Inspired by the creative window displays of the world’s leading fashion houses, The May Fair Hotel will be making a particularly stylish entrance this London Fashion Week (16-21 September) with the unveiling of its designer windows.

Exclusively designed by top fashion graphic artist, Spiros Halaris, The May Fair hotel, which is for the 4th year running the official hotel partner of London Fashion Week, will have it’s façade completely transformed to depict vibrant, stylish scenes from the catwalk.

Spiros who has worked on campaigns for top fashion brands including D&G, Hemyca, Tom Ford and Topshop said: “I am thoroughly excited to be a part of such a unique fashion project. I think the Fashion Windows will add another fabulous tone to London Fashion Week, and it has been a wonderful experience working with a hotel that really understands and combines fashion, creativity and elegance.”

The Official Hotel of London Fashion Week The May Fair’s partnerships are a testament to the hotel’s style, glamour and service, and to what it has become since its 2006 revival; a young, fashionable and connected central London hotel.

For more information visit:
http://www.spiroshalaris.com/

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

http://twitter.com/themayfairhotel

DEBRETT’S PRESTIGE INSURANCE LAUNCHES

Debrett’s, the arbiters of taste and etiquette, will on 7th September launch a new insurance service. Debrett’s Prestige Insurance (www.debretts.com) provides comprehensive buildings and contents cover for discerning home owners.

The premium home insurance offering is available to anyone requiring contents cover of more than £75,000 or buildings cover of over £1m.

Debrett’s has been a trusted British brand for nearly 250 years. Recognising and working with the UK’s people of distinction and achievement is an integral part of the company’s heritage, and has given Debrett’s unique insight into the needs of these remarkable people. The company has used this expertise to search out and develop the ultimate insurance offering for affluent homeowners, keeping the needs of its customers at front of mind.

Debrett’s has hand picked expert advisors who will ensure that cover is tailored to the needs of the individual and cover can be arranged for the unique, unusual and expensive – not just buildings and contents but also valuable art, antiques and jewellery.

Those with more complex risk management requirements can turn to the Prestige Broker service. Allocating each client their own Portfolio Risk Manager ensures an exceptional level of personal service. These risk managers will conduct a complimentary thorough assessment of clients’ individual requirements before giving bespoke advice and recommendations. The broker service reduces administration and stress by bringing the diverse assets and risk portfolio of each client into a single policy and renewal date. These valuable assets might include:

· Buildings and Contents
· Fine Art
· Valuables
· Travel
· Motor
· Aviation
· Marine
· Kidnap and Ransom

Debrett's is the modern authority on all matters of etiquette, social occasions, people of distinction and fine style - the who's who and what's what in today's Britain.

MUSIC BOX TUESDAYS

Speakeasy bar Barts is proud to announce the launch of their ‘Music Box Tuesdays’ on Tuesday 30th August and ‘Made in Chelsea’ star and talented singer Gabriella Ellis will be hosting the event. Gabriella has already had a number one hit single in Greece with a cover of ‘Hit the Road Jack’ and is ambitious to launch a successful music career in the UK. She is currently focusing on writing her own songs and taking every opportunity to perform her music.

Barts is a quirky 'speak easy' style bar on prestigious Sloane Avenue in the heart of Chelsea. It was voted the 21st best bar in the UK in the Independent newspaper’s recent Best 50 Bars supplement. It is the brainchild of Duncan Stirling and Charlie Gilkes, the young duo who also recently opened the highly successful 80’s themed nightclub, Maggie’s. It is well loved for its great and innovative cocktails and sense of fun. They will open Bunga Bunga, an Englishman's Italian, Bar, Pizzeria and Karaoke in Battersea this summer.

Music Box Tuesdays
Tuesday 30th August
8:30pm-11.30pm

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
T: www.twitter.com/BartsLondon

Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday: 6pm-12.30am, Friday-Saturday: 6pm-1.30am, Sunday: 6pm-11pm

MICHAEL MORPURGO, PHILIP PULLMAN, DAVID NICHOLLS, MARK HADDON JOIN FESTIVAL TO CELEBRATE AND PROMOTE CREATIVE WRITING IN UK SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

On Friday 23rd September 2011, more than 600 students and 50 teachers from over 20 schools will be converging on Broughton Castle near Banbury for the inaugural First Story Festival - a day for young writers and readers.

First Story was founded by writer William Fiennes (The Snow Geese and The Music Room) and teacher Katie Waldegrave to promote and celebrate writing in UK secondary schools. Since 2008, the charity has arranged and paid for acclaimed authors to work as writers-in-residence in 23 challenging schools in London, Oxford and Nottingham. First Story has published over 40 anthologies of stories and poems by secondary school students, run three residential summer schools, and worked to support and inspire over 100 teachers.

At the festival, celebrated authors Michael Morpurgo, Philip Pullman, Mark Haddon, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Meg Rosoff and Jackie Kay will be talking to groups of pupils and teachers or both, and the day will end with a gala reading of stories and poems written by students who've taken part in First Story writing groups over the past year.

Broughton Castle, a location for Shakespeare in Love and The Madness of King George, is the inspiring backdrop to the event.
William Fiennes, First Story's Founding Director, says: "The First Story Festival aims to celebrate and inspire writing in UK secondary schools.

We'll have a programme of talks, readings and workshops in the castle's Great Hall and two big tents, and there'll be special sessions to help, encourage and inspire teachers to make writing a bigger part of the school day. We are already expecting over 600 students and 50-plus teachers from 20-odd challenging secondary schools that First Story has been working with in London, Nottingham and Oxford. Many of these pupils would never otherwise attend any kind of literary event. We hope that students and teachers alike will go back to their schools inspired to write and to read, to love language and its possibilities, and to be more confident in their own voices and creativity."

The festival also features two events open to the public: Thursday 22nd September, 7pm: MICHAEL MORPURGO - War Boy to War Horse

Friday 23rd September, 7pm: DAVID NICHOLLS - One Day Tickets for the evening events include drinks and canapés and cost £25. Group and children's discounts available.

All proceeds will go towards covering the costs of the schools day.
First Story: www.firststory.org.uk Broughton Castle: www.broughtoncastle.com
Tickets for the evening talks can be bought at Jaffé & Neale in Chipping Norton, Mostly Books in Abingdon and The Woodstock Bookshop, or online at www.firststory.co.uk/festival

LIVE GAMING ‘PLAYER FESTIVAL’ AT SCIENCE MUSEUM
Produced by Trigger

The Science Museum is hosting its first ever live gaming ‘PLAYER Festival’ - a celebration of live, interactive games that mixes old fashioned fun with sci-fi computer technology.

The festival provides a playful platform for making and inventing games inspired by science and the museum’s collections. From playing interactive pong, racing sewing machines, or dodging bullets from giant robots, this festival will get people moving, inventing, interacting and networking digitally and physically in these real-life games.

When: 28th September – 2nd October

Where: Science Museum

Times: From 7pm Wednesday 28th September

Cost: Free - certain events are ticketed

Details: www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/player

The Science Museum has teamed up with Trigger to deliver a packed festival programme that allows visitors to experience gaming culture, if they haven’t done so already, and be inspired by science and technology.

The festival kicks off on 28th September at the museum’s late night opening for adults. A special after-hours game will invite players to stay even later and help defend the museum from invading aliens!

In addition to games commissioned especially for the Science Museum, the festival will run the museum’s first ever ‘Games Jam’. Games Jam is a day-long event for gaming enthusiasts and those with theatrical flair to develop a range of games that treat well known objects in the museum in new and inventive ways. New games developed will be play-tested over the weekend in a live gaming competition.

Stuart Umbo, Content Developer at the Science Museum, said; “This first ever gaming festival at the Science Museum is set to be a great success. We have a breadth of activities to capture the imagination of those who are up for an adventure and the unexpected. This festival taps into modern and nostalgic gaming culture, with a real-life twist, and allows the museum’s curators to come together with gamers and visitors to inspire them in new and exciting ways. From being chased by aliens to journeying into space - players can’t hide behind a console in these real world games.”

There will be dozens of games to play for adults and children alike – from taking part in a text adventure through the brain, finding the perfect love match on a life size love calculator or racing sewing machines - a reworking of a classic racing game but instead of a car, visitors will be driving a pimped-up sewing machine around a fabric track.

Angie Bual, Producer, Trigger, said; “We are delighted to team up with the Science Museum to offer a new platform to explore gaming. The festival allows visitors to bring new ideas to gameplay, be creative and grab the attention of the wider gaming community. We are working with artists with real flair, from performance, digital and visual arts backgrounds.

“This diverse range of immersive and playful experiences will really allow people to socialise during their visit. We are particularly excited to be inviting the public to get inspired by our curators and live gamers from the likes of Blast Theory and Coney, to create a live game for the Science Museum at the Games Jam.”

Visitor Information:

Science Museum, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2DD. Open daily 10.00 to 18.00, except 24-26 December. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk / 0870 870 4868

Gaming Times:

28 September, 7pm – Midnight

29 September – 2 October, 10am – 6pm

30 September (Games Jam) 10am - 6pm

*Games Jam and Midnight game are ticketed

PSYCHOLOGIES MAGAZINE & THE THIRD SPACE LAUNCH ‘CONTEMPOWERPLATION’ -A WORKOUT WITH SOULFUL MIND-BODY PRACTICE

Psychologies, the magazine for life-curious women, and The Third Space Health Club have joined forces to create a revolutionary mind- and body-boosting workout called ‘Contempowerplation’ from 14th September 2011.

It’s widely known that to have a healthy body you must have a healthy mind, so the class has been developed to be the ultimate all-over workout – meaning that those with busy lifestyles can give themselves head-to-toe training in one session.

Taken barefoot, the class combines weight-bearing and strengthening exercises with flexibility training and guided meditation with breathing exercises. This unique balance of physical and mental techniques is a truly holistic workout and is designed to reduce stress and improve concentration, leaving you feeling focused and invigorated.

“We are predicting that there will be a strong emphasis on workouts that combine movement with meditation. The need to work on the mind alongside exercise is growing and fast becoming a trend.”
Mez Ainscow, Studio Manager for The Third Space

“The mind if often neglected when it comes to fitness, so Contempowerplation ensures that not only does your body get a work-out but your mind does too, which is vital if you want to improve your health and well being.”
Louise Chunn, Editor, Psychologies Magazine

Part of the class focuses on a blend of movement, breathing and meditation exercises. Slow fluid movements combined with pranayama practices are designed to promote the correct flow of Qi, to both calm the mind and increase energy levels.

The rest of the class concentrates on functional, core-induced motion and strengthening exercises. Squats work on the bum and thighs while sustained body weight training keeps the heart rate high. Each week the meditation and exercise choices will focus on a different chakra, enhancing the flow of energy to connect the body with the mind for the entire class.

The class is taken barefoot, ensuring that there is a connection to the ground, which retrains the lower-body kinetic chain to correct imbalances in ankles, knees and hips. The other exciting aspect to the class is the progression to performing certain exercises with eyes closed, further establishing the ‘feel’ of the movement and the connection to the body.

‘Contempowerplation’ will take place at The Third Space Soho and is available to Psychologies readers and The Third Space members. The six-week course will start on 14th September at 8.30am (45-minute session), and will continue on a six-week rolling basis. Mez, the studio manager and creator, will work on a different chakra for each week of the six-week course.

For booking details please visit: www.psychologies.co.uk/events from 31st August 2011.

ONLINE SUPERMARKET, OCADO, HITS THE HIGH STREET WITH INNOVATIVE NEW ‘SHOP’

OCADO will be moving from computer screens to shop windows, as the award-winning online supermarket takes residence at central London shopping centre, One New Change, to showcase the next generation in shopping.

In a UK first, live between August 25 and September 1, an integrated window display will allow shoppers to purchase all their grocery essentials and a few indulgent treats on their mobile phones, to be delivered direct to their door. From stamps to Shiraz; toilet roll to tuna; even delicious treats from the supermarket’s new Reflets de France and Daylesford Organic ranges, never has window shopping been so satisfying.

An experimental and innovative departure from its traditional business model, the Ocado virtual store at Unit 23, One New Change in the City of London will be accessible 24 hours a day with customers able to shop in a few easy steps:

1. If you don’t have it already, download the Ocado on the Go app from the App Store or Android Market
2. Open the app and press the barcode symbol in the top right of your screen
3. Hold the camera screen over the barcode of a product until it recognises it
4. When the product appears on your screen, press ‘add’ to put it in your basket
5. Keep on shopping and then check out!

A strictly online business, this is the first time Ocado has migrated from the internet to bricks and mortar. However, being pioneers in online grocery retail - introducing the world’s first transactional supermarket mobile application on iPhone in 2009 - the company was keen to stick to both its roots and strengths of digital technology with this unique spin on high street shopping. As of this May, mobile devices were used in a staggering 15% of Ocado checkouts; customers now regularly shop via the Ocado On The Go application.

Jason Gissing, Ocado co-founder, said: “The virtual shop window is a bold move for Ocado and something we are very excited about.

“We hope this trial is a hit, and based on its success, we’ll be looking at options around continuing this ‘virtual window shopping’ approach in other locations UK-wide.”

Head down to Unit 23, One New Change, from 25th August until the end of the month armed with your mobile phone for a truly unique shopping experience!

MUSICAL SALUTE TO THE ROYAL AIR FORCE?
On the 3rd & 4th September the tranquil gardens of National Trust Chartwell, home of Sir Winston Churchill, will become a concert venue for The Musical Salute to the Royal Air Force, the opening event of the week long Westerham Festival.

This year’s concert will see the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, playing a massively challenging and unique musical programme, The Spitfires Choir which is made up of sixteen personnel, no less than 50 Air Training Corps Cadets, the narration by the RAF’s Presentation Team, an Opera Singer, Miss Fiona Howell and a contemporary singer in the shape of Stacey Solomon. Thus far the flying display elements include a Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the RAF’s Chinook demonstration and The Blades Aerobatic Team (Sat only). With just over a week to go there is still time for that list to grow but remember that they form just one part of the overall experience.

The event however goes beyond being just a military concert, visitors senses will be stimulated by not just the stunning sound of the artists on stage but through a unique collection of video material and aircraft in the skies showing the work of the RAF “Yesterday & Today”, these include the likes of ‘Defending Britain’s Skies’, ‘Support Helicopters’, ‘Close Air Support’ and ‘Search and Rescue’, among others.
Andy Pawsey, Creative Director and former RAF Sqn Ldr said “Our events will always seek to combine different presentation elements with the highest production values. We want to tell stories, to engage with the spectators, we want to make them laugh and make them cry and leave with a little more knowledge of the work of our brave service men & women”.

To complete the main programme the ever popular patriotic prom finale will ensure the union jacks and RAF ensigns are waved. In support the RAF Top Cover Band will perform popular contemporary hits whilst those attending set up their picnics.

A Musical Salute to the Royal Air Force takes place at Chartwell on 3rd and 4th September. Tickets are available from http://www.synergyeventsuk.com/ along with much more information on the event including the running order. The Salute is being staged in support of the Royal Air Force Association’s Wings Appeal.

THORNTONS LAUNCHES THIRD IN THE COLLECTION OF CENTENARY CHOCOLATE BLOCKS

Thorntons has saved the best until last for its Centenary Chocolate Blocks collection – Bakewell Tart. Launched throughout 2011, this is the third of this year’s range, all of which champion traditional British flavours.

The Bakewell Tart was first created in 1820 in the Derbyshire town of Bakewell – a close neighbour to Thorntons Park. Keith Hurdman, Master Chocolatier at Thorntons, was inspired by this famous local pudding and the combination of flavours; almond, raspberry and shortcrust pastry. He has paired these with a 37% Costa Rica milk chocolate.

Keith says: ‘This has been one of my favourite bars to create. I wanted to make a chocolate that linked with Thorntons long heritage in Derbyshire and the Bakewell Tart as one of the most iconic British desserts was perfect.’

The award winning Chocolate Blocks collection has been extremely well received by customers, with this years Centenary collection all receiving great reviews. The Bakewell Tart bar has been much anticipated, with top online chocolate blog chocablog.com saying: ‘"I tasted Thorntons Bakewell Tart bar earlier this year and was blown away by how close to the real thing it is. Keith Hurdman has somehow managed to squeeze all the flavour, aroma and texture of an authentic Bakewell Tart into a bar of chocolate."

Made using some of the finest cocoa beans from around the world and combining deliciously unique flavours, Chocolate Blocks are truly sublime. Each bar comes in its own brightly coloured square box, with a stylish colour for every flavour. Other flavours launched this year to mark Thorntons 100th birthday were Cloudy Lemonade and Rose.

The chocolate block collection is available in all Thorntons stores and online at www.thorntons.co.uk

WINE & DINE EXPERIENCE - 'GOURMET GETAWAY'
Whether you’re a seasoned gourmand or someone who simply takes pleasure from trying new things, Mercure Hotels’ Wine and Dine experience brings the opportunity to broaden your field of discovery by experiencing an extensive taster menu and sampling fine wines during a stay at selected Mercure hotels around the UK.

An overnight stay at one of 18 stylish Mercure hotels includes a five course dinner of delicious dishes from a taster menu unique to each hotel, featuring seasonal, locally-sourced produce with a wide selection of traditional European fare. As part of the Wine and Dine experience, the meal is accompanied by two glasses of wine from Mercure’s acclaimed Grands Vins fine wine collection, specially selected to compliment the day’s dishes.

A long-time champion of regional cuisine and locally-sourced produce, Mercure features local speciality dishes on its menus of freshly prepared food on offer at each hotel, as well as wines distinctive to the region.

Mercure’s Grands Vins offering is one of the hallmarks of the hotel brand – an extensive wine list of high quality regional and international wines, sold by the glass as well as the bottle. This unique concept is designed not only to introduce grapes and varieties people may not be familiar with, but also to give guests the chance to sample high-end wines at an affordable price. The Grand Vins are categorised into four different flavour areas: "Fresh & Tasty", "Fruity & Light", "Balanced & Elegant" and "Spicy & Full-Bodied" and guests will be guided through the unique matching process by specialist staff at the hotels.

The wines are selected by experts including Mercure’s own Echansons. The Mercure Echansons are wine specialists – knowledgeable about everything from winemaking processes to wine regions to the all-important tasting - and are on hand to guide guests and offer advice on wine selection. Every year in more than 10 countries, a number of tasting panels are set up to make blind tests and select the wines that will be incorporated into the list of Grands Vins for the following year. The taste panels include enthusiasts and professionals who like sharing their passion for wine, including outstanding Mercure Echansons.

The Wine and Dine experience is available from just £65 per person, at participating hotels and includes a hearty breakfast the following morning. For further information visit mercure.com

OXO TOWER RESTAURANT BAR AND BRASSERIE CELEBRATES 15TH BIRTHDAY THIS SEPTEMBER

On Wednesday, 14 September, the iconic OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie celebrates its 15th Birthday by saying thank you to diners that have made it one of London’s best loved destination restaurants. Over the past 15 years, OXO has seen over 3 million diners, changed the Brasserie menu well over 10,000 times, served nearly 2 million cocktails, raised close to £200,000 for charity and recently achieved a 2 star rating for sustainability from the Sustainable Restaurant Association.

‘We believe that it is the OXO Tower diners who have made it what it is, and continue to do so. The customer who has dined with us twice, or well over a hundred times, is what gives us the pleasure and the motivation to keep doing what we love to do, create wonderfully special moments to share’ says Jacinta Phelan, Director, Harvey Nichols Restaurants.

To mark this special occasion, the team at OXO has produced a stunning limited edition book, 15 Years at OXO, which will be given away to diners on the eve of the birthday and throughout the celebrations. Featuring food and drink recipes from Jeremy Bloor, head chef at the Restaurant, Deon Jansen, Brasserie head chef, Ian Goodman and his Bar team and pastry chef Penny Wabbit, as well as revealing some of OXO’s ‘behind the scenes’ secrets, the book is a must-have for any fan of the restaurant. The book will also be available to purchase at a later date, priced at £20.

From Wednesday, 31 August, OXO’s Twitter followers (http://twitter.com/#!/oxo_tower) will have an opportunity to win 15 prizes for 15 days in a series of amazing competitions, starting with a fully complimentary drinks party for 15 people to be taken on the birthday itself. OXO’s twitter followers will need to reply to a birthday tweet each morning and the first 15 replies will each win lunches at the Bar, bottles of Champagne, OXO’s famous Not Afternoon Tea and OXO’s new CDs among other prizes.

OXO’s birthday celebrations will also include a fantastic dinner giveaway on the day itself, when diners will have a chance to win one of 15 ‘golden tickets’ to have their dinner for up to four people on the house.

Finally, there will be some very special drinks and dishes on the menus at the Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie available throughout September: Beautiful Moment, a decadent dessert created by Penny Wabbit to match Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Champagne, Poached peach, Peach foam, Champagne jelly and peach sorbet, served with a peach brioche, almond tuile and a glass of Belle Epoque and priced at £29.50 at the Restaurant.

The Bar will be highlighting the signature cocktails featured in the book, while Deon Jansen will be offering a tasting platter featuring a selection of OXO Brasserie’s starters priced at £15 for two people sharing and available from end of August to Wednesday 14 September.

OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie
OXO Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, South Bank SE1 9PH
Tel. 803 3888
http://www.harveynichols.com/restaurants/oxo-tower-london

THE RIB ROOM RETURNS
Fifty years after it first opened its doors, The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant has been given a new lease of life. Following an extensive refurbishment, courtesy of designer du jour Martin Brudnizki, the arrival of Michelin-starred head chef Ian Rudge from Northcote heralds an exciting new era for one of London’s most legendary restaurants.

Located in the heart of Knightsbridge and frequented by a diverse mix of famous faces that have included Hollywood stars, politicians, supermodels and even royalty, the opening in October will be one of the capital’s most anticipated.

Returning re-invigorated, the new look Rib Room will feature a glamorous destination cocktail bar, two private dining rooms and a unique cigar terrace whilst the elegant restaurant will provide the perfect backdrop for Rudge’s modern approach to classic British dishes, with a strong emphasis on provenance and seasonality.

Rib Room devotees will recognise the signature Duke of Buccleuch Estate Aberdeen Angus rib of beef, which lies at the heart of the menu, whilst classic favourites like the prawn cocktail are cleverly re-invented. Rudge confidently puts his signature on the menu with a host of new modern British dishes including buttered native lobster tail with caramelised baby fennel, braised gem hearts and pear cider; and caper crusted rack of Launceston lamb, neck curry and shallot compote with Jerusalem artichoke purée.

As well as the à la carte menu, The Rib Room introduces a keenly priced set menu at £19 for two courses as well as a delicious daily special, dispensed from a lunch trolley.

The cocktail bar harks back to a bygone era with a menu that rambles through the English countryside, before tipping its hat to the London dandies of the early 19th century. Central to the cocktail list is a range of premium gins and bespoke bitters, in flavours from ginger to lavender.
The wine list is presented on fully interactive iPads, making selection and matching incredibly easy. Featuring tasting notes from the Rib Room’s new sommelier Louise Gordon, diners can filter their selection by year, price, producer, grape, region and style, before linking through to uncover the back story of their chosen wine. Louise is of course on hand for those who prefer the personal touch.

Half a century after its opening, one of the capital’s landmark restaurants reinvents itself for the 21st century, ensuring its position on London’s gastronomic map for the next fifty years and beyond.

WHITECHAPEL GALLERY DINING ROOM TO LAUNCH A MONTHLY FEAST NIGHT
On 14th September the Whitechapel Gallery Dining Room will introduce a monthly feast night with menus devised by head chef Emma Duggan along with consultant chef Angela Hartnett. The feast night menu is designed for groups of six or more (prices start from £30pp) and will have a different theme each month. September’s menu offers generous platters of charcuterie; Cornish sardines on toast with tomato and piquillo pepper salsa; or roast beetroot, bean and goats cheese salad as a starter. The main attraction is whole roast Goosnargh chicken (roast, barbecued and fried), truffle chips, Panzanella salad, autumn slaw and aioli. For dessert there will be classic English puddings such as mixed berry pavlova to share. http://www.whitechapelgallery.org/dining-room

PLATEAU INTRODUCES OYSTERS AND CHAMPAGNE FOR £15

Plateau, Canary Wharf’s original fine dining venue, is now offering half a dozen Colchester rock oysters with a glass of Piper Heidsieck Champagne for just £15. This deal is available anytime and can be enjoyed as a treat in its own right, at the Plateau bar or on the Johnnie Walker terrace overlooking the glittering lights of Canada Square or perhaps before dining in the bar and grill or restaurant. Plateau offers modern European cooking with carefully sourced British ingredients, a serious cheese trolley and an excellent wine list.
http://www.plateau-restaurant.co.uk/

NEW HEALTHY HOLIDAY BREAKS FOR BURNOUT BRITAIN

Take a short break away with a distinctly healthy approach designed to keep you active and improve your sense of well-being. Health and Fitness Travel (www.healthandfitnesstravel.com) who provide tailor-made active and wellness holidays worldwide, introduce their new healthy breaks <http://www.healthandfitnesstravel.com/healthy-breaks> for people who are time pressured, burnt-out and in need a quick healthy getaway to recover.

*Brits are more stressed than most other countries in the west; demanding workloads and longer commutes are eating away at our free time, leaving us feeling unhealthy and in need of a holiday to improve our health and well-being. *The average person puts on four pounds of weight after every inactive holiday and more of us are now choosing to swap fly and flop breaks for more healthy ones to promote a healthier lifestyle.

Paul Joseph, director of Health and Fitness Travel says “We understand that preventive health care is the one thing that we can take control of. We should make it our own responsibility to take care of our health, and this is very important especially in times of anxiety and stress where people suffer from lack of sleep and poor diet. We are growing in self-awareness and becoming more conscious of the very limited time we have to look after ourselves.”

So do you want more than just a suntan out of your next holiday? Designed to ensure you return home not only relaxed but rejuvenated too, these short healthy holidays include all kinds of vitality-boosting activities, various sports, spa treatments and health experts to assist you. Boost your feel-good hormones by cycling those calories off and improve your physical fitness with plenty of exercise, then relax and rebalance with a choice of detoxifying therapies, yoga, meditation or Pilates classes.

Health and Fitness Travel select their top five tempting healthy breaks away for this summer and autumn:

1. Grayshott Recovery Break – UK
This award-winning health and fitness retreat helps to improve peoples' well-being. Banish your stress and recover with luxury spa therapies, a private health consultation, dietary evaluation and fitness assessment. Partake in group fitness classes of your choice and revitalize yourself with a full activity schedule. Whether you want to address a particular health problem, de-stress, get fit or simply rebalance, this recovery break offers a true wellness experience with trusted expertise.

Health and Fitness Travel (0845 544 1936, www.healthandfitnesstravel.com ) offer a 4 night healthy break at Grayshott in Surrey from £935pp including accommodation all-inclusive and the recovery programme.

2. SHA Executive Health Break – Spain
This world-wide pioneering well-being clinic focuses on improving and notably lengthing people's health and well-being. The excess of work, preoccupations, stress, and junk food affects our health, quality of life and of course our productivity. This executive health programme will help you to learn basic and useful tools to maintain and improve your health. Return home after a pleasant stay, feeling renewed inside and out, more alive and energetic with a much healthier appearance.

Health and Fitness Travel (0845 544 1936, www.healthandfitnesstravel.com) offer a 4 night healthy break at SHA Wellness Clinic from £1,800pp including return flights, transfers, accommodation full board and the executive health programme.

3. Reads Yoga Detox Break – Mallorca
This healthy intimate boutique retreat in Mallorca is surrounded by five acres of lush gardens at the base of the Tramuntana mountains. If you are looking to reduce stress, renew energy and improve general health then this exclusive 5-night healthy break is just what you need, with inspiring yoga classes, invigorating spa treatments and delectable nutritious cuisine. Meal times offer a choice of healthy menus designed by clinical nutritionist Suzanne Garaty.

Health and Fitness Travel (0845 544 1936, www.healthandfitnesstravel.com) offer a 5 night healthy break at Reads wellness resort from £1,280pp including return flights, transfers, accommodation full board and the yoga detox programme.

4. Ayii Anargyri Natural Healing Break – Cyprus
This boutique retreat and spa with a heart is located on the hills of Paphos, the resort’s unique history and natural resources make it an idyllic place for those seeking healing and rejuvenation. The mineral rich sulphur waters that run through the resort’s grounds are renowned for their healing qualities and known to help those that suffer from ailments such as arthritis, rheumatism and poor circulation. Enjoy spa treatments and return home feeling renewed inside and out.

Health and Fitness Travel (0845 544 1936, www.healthandfitnesstravel.com) offer a 4 night healthy break at Ayii Anargyri from £780pp including return flights, transfers, accommodation with breakfast and two spa treatments.

5. Abama Wellness Break – Tenerife
If the intention is to keep fit, tone up, relax, enjoy a holistic treatment or be pampered, then try out this retreat set on the untouched western coast of Tenerife. Submerge yourself in paradise and enjoy fabulous spa treatments, a health assessment, personal training sessions and unlimited group activities such as yoga, Pilates, tennis and various exercise classes including spinning, Body Ballet and Abs & Back.

Health and Fitness Travel (0845 544 1936, www.healthandfitnesstravel.com) offer a 3 night healthy break at Abama from £990pp including return flights, transfers, accommodation full board and the wellness programme.

• * banderasnews / hse.gov.uk/stress

• * Mintel Activity Holidays 2010

For more information visit www.healthandfitnesstravel.com or call 0845 544 1936

MINNOWS RETURN TO THE MARITIME MUSEUM

Next week sees the return of the Maritime Museum’s extra special early years sessions for the under-fives.

On Friday September 2 at 1.30pm, the Museum’s learning centre will be transformed into a multi-sensory play area, for the first of this season’s monthly Museum Minnows sessions. Families are invited to drop in for an hour of creative play, stories and craft activities especially for pre-schoolers.

Then on Monday September 5 at 11am, Minnows Tales returns following its summer break. Every Monday during term-time families can drop in for a lively half-hour of stories, songs and rhymes in one of the Maritime Museum’s beautiful galleries.

Education Manager Stuart Slade says: “Being family friendly is incredibly important to us and we like to think that our Minnows sessions demonstrate that we really are a Museum which appeals to all ages.”

And the best part is all Minnows sessions are free with your Museum entrance ticket. So with the Maritime Museum’s pay once get in free for a year offer, you can enjoy these early years sessions for a whole year at no extra cost.

For more information on opening times and admission prices visit www.nmmc.co.uk or call 01326 313388.

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