.

CHINO LATINO MOVING ON UP
London’s award-winning restaurant overlooks the Thames for one week only

Chino Latino is moving up from the ground floor of Park Plaza Riverbank London to the hotel’s plush Thames Suite – featuring panoramic views across the River Thames and Houses of Parliament – for one week only.

The award-winning restaurant, serving Pan-Asian fare and Latin cocktails, will take up the scenic location from 27 April to 4 May 2010. To celebrate its lavish new home, the restaurant has booked one of London’s hottest artists, the Colombian Martha Acosta. Famed for her soaring Latin vocals, powerful performances and work with her all-woman band, Candela, Acosta will perform on Sunday 2 May. Further artists and performances will be confirmed this week – check http://www.chinolatino.co.uk/ for details.

Serving freshly prepared, gourmet Asian dishes, Chino Latino has forged an unassailable reputation as one of the best restaurants in London. With sister branches at the Park Plaza Nottingham, Park Plaza Leeds and Art’otel Cologne, Chino Latino is regarded as a leading Pan-Asian brand throughout the UK and Europe.

Visit this week and combine some of the capital’s best cuisine with its best views. Looking across the River Thames, Westminster and The London Eye, Park Plaza Riverbank’s Thames Suite offers an unforgettable view of London.

Chino Latino and Park Plaza Riverbank London are located at 18 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TJ. For lunch or dinner reservations at Chino Latino, call 020 7769 2500 and for more information visit http://www.chinolatino.co.uk/

ENJOY A TASTE OF CORNWALL IN THE HEART OF LONDON WITH TOM’S AIKENS’ CORNISH SIMPLE PLEASURES MENU
Renowned chef Tom Aikens has teamed up with Kelly’s of Cornwall Ice Cream to create a Cornish Simple Pleasures menu - a three-course meal celebrating the best of Cornish produce.

Working with some of Cornwall’s finest suppliers, this menu promises to transport you to beautiful Cornwall with just a few mouthfuls…
The menu, which will run for two months, includes MSC certified Cornish mackerel, Cornish mullet, plus a selection of puddings including Kelly’s of Cornwall Ice Cream.

The three-course, limited edition meal will be served exclusively at Tom’s Kitchen and is priced at £23.50 (27 Cale Street, London, SW3 3QP) from 12 May until 11 July. For reservations please call: 020 7349 0202.

To find out more about Kelly’s of Cornwall visit www.kellysofcornwall.co.uk and for more information on Tom’s Kitchen, please visit www.tomskitchen.co.uk

The Kelly’s range includes:
Cornish Clotted Cream Ice Cream 1 litre
Strawberries & Cream Ice Cream 1 litre
Mint Choc Chip Ice Cream 1 litre
Honeycomb Caramel Ice Cream 1 litre
Coffee Latte Ice Cream 1 litre
Cornish Dairy Vanilla Ice Cream 1 litre
Cornish Dairy Vanilla Ice Cream 2 litre

Prices start from £2.99 for a 1-litre tub and are available from supermarkets nationwide.

SPRING OFFERS AT FINISHING TOUCHES
Fancy a little self-indulgence? Finishing Touches http://www.radissonedwardian.com/sienna by Sienna Spa, at the award winning Radisson Edwardian Manchester, is offering half price nails on Tuesday and Wednesday lunchtimes between 1pm - 3pm.

This super stylish offer will run throughout May, offering the Jessica Manicure at £14.50 (RRP £25) and Nail File & Polish at £9 (RRP £18).

Finishing Touches specialise in express beauty treatments such as manicures, nail enhancements and Bare Escentuals make up consultations. The salon offers a boutique experience wrapped up in the chic glamour of one of Manchester’s most stylish hotels http://www.radissonedwardian.com/manchesteruk_edwardian

All appointments should be booked prior to arrival, bookings can be made at 0161 835 8916

For more information please visit http://www.radissonedwardian.com/manchester

LE GARRICK OFFERING 10% OFF WITH THE LUNCH CLUB
Le Garrick, the atmospheric quintessentially French restaurant in Covent Garden, has recently launched a brand new, exclusive Lunch Club. The Lunch Club entitles members to be the first to hear about offers, events and best of all, all members will receive a 10% discount off their food and drinks bill.

Situated on buzzy Garrick Street next to the Garrick Club in the heart of the West End’s Theatreland, Le Garrick Restaurant offers good value first class French cuisine. It is the rare mix of a local restaurant in the busy streets of central London! The delicious food is complimented by the wine list, which has been carefully selected from some of France’s prestigious vineyards.

Le Garrick offers an intimate dining experience with personable service and excellent French fare. In keeping with traditional French custom, Le Garrick offers a Plat du Jour every day and many wines are available by the glass, carafe or bottle, catering to the individual needs of every diner.

Les Plats du Jour:
Lundi - Garrick burger Bleu de Bresse ou Emmental, £12.25
Mardi - Casserole de lapin, £12.95
Mercredi - Coquelet au Citron, £12.95
Jerdi - Filet Mignon de Pork, “charcutière”, £12.75
Vendredi - Boeuf Bourguignon, £12.95
Samedi - Coq au Vin, £12.75

If you would like to become a member of the new Lunch Club then simply let a member of staff know next time you visit us for a meal.

MAY MADNESS AT VAX!
This bank holiday weekend, Vax is slashing the price of their top performing carpet and hard floor washer.

For five days only, Vax is taking a whopping £100 off the price of the V-125 All Terrain! To get this amazing discount, simply quote voucher code WELOVECLEAN when you buy the All Terrain direct from Vax at http://www.vax.co.uk from 29th April to 3rd May.

Available exclusively from Vax.co.uk, this carpet and hard floor washer gives you everything you need to spring clean your home. So take advantage of the warm weather, fling open those windows and scrub the winter blues out of your home!

Why wash carpets?

Even with regular vacuuming, over time carpets become dull, flat and worn. This is because vacuuming doesn’t remove oily or embedded dirt that damages carpet fibres. You may think your home is spotless, but our skin is covered in a protective layer of sebum oil that’s designed to attract and trap dirt, dust and allergens, so they don’t enter our body. This protective film rubs off onto your carpets and furniture every time you touch them and continues to attract dirt… until you banish it with a Vax carpet washer.

Deep cleaning removes stains, brightens colour and puts the spring back into your carpet’s pile. Your home will look clean and smell fresh – without the upheaval and expense of a new carpet.

Quick cleaning, quick drying

The All Terrain’s SpinScrub brushes clean carpet fibres on all sides, loosening the embedded dirt trapped deep in the pile. Its heated cleaning and powerful Dual V extraction technologies mean faster, more effective washing and quicker drying times too.

Included with every All Terrain, Vax Ultra cleaning solution is tough on stains and is Woolsafe approved, so is safe for use on all types of carpet, including pure wool.

Tackle stains, stairs and soft furnishings

The SpinScrub hand tool makes it easy to tackle those stubborn stains and then deep clean your stairs and soft furnishings too – simply fit it onto the All Terrain’s flexible hose.

Hygienic hard floor washing

You can throw away your messy mop and bucket, as the All Terrain is the most hygienic way to clean all your sealed hard floors. Vax Floor to Floor solution (also included) cuts through grease and grime in no time. And unlike a mop and bucket, you’re not reusing the dirty water so you know your floor is REALLY clean.

The V-125 All Terrain is RRP £359.99. To claim the discount price of £259.99 from 29th April to 3rd May, visit http://www.vax.co.uk/shop/product/carpet-cleaners/heated/All-Terrain-Vax-V-125, add a V-125 All Terrain to your basket then enter the voucher code WELOVECLEAN before you check out. It includes FREE delivery and a FREE 6 year guarantee.

COVENT GARDEN INVITES ASPIRING RANKINS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC NEWBIES TO MAKE HISTORY
Whether it is a quick iPhone snap of ballerinas rushing to their rehearsals at the Royal Opera House or an image of a street performer standing with a chainsaw on his head (yes, we have one of those!) or you shopping with a friend, Covent Garden is inviting regular snappers, aspiring Rankins and Vogue-posing, Sartorialist-inspired grannies to submit their photographic memoires of the area to celebrate the 180th Anniversary of the Market Building and go down in history forever.

The Covent Garden Canvas will first be celebrated online via Flickr and the Covent Garden website (www.coventgardenlondonuk.com/canvas) where they will be exhibited in testimony to a place that is loved locally and remembered globally. The best images will then be transformed digitally to create a unique installation, to go on display in Covent Garden later this year.

This is your opportunity to show the world your personal vision of Covent Garden.

You can also follow Covent Garden on Twitter and Facebook @CoventGardenLDN

Please Note
All information is supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. 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. Inclusion in a news item does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. 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.