Pull on your wellies, wrap up warm and celebrate the arrival of spring with a National Trust snowdrop walk.

It’s difficult to say exactly when the snowdrops will be at their best, but visit during late January and throughout February and there’s likely to be a blanket of these delicate and beautiful flowers.

Mike Calnan, Head of Gardens at the National Trust, said: “There’s something magical about a walk in the gardens when the snowdrops are in full bloom. It’s a sure sign that spring is on its way and, with our fantastic variety on display, it’s a perfect opportunity to get closer to nature.”

Image courtesy of NTPL Richard Pink

Below are just some of our gardens holding snowdrops events:

Ickworth House, Park and Gardens, Suffolk
Stunning snowdrops, 17 January – 20 February 11am – 4pm
Come and admire the array of beautiful snowdrops in the delightful gardens. Discover just how many varieties there are and come away inspired. The plant centre will be offering a fact sheet on how to get the same look at home.
Park and garden admission charges apply.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information and plant centre opening times, please call 01284 73613.
Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill, Cambridgeshire
Snowdrop tours, 24-28, 31 January and 1-4, 7-11, 14-18, 21-25 February, 2pm
During Anglesey’s snowdrop season there are 240 varieties of these lovely flowers flourishing in the garden. There’s also the winter garden to enjoy with its coloured tree barks, winter flowering shrubs and ground cover plants.
Garden admission charges apply.
Booking is advisable for this event, for more information please call 01223 810080.

Attingham Park, Shropshire
Snowdrop walks, 29-30 January and 5-6 February 11am – 1pm
On a warden-led walk around the grounds, enjoy sprinklings of delicate snowdrops and learn about their history.
Park and grounds admission charges apply, plus £2 for adults.
Booking is advisable, please call 01743 708170
Dunham Massey, Cheshire
Garden tours, every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday throughout February at 11.30am, 1.15pm and 2.15pm
The largest winter garden in the UK heralds the first early signs of spring with the delicate charms of snowdrops, where clusters of over 12,000 double and single snowdrops and 20,000 narcissi bloom amongst the trees. Enjoy a guided tour around the garden.
Garden admission charges apply.
Booking is not required. 15 spaces per tour allocated on a first come, first served basis.
For more information please call 0161 941 1025.

Chirk Castle, Wrexham
Snowdrop days, 5-6, 12-13, 19-27 February 10am – 4pm
Chase away those winter blues with a bracing walk around these award-winning gardens, with views over the Cheshire and Salop plains. See the pleasure ground wood carpeted with swathes of pure white snowdrops.
Garden and tower admission charges apply.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01691 777701.

Dudmaston Estate, Shropshire
Snowdrop walks through the Dingle, 5-6 and 12-13 February 12pm - 4pm
Enjoy a walk through Dudmaston's mysterious and romantic Dingle, spotting the multitude of snowdrops that make their appearance each spring.
Garden and grounds admission charges apply.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01746 780866.

The Argory, County Armagh
Snowdrop walks, 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27 February 1pm – 5pm
Come and see the stunning display of snowdrops on a self-guided walk around this riverside estate. The tea room and shop will be open for homemade refreshments and the chance to pick up some gift items from the region.
Grounds admission charges apply.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 028 8778 4753.

Belton House, Lincolnshire
Snowdrop specials, 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27 February 12pm – 4pm
Enjoy stunning displays of snowdrops in Belton’s English country garden.
Grounds admission charges apply.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01476 566116.

Peckover house and garden, Cambridgeshire
Snowdrops & Oranges, 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27 February and 5-6 March 12pm – 4pm
A rare opportunity to see the early spring flower display in this outstanding garden, as well as the chance to witness the vibrant orange trees at their best in the Orangery. The Reed Barn Tea Room is open for warming winter soup and hot drinks.
Garden admission charges apply.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01945 583463.

Ankerwycke, near Runnymede, Berkshire
Snowdrop spectacular, 13 February, 11am – 1pm
Join a knowledgeable guide for a tour of Ankerwycke, where a stunning display of snowdrops and romantic ruins reveal the secret history of this beautiful estate. Across the river from the famous Runnymede, it is home to the ancient 34ft-wide 'Ankerwycke Yew', which is said to have witnessed the oathing and sealing of the Magna Carta by King John in June 1215 and to be the location where Henry VIII met Anne Boleyn in the 1530s. This historic parkland is a nature-lover’s delight.
Adults £5, Concessions £4, Child £2.
Booking is essential for this event, please call 01784 432891.

Fyne Court, Somerset
Snowdrop stroll, 13 February 10am – 11.30am
Join a friendly guide for a beautiful snowdrop stroll around magical Fyne Court. Discover the stories behind the flowers and who first planted them on the estate.
Free grounds admission, plus £5 for adults.
Booking is essential for this event, please call 01823 451587.

Cliveden, Buckinghamshire
Spring snowdrop trail, 19-22 February 10am – 4pm
Pick up a fun, free family map from the information centre and enjoy a self-guided trail through Cliveden's magic carpet of snowdrops.
Garden admission charges apply.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01628 605069.

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

The National Trust cares for 300 inspiring historic houses and gardens across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. From former workers' cottages to the most iconic stately homes, and from mines and mills to theatres and inns, the stories of people and their heritage are at the heart of everything it does. People of all ages, individuals, schools and communities, get involved each year with its projects, events and working holidays and over 61,000 volunteers help to bring the properties alive for the Trust's 3.7 million members. Find out more at: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

THE CHISWICK HOUSE CAMELLIA FESTIVAL 2011

Venue: Chiswick House Gardens, London W4 2QN
Dates: 19 February – 20 March 2011
Conservatory opening hours: Daily 10 am – 3 pm

Ticket Information:
• Advance bookings and information: www.chgt.org.uk
• Tickets £5 including free Camellia guide
• Group Bookings (in advance only) 10% discount on groups of 10 or more, maximum 25.
• Special group tours for up to 25 people with expert guide including private access to the former gardeners bothy and potting sheds £50
• Group Booking forms and access information: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Or Tel: 0208 742 3905

Admission to Chiswick House Gardens is free from dawn to dusk every day including the newly restored 19th century Italian Garden providing the setting for the Conservatory, which, during the Camellia Festival, will be planted with spring flowers.

Background
Following the £12 million restoration of Chiswick House Gardens, Chiswick House and Gardens Trust will launch the first Chiswick House Camellia Festival running from 19 February – 20 March 2011. The Chiswick House Camellia collection is a national treasure, probably the oldest in the western world, containing rare and historically important examples of these beautiful plants. The collection includes one of the world’s rarest Camellias, Middlemist’s Red, thought to be one of only two surviving examples in the world, the other is in New Zealand. The collection is housed in the recently restored Grade I listed Conservatory at Chiswick House Gardens, designed by Samuel Ware for the Sixth Duke of Devonshire and completed in 1813.

LES SOEURS ANGLAISES IN SOUTH WEST FRANCE TAKE SHORT BREAKS TO A NEW LEVEL IN 2011
(www.lessoeursanglaises.com)

The creative workshops at LSA offer a rare opportunity to learn creative skills in uniquely relaxing surroundings.In an idyllic rural setting, a 1.5km cycle ride from the village of Verteillac in the Dordogne, Les Soeurs Anglaises offer a choice of residential master classes: writing, textiles, cookery, poetry, photography and dance, each led by an acknowledged expert in their field.The residential workshops have been hosted since 2006 by Katie Armitage - talented interior designer and cook – and her wine connoisseur husband, Michael, together with an experienced support team. Participants are guaranteed a memorable experience, whether choosing to stay in the luxurious maison de maitre or in the exclusive contemporary ‘barn’, expressly designed as a creative space for the workshops.

A first for Les Soeurs Anglaises, celebrated New York based cookery duo, Diana Yen and Lisel Arroyo of Jewels of NY, will be sharing their love of fresh ingredients from the garden and local markets to produce mouth-watering seasonal recipes and specialized cakes and pastries. These two young women are popular professional caterers and favourites of Martha Stewart.
http://www.thejewelsofny.com

“A TASTE OF FRANCE”
13th – 19th April 2011*

This workshop is a rare opportunity to work alongside celebrated hand knitter, Patricia Roberts. Learn and develop innovative knitting techniques alongside one of the acknowledged masters of this craft using colour texture and form. A basic knowledge of knitting is recommended
http://www.patriciaroberts.co.uk/

“COLOUR, TEXTURE AND INNOVATIVE KNITWEAR”
11th – 17th May 2011*

Susie Cowie is best known for her work on the films “Young Victoria” and “Bright Star”, and has renewed interest in the art of embroidery. Her work has been commissioned by designer Margaret Howell as well as retailers Anthropolgie, GAP and Banana Republic. Susie will inspire participants to observe their surroundings and help them translate their ideas into creative embroidery
http://www.susiecowie.com/

“CREATIVE EMBROIDERY: LEARNING TO OBSERVE”
2nd – 8th June 2011*

Respected paper sculptor, Rachel Hazell, returns to Les Soeurs Anglaises to lead one of her dynamic courses on the magic of books, paper and memorabilia. She will teach participants the skills to create and bind beautifully constructed personal albums, cherished keepsakes to take away. This is a workshop that will especially appeal to those interested in bookbinding, collage & the visual arts.

http://www.hazelldesignsbooks.co.uk

“DICTIONARIES AND DEFINITIONS: A PERSONAL A-Z”
28th July – 3rd August 2011*

Steeleye Span's iconic fiddle player, Peter Knight, joins Les Soeurs Anglaises to conduct his first music Masterclass in France . This highly acclaimed five-day-course, for instrumentalists with their own musical equipment, will offer participants the chance to completely immerse themselves in the process of creativity. As a bonus, Knight will perform in a special mid-workshop concert with fellow musicians Roger Flack & Vincent Salzfaas
http://www.peterknight.net

“MUSIC MASTERCLASS”
1st – 6th September 2011

Internationally acclaimed Julie Arkell is one of our pioneer workshop leaders and will be joining Les Soeurs Anglaises for the fourth consecutive year to lead a workshop combining stitching, knitting and collecting. Her hugely popular events fill up very quickly and an early application is advisable.

“STITCHING, KNITTING AND COLLECTING”
14th – 20th September 2011*

Learn how to operate a digital SLR to its full potential under the expert guidance of professional photographer and tutor, Giles Stokoe, whose work has been featured in numerous books and magazines. Based in the Dordogne, Giles now travels throughout the world leading photographic tours teaching composition, creativity and technique. Simply bring your own DSLR and learn from Giles’ experience.
http://www.stokoe.co.uk/

“THE FABRIC OF PHOTOGRAPHY”
29th September – 4th October 2011*

* Dates are inclusive of arrival and departure days on which there are no workshops

THE SEARCH FOR THE KISS CHOSEN ONE BEGINS…
Kiss Offers Opportunity For Aspiring Presenters

January 5th, 2010 – Kiss is proud to announce the launch of The Kiss Chosen One, Sponsored by BlackBerry - the exciting new search for the next Kiss presenter. Aspiring broadcasters will be given the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of current Kiss talent and former listeners Rickie & Melvin & Charlie and get their voice heard by millions of listeners on the UK’s number one youth station.

Live auditions will be taking place in various shopping centres around London kicking off at the Westfield complex on Saturday 15 January. It’s not about having DJ skills, a BRIT Award-winning singing voice or dance moves to put Diversity to shame to enter, all they need is the charisma and confidence to entertain the nation alongside some of the country’s leading radio personalities.

The Kiss Chosen One, Sponsored by BlackBerry will be the first time Kiss have held live open auditions where members of the public will be able to win a hallowed spot on the award-winning Kiss presenting team.

Audition Dates:

Saturday 15 January Westfield, White City

Saturday 22 January Lakeside, Thurrock

Saturday 29 January Whitgift Centre, Croydon

Saturday 5 February Central London

As well as these live auditions, entrants will be able to upload their audition online, for the chance to be seen by the judges.

The judging panel will comprise of Kiss Group Programme Director Andy Roberts and a Kiss presenter at each event, including Manny Norté, Rickie, Melvin and Charlie who will shortlist the five best entrants from each heat. From there a gauntlet of trials and challenges will be set, where the most successful contestant will be crowned The Kiss Chosen One.

Andy Roberts, Kiss Group Programme Director says:”It's always important for us to grow our own talent and to offer new opportunities to our listeners - The Kiss Chosen One is a great chance for someone to get a head start in our industry on one of the most listened and watched media brands in the UK.”

For more information on The Kiss Chosen One, Sponsored by BlackBerry visit: www.totalkiss.com

STYLISH NEW BEDSIDE TABLES FROM THE SLEEP ROOM
The online bed expert is venturing into new territories with the launch of their stylish bedside tables, meaning that not only can you source a new bed but also find everything you need for the bedroom in one handy place. The three designs are just the first chapter of the stunning new bedroom furniture and accessories collections with more to come in 2011.

There are a choice of three designs available; Bella, Campaign and Mimi to suit a variety of tastes and bedroom styles. 1940’s inspired Campaign offers a touch of contemporary cool featuring a hand-finished oak top contrasted against vintage bronze-finished metal legs; this retro-chic table is the perfect addition to any bedroom. Campaign is priced at £225.

The Bella bedside table takes its inspiration from an original French antique design. Hand-carved from weathered oak, this well-proportioned classic piece equally suits modern living and more traditional schemes and is the ideal accompaniment to The Sleep Room’s ever popular vintage- style French beds. Bella also has a useful drawer for storing away knick- knacks and a smooth granite top which is perfect for resting mugs of cocoa on. Bella is priced at £245.

The elegant curves of Mimi establishes the design as a timeless classic and the perfect companion to The Sleep Room’s range of French beds. The sustainably sourced weathered oak, in a light neutral finish will stand the test of time and complement any bedroom décor. Mimi is priced at £195.
Charlie Marshall, Head of Sleep comments, “It’s an incredibly exciting time for us here at The Sleep Room. We have spent a lot of time perfecting the new collections and can’t wait to show them off. The bedside tables are just a taster of what’s to come!”.

Keep in touch with us on twitter: http://twitter.com/thesleeproom

The Sleep Room: www.thesleeproom.com / 0845 459 9937

TOURISM WESTERN AUSTRALIA LAUNCHES iApp

One of the best new apps for your new iPhone. Exclusive flight deal for app users

iPhone and iTouch owners can now learn more about Western Australia (WA) through a new application – Explore WA – which is free to download. http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/explore-wa/id406478237?mt=8 To celebrate the launch Malaysia Airlines is offering an exclusive 5% off all economy and business class flights to Perth, only available to those who download the new app. Bookings must be made online between 3 and 25 January 2011 for travel up to 20 June 2011*. Download Explore WA for the offer code.

Explore WA gives users the latest information to help you decide where to go and what to do when visiting Australia’s largest and most extraordinary state. Visitors can navigate their way around the state through an interactive map or browse the ‘best of WA’ feature for inspiration. With in-depth destination information, videos and image galleries you can plan itineraries, search for hotels and restaurants, browse local festivals, and share suggestions with friends and family by email, facebook or twitter. ?
Best of all, once downloaded, you can use the app even when you aren’t connected to the web, so in remote areas you will still be able to find information on local guides and attractions.??“Western Australia has so many extraordinary experiences; this innovative new app brings them all to your mobile to help you get the most out of your WA trip. Whether you want to explore the beachside city of Perth, find the best snorkelling spots on the world’s longest fringing reef, Ningaloo Reef, or know where to ‘glamp’ in World-Heritage listed areas like the Bungle Bungles in the Kimberley, Explore WA helps you plan on the move” said Christie Lord, Marketing Manager, Tourism Western Australia.

Gain inspiration for your Australian adventure with our Play WA game which pits you against WA’s extraordinary wildlife and experiences. Learn to talk to Monkey Mia’s dolphins, out jump a kangaroo or test your swing on the world’s longest golf course, Nullarbor Links. With 12,000km of coastline and some of the best waves in the world, WA is a great place to learn to surf. Get yourself ready with our surfing game, watch the mini surfer and tilt your phone when he leans forward or back to stay on the board. ??The app includes information on the five key regions which make up Western Australia from the outback wilderness of the Kimberley to the underwater eden of Ningaloo Reef on the coral coast. So whether you are looking to walk through the ancient forests of the South West on the Bibbulmun track, swim with whale sharks or find the perfect winery to while away an afternoon in Perth’s Swan Valley – download the Explore WA app now to start researching your trip.??The App was developed by Radio Lynx Content (www.radiolynxcontent.com).

Special Note
1. *5% only applies to the fare not taxes. Bookings must be made between 3 – 25 January 2011 for departures 14 March to 20 June 2011 excluding departures 1-15 April 2011.
2. Explore WA can be found in the APP Store: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/explore-wa/id406478237?mt=8 or accessed directly from an iPhone or iTouch.

More on Western Australia
Western Australia is Australia’s largest and most extraordinary state, where 12,500km of pristine white beaches contrast with the deep red of ancient rock formations and the lush greenery of the stunning southern regions.

It is a nature lovers’ paradise where you can dive with the world's largest fish – the whale shark – at Ningaloo Reef or swim with wild dolphins and discover Australia’s only biodiversity hotspot in the southwest. Perth – four hours closer than Sydney – is the sunniest city in Australia; Broome is celebrated for its exotic pearling history and artistic community; historic Fremantle is just a short boat ride from car-free Rottnest Island and the Golden Outback offers adventure, the surreal Wave Rock and sunbathing kangaroos at Lucky Bay. For more information visit www.westernaustralia.com

More on Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines currently offer 14 weekly nonstop Boeing 747-400 flights between the London and Kuala Lumpur with convenient daily connections to Perth. The airline has received more than 100 awards in the last 10 years including the “Asia’s Leading Business Class” award by World Travel Awards, "World's Best Cabin Staff" 2007 award by Skytrax UK, "5-star airline" in 2005, 2006 and 2007, as well as No 1 for "Economy Class Onboard Excellence 2006" also by Skytrax, UK. www.malaysiaairlines.com

RELAX AND UNWIND IN 2011 WITH SOME OF THE YEAR’S HOTTEST SPA TREATMENTS

Given the fantastic flight deals to Ireland in January and February - with some airlines even waving taxes - there couldn’t be a better time to escape to the Emerald Isle for a stylish spa break.

You’ll find magnificent spas set in some truly breathtaking locations – from historic castles to lakeshore retreats – which are sure to suit any and every occasion, whether it’s a girly getaway, a romantic Valentine or a treat for your mum. Here are a few of our favourite spa retreats:

The Spa at Dromoland Castle, County Clare
Dromoland Castle is one of Ireland’s oldest castles, set amidst 410 acres of rolling meadows with a picturesque lake and exquisite gardens. Its spa offers exclusive treatments from the Parisian product range Anne Sémonin – as well as the 100% organic Irish Voya range.

New treatments for 2011 include:

Made-to-Measure Facial - a unique treatment designed to be tailor-made to your individual skin needs. Custom-blended plant active serums, masks and aromatic intensive complex are produced just for you, and will leave your skin soft, smooth and revitalised. A 55 minute treatment costs £80.

Anne Sémonin Hydra Express Facial – what every busy girl needs after the hard, cold winter. This 25 minute treatment immediately refreshes and hydrates your skin, restoring it to its natural glory. Treatment starts from £55.

Overnight packages at Dromoland Castle start from £288 per person including one night in a Queen Anne room, full Irish breakfast and dinner in the Earl of Thomond restaurant. To book or find out more about the treatments on offer visit www.dromoland.ie or call 00800 61363636.

Dromoland Castle is only a short drive from Shannon airport where flights from a choice of nine UK departure airports start from as little as £4.99 from Aer Lingus.

Castlemartyr Resort, County Cork
This stunning five-star resort is nestled within 220 acres of breathtaking countryside in East Cork and boasts a charming manor-house hotel with 103 rooms and suites, an inland links-style golf course and a fabulous spa and wellness centre with seven individual treatment rooms, manicure and pedicure stations, a yoga and Pilates studio, a fully-equipped gym overlooking the formal gardens and an ozone-treated pool.

If spa retreats are your thing, then Castlemartyr Resort is the place for you. Along with fabulous facilities, it also offers the exclusive Parisian Anne Sémonin range of treatments which will leave you skin feeling like new.

New treatments for 2011 include:

Anne Sémonin Parisian Top-to-Toe treatment - this is indulgence at its best. For an hour and 25 minutes, you’ll be treated like a princess. The whole experience begins with an invigorating back cleanse, leaving your skin feeling like new. You’ll then unwind with a soothing back, neck and scalp massage designed to relieve tension and muscle tightness. Once you’re suitably relaxed, you’ll enjoy a made-to-measure facial and finish with a wonderful pressure point foot and leg massage, leaving you pampered from head to toe. This amazing treatment is available for £125 per person.

Anne Sémonin Miracle Eyes - the best treatment to revive those tired eyes after the party season. State-of-the-art express radiance ice cubes are used, along with a therapeutic lymphatic eye massage to relax tired muscles and target the signs of ageing. Priced at £50 for a 25 minute session.

To book or find out more about the treatments on offer visit www.castlemartyrresort.ie or call 00800 61363636. Deluxe rooms start from £185 per person per night.

Castlemartyr Resort is only a short drive from Cork airport. Fly to Cork from 11 UK airports for as little as £7.00 including taxes and charges with Ryan Air.

Wineport Lodge, County Westmeath
Wineport Lodge is set on the edge of Ireland’s peaceful inland waterways in County Westmeath and boasts sumptuous rooms, a critically-acclaimed restaurant, pampering treatments and even a rooftop hot-tub.

If your man is stressed and in need of some relaxation, then Wineport Lodge is the perfect place to take him and treat him to a tailored gents Top-to-Toe experience in the Treatment Suite, to show him how much you love him.

Starting with an all over body massage designed to ease aches and pains – particularly those from sports, he’ll then enjoy an invigorating Yonka men’s facial which will leave his skin feeling refreshed. To finish he’ll enjoy a cooling feet reliever that will take away any soreness, leaving him feeling film-star fabulous. This wonderful package starts from just £100 and you can finish off with a dip together in the rooftop hot tub and a meal in the hotel’s famed restaurant, enjoying organic and locally-sourced produce.

To book visit www.wineport.ie or call 00353 90 64 39 010. Rooms start from £60 per person per night for a deluxe lakeview room including breakfast and a complimentary drink on arrival.

Wineport Lodge is just a 70-minute drive from Dublin airport or ferry ports. Flights are available from 19 UK airports from as little as £9 with Ryan Air and regular ferries to Dublin or Dun Laoghaire with www.stenaline.co.uk.

Ice House, County Mayo
Chic boutique hotel, Ice House, is located on the banks of the River Moy. It was created by renowned architects and artists who transformed this historic ice store into an ultra-contemporary retreat, with sweeping waterside views, tailor-made spa treatments and the award-winning Pier Restaurant.

The Chill Spa is a fabulous place to relax and unwind, and in 2011 it will be offering some fantastic new packages for both couples and individuals.

Loved up – the perfect Valentine’s package. Enjoy either a Warm Oil or Coco massage and unwind together in the couples’ treatment room. Then indulge in a glass of champagne and chocolate covered-strawberries in the relaxation room, taking in the breathtaking views, before soaking away those stresses together in one of the outdoor hot tubs. The Loved Up package costs just £100 per couple.

If you’re thinking ahead and wondering what to get your Mum this Mother’s Day, then the new Mama Mia package is the ideal solution. Her escape will begin with a luxurious back massage followed by a mini Yonka facial to brighten and hydrate her skin. She can then choose an eyelash tint or mini Jessana Manicure, before completing her relaxation in the Chill Spa thermal area, where she can enjoy the Laconium, steam room or outdoor hot tubs. This unforgettable experience is only £82 and will definitely put a smile on your mum’s face!

To book visit www.icehousehotel.ie or call 00353 96 23 500. Deluxe rooms start from £60 per person per night including breakfast.

Fly direct to nearby Knock airport from nine UK departure airports, with flights available from as little as £4.99 with Aer Lingus.

SKIERS HEAD TO SCOTLAND FOR BARGAIN BREAKS
Scottish Independent Hostels are reporting a boost in visitor numbers, thanks to the early arrival of the white stuff! All of Scotland’s ski centres are open including Lecht, Glenshee and Cairngorm Mountain are fully open with near-perfect skiing conditions and as a result, lovers of snow sports are heading north and bunking up in nearby hostels.

For Ardenbeg Bunkhouse in the Cairngorms National Park, Christmas and New Year was extremely busy with no let up in numbers over the coming weeks.
Rebecca Reid explains: “We have had a good number of bookings over the last few weeks, mainly for skiers looking to take advantage of the great conditions. Last year’s successful ski season and the bumper start to this year’s, has given snow lovers the confidence to make the trip to Scotland."
Chase The Wild Goose Hostel in Banavie near Fort William is another perfect location for snowboarders and skiers.

Liz Fairclough from Chase the Wild Goose Hostel explains: “The benefits of hostel and bunkhouse accommodation is that it offers so much accommodation options, from ensuite family rooms to the more traditional dorm-style sleeping arrangements. This works well for families and groups who like the relaxed environment and cost-effective catering, as well as the option to eat in local pubs and restaurants.”

Fraoch Lodge near Aviemore is within striking distance of the slopes but also caters for other winter sports. The team offer guided walking tours, including a winter walking skills course.

For the more adventurous Fraoch Lodge also runs Snow Hole Expeditions during the winter months where participants help construct a communal snowhole. Once complete, Andy, the guide, cooks a three-course dinner by candlelight before bedding down for the night.
Andy added: “Nothing can compare to waking up in the absolute silence of a pristine winter wonderland bathed in the soft light of Cairngorm dawn. It is truly magical!”

The Roy Bridge Hostel in Lochaber provides bunkhouse style accommodation at the budget price of £12.50 per person per night. It sleeps up to 28 people in private rooms for two, four or eight people. Just 5 miles from the Nevis Range, The Roy Bridge Hotel next-door serves bar meals daily and the friendly bar is open for après ski.

Andrew Donaldson, chair of Scottish Independent Hostels, concluded: “The year of austerity shouldn’t mean an end to holidays. A stay in a hostel is not only great value; it is also a great way to explore Scotland with friends or family. Our members offer so much individuality from collecting your own eggs for breakfast to building a snow hole – the experiences are endless and all are star rated by Visit Scotland.”

Details of all the hostels mentioned can be found on www.hostel-scotland.co.uk

A GUINNESS WORLD RECORD FOR THE WORLD CHEESE AWARDS

The 2010 World Cheese Awards, the world’s largest international cheese competition, has been crowned a record breaker by the Guinness World Records for creating the worlds ‘largest cheese platter’.

The record breaking platter, weighing in at 1,122.5 kilograms, consisted of 139 different wedges: - from Gouda to Gruyere, from Camembert to Cheddar and in fact, there was a cheese from every country in Europe alongside examples from Australasia, the Americas and Africa. It took four dedicated ‘cheese-o-philes’ three hours to create the Guinness World Record platter, *with each piece of cheese individually weighed, verified and documented before it was added to the giant purpose made board. ?Bob Farrand, ‘the awards’ Chairman and National Director of the Guild of Fine Food comments;
“As the world’s greatest cheese awards, we are now proud to be the official record holder. This demonstrates the wide range of cheeses available from artisan to mainstream producers from around the globe. Thank you to everyone involved.”

*Which included World Champion Cornish Blue Cheese

TEA-TIME AT THE DRUNKEN MONKEY NEW TEA PARTY MENU LAUNCHES
-Specialist Teas, Spiced Cakes and Infused Cocktails-

The Drunken Monkey in Shoreditch is launching The Tea Party Menu for 2011, a delicious complementary range of warming oriental teas, tea-infused cocktails and cakes.

The almost mythical health giving properties of tea with its rich composition of Tannins, Amino Acids, Fluoride, Calcium, Antioxidants and Vitamins, means that it’s the perfect accompaniment to the cold winter weather.

The menu of twelve teas range from classic Chinese green tea with freshly picked Jasmine petals; Morning Dew, a fascinating composition of large leaf sencha, sunflower, cornflower and rose petal which can be taken hot or cold; Pai Mu Tan the award-winning white leaf tea produced from the tips of the bush, which contains a high level of antioxidants; Gu Zhang Silver Jian a rare Chinese green tea which is only plucked for 10 days in spring.

To complement the teas, guests will be offered a range of home-made organic cakes from ‘A Little Peace’ including aromatic Jasmine-infused Cupcakes topped with fresh vanilla butter cream; Lemon & Ginger Mini Drizzle Cakes with lemon zest and grated ginger, finished with fresh lemon juice; Spiced Star Anise Cupcakes made with sultanas, ground cinnamon and star anise and topped with a fresh vanilla pod butter cream.

Finally, for guests who want to add a bit of a kick to their tea party, acclaimed Drunken Monkey barman, Cristian Cuevas, has designed a range of Tea Cocktails including Quince Asian Tea which uses Heaven & Earth Tea with strawberries, kiwi and its delicately tangy aroma of Japanese sencha, with Bramley and Gage Quince Liqueur, Cinnamon Liqueur and Orange Peel. The ingredients are all infused together and served like a tea in an oriental pot. The Citrus Iced Tea includes a blend of Bulldog Gin, Orange Liqueur, Jasmine and Lemon Grass, as well as fresh orange and lemon.

Simon Chan from The Drunken Monkey comments: “Tea is the most popular beverage in the world after water, and has been drunk for thousands of years. It is an important part of the Chinese culture and we thought we’d bring some of the most delicious teas to The Monkey along with a range of matching cupcakes and cocktails for an ‘East meets West’ take on the traditional British afternoon tea.”

About The Drunken Monkey
The Drunken Monkey is a dim sum eatery and cocktail bar. First opening in 2002, and pioneering the drinking and dim sum trend, ‘The Monkey’ is now considered an East End institution.

With a relaxed New York vibe, it is the perfect eating and drinking den for all occasions, from a last minute bite with friends to Sunday afternoon Bloody Marys and brunch, or cocktails and partying at the Late Night Monkey sessions with a host of amazing DJs.

About Cristian Cuevas
Cristian Cuevas has been instrumental to The Drunken Monkeys reputation for serving great cocktails. Before The Drunken Monkey, he worked in many prize winning bars from Jerusalem, Rathbone Place, to the Bar Manager at Opium which won the Bacardi Bar Club and Bar award during his tenure. Cristian was most recently commissioned to design a cocktail for HBO hit series, True Blood.

The Drunken Monkey
222 Shoreditch High Street
London
E1 6PJ
www.thedrunkenmonkey.co.uk

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