Passionate about intelligent design and craftsmanship, Terence Conran has edited the very best of 20th century furniture and lighting down to 54 key pieces to be showcased as a collection entitled ‘Conran Classic’ at The Conran Shop Chelsea and The Conran Shop, Marylebone from 10 September to 1 November 2010. To celebrate, members of the Conran family including Terence Conran, Sophie Conran and Jasper Conran have been captured with their favourite piece of furniture by renowned photographer, Julian Broad for the accompanying Conran Classic catalogue (priced at £10).

Terence Conran said, “In a world that is increasingly looking for products with integrity that will last for generations, enduring design is more relevant than ever. Each piece in my personal edit has been made to exacting standards with all the design classics made under licence from either the designers or their ancestors. Unfortunately, there are many cheap, bad quality reproductions of these designs on the market that won’t hold their value when they come to be sold. The licensed products in the Conran Classic collection will all hold their value and quite often fetch much more than their original price when sold at auction. More importantly, the outstanding quality of the licensed product will give the owner and subsequent owner’s particular pleasure and satisfaction for many years.”

Conran Classic is a mixture of 54 Design Classics, both existing and new to the range and classic furniture and lighting selected from The Conran Shop range. Many items are classics that have been reintroduced by Terence Conran to the Conran Shop such as the Tea Trolley by Alvar Aalto (1936) and the Penguin Donkey by Egon Riss, originally manufactured for Penguin books as an elegant answer to where to store paperbacks by Isokon, the firm owned by Jack Pritchard, one of Britain’s pioneering patrons of modern architecture and design.

The top 10 design classics from the 20th century chosen by The Conran family are:-

1. Eames Lounger and Ottoman – Charles and Ray Eames: Victoria Conran
2. Supporto Office Chair – Fred Scott:Sophie Conran
3. Karuselli chair and Ottoman – Yrjo Kukkapuro:Terence Conran
4. Bookworm bookcase and bookends – Ron Arad: Tom Conran
5. Eiffel DSR chair – Charles and Ray Eames:Ned Conran
6. ESU Storage Unit – Charles and Ray Eames: Toby Gallagher
7. Floor Lamp – Mario Fortuny:Hattie Gallagher
8. Egg Chair and Footstool – Arne Jacobson: Max Gallagher
9. Oval table and 6 Tulip Chairs – Eero Saarinen:Jasper Conran
10. ES104 Lobby Chair - Charles and Ray Eames: Sebastian Conran

BALLET RUSSE AT THE V&A AND LINLEY
British design company, LINLEY, has created a Petrushka keepsake/jewellery box in sycamore to celebrate the Centenary of the Ballet Russe. Through the use of intricate marquetry, the top of the box features images of three Ballet Russe dancers in performance, referring to a production in Paris from 1911.

Mother of Pearl in-lays adorn the bottom of the depicted stage with veneers including oak, Santos rosewood and burr ash, contributing to the elegance of the performance and indeed of the design itself. The main body of the oval box depicts two levels of arcading, the lower level housing a pull-out compartment with velvet lining.

The classic yet unique style of the box echoes the contribution Diaghilev and his company made to avant-garde art; asserting the status of the group as one of the most influential theatre companies of the twentieth century.

Although not available for purchase, the Petrushka keepsake/jewellery box embodies the possibilities of bespoke design in creating unique portrayals of any subject, scene or personal message. The commission of the box runs parallel with the upcoming Ballet Russe exhibition at the Victoria and Albert museum.Visit our new website www.davidlinley.com for inspiring gift ideas, news features and special offers.

THE MERCEDES-BENZ CAR BOOT-IQUE
Leading designers contribute to the most fashionable charity auction to launch this London Fashion Week:

Betty Jackson, Body Amr, Charlie Le Mindu, Charlotte Olympia, Christopher Kane, Eley Kishimoto, Erdem, E. Tautz, Fake London, Goodone, Hannah Marshall, Hasan Hejazi, Holly Fulton, House of Holland, Issa London, Jasper Conran, Jaeger London, John Rocha, Jonathan Saunders, Katie Hillier, Lulu Guinness, Margaret Howell, Maria Francesca Pepe, Maria Grachvogel, Matthew Williamson, Mulberry, Nicole Farhi, Paul Costelloe, Piers Atkinson, Pringle of Scotland, Phillip Treacy, Rubbish, Sibling and Topman Design.

To celebrate its third season as the official car partner to London Fashion Week, Mercedes-Benz is hosting a charity fashion auction, the ‘Mercedes-Benz Car Boot-ique.’ With over 85 gorgeous lots, donated by over 30 of the world’s greatest fashion designers, the auction will run during this September’s London Fashion Week raising money for two charity partners Fashion East and the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.

The Mercedes-Benz Car Boot-ique, at http://www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/fashion, will be a one-stop shop for fashionistas looking to snap up must-have and limited edition pieces this September. The auction will feature gorgeous donations from fashion collections including handbags, dresses, headpieces, jewellery, jackets, scarves, menswear and textiles. There will also be a variety of unique donations to bid for, such as a ‘giant apple’ from the Mulberry winter window display and an iconic print ‘sausage dog’ from Erdem. And to give cars a very special London Fashion Week make-over too, visitors to the Mercedes-Benz Car Boot-ique will be able to bid for some limited edition car accessories, created by designers specifically for the auction. These lots include...

· 20 sets of bumper stickers designed for fashion fans by Charlotte Olympia
· A set of polka lace car window sunshades and 10 chamois leather sponges with their unique ‘flash print’ by Eley Kishimoto
· A beautiful vintage car blanket embroidered by E. Tautz
· 10 pairs of leather driving gloves by Hannah Marshall
· A modern take on ‘furry dice’ by House of Holland
· 15 leather animal key-rings created by Katie Hillier – the iconic ‘Hillier bunny and her friends mouse and owl’
· A bold, patterned car cushion from men’s knitwear label Sibling

The designers who have kindly donated items from their collections are Betty Jackson, Body Amr, Charlie Le Mindu, Christopher Kane, Erdem, Fake London, Hasan Hejazi, Holly Fulton, Goodone, Issa London, Jasper Conran, Jaeger London, John Rocha, Jonathan Saunders, Lulu Guinness, Margaret Howell, Maria Francesca Pepe, Maria Grachvogel, Matthew Williamson, Nicole Farhi, Paul Costelloe, Piers Atkinson, Pringle of Scotland, Phillip Treacy, Rubbish, Sibling and Topman Design.

This unique online charity auction, at http://www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/fashion, will officially launch on the first day of London Fashion Week (17 September) with additional items going live each day. For your chance to grab a piece of the fashion action visit the Mercedes-Benz Car Boot-ique at http://www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/fashion

CAR BOOT CHIC COMES TO WESTFIELD LONDON THIS FASHION WEEK
If you are a real car boot enthusiast and “fashionista” you can’t miss the inaugural Westfield London Car Boot Fair.

To celebrate London Fashion Week and the launch of a new season, Westfield London will transform its Atrium for this unique event and a first for London. From 21st to 26th September over 20 Hyundai i20 cars will be hijacked by London’s most sought after brands, including Topshop, Oasis, Whistles, Ted Baker, Wolford, Swarovski, Firetrap and House of Fraser

Here you can share experiences with other car booters, try and buy the new collections from your favourite retailers, enjoy personal styling and beauty sessions and have a bite to eat. You may even pick up some amazing bargains if you get in and rummage through!

Each car will be sporting the most exciting design and will be brimming with goodies; exclusive lines; must-haves and one-off pieces. Each day will certainly offer something different so make sure you keep your eye out on the daily update board at the fair or at http://www.westfield.com/london

Mary’s Living & Giving for Save The Children, revving up sales of charitable treasures for the children’s charity – word on the street is vintage Chanel and Mary Portas herself will be making an appearance!

Donna Ida will be hosting a double denim drive in aid of Jeans for Genes charity. Bring your old or unwanted jeans to the Donna Ida car where they will be traded for a £20 voucher off your next pair at Donna Ida. Genius!

To celebrate Wolford’s 60th anniversary, the elite hosiery brand goes thigh high by creating an exclusive Anniversary Set that includes a Panty body and Stockings, only available at Wolford’s Car Boot.

Look out for Westfield London’s very own car which will be transformed into a chic Personal Styling Suite; enter the car and get style advice, hot tips and take part in trend sessions from the best stylists in the business.

Myla gets racy with lace embellished car filled with the only lingerie to be seen in this autumn winter. Rumour-ville has it that Myla models will adorn the car, certainly getting its motor racing!

WHAT’S MORE…

Swarovski will host a blinding car of crystals and will be offering a lucky dip from their trunk for all car booters and Bobbi Brown make up artists will be uncovering the season’s hottest colours, looks and trends from their dedicated car – make sure you get in line for their master classes.

At special hours over the six days, there’ll be incredible price drops and bootylicious giveaways such as Whistles offering key pieces from the new collection from their new Westfield London Flagship store for tiny car boot fair prices! So park-up and make sure you’re the first to try and buy the new season’s collections from top designers and your favourite brands.

What’s more, highly respected global style bloggers will be based in the midst of the Fair bringing fashion-lovers news, pictures and interviews with daily posts on the dedicated Westfield London Car Boot Microsite.

As well as Mary’s Living and Giving car, Westfield London will also support the British Heart Foundation with ‘Godfather of British Pop Art’ Sir Peter Blake designing a “Mending Broken Hearts” car in celebration of their 50th anniversary.

THE CAR BOOT FAIR FASHION SHOW
If trunks of treasures haven’t give you a fashion fix then get yourself a front row seat at Westfield London’s exclusive fashion shows, only on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th September. Four shows flaunting the very best of autumn winter fashion will be showcased four times on each day over the closing weekend*.

Share your experiences with other car booters, have a bite to eat and enjoy the most eccentric event of the season.

For further information, offers and up to the minute news, visit http://www.westfield.com/london

SAMSUNG LAUNCHES ‘EVERYONE IS ART’- A GIANT ART COLLABORATION AND CELEBRITY EVENT TO RAISE AWARENESS OF BREAST CANCER
Samsung Electronics Europe has launched ‘Everyone Is Art’, an invitation for people all over Europe to feature in the first giant collaborative artwork that will raise awareness of women and men affected by breast cancer.

By visiting www.morethantalk.eu/everyoneisart members of the public will be able to upload* photos of themselves or loved ones, together with information about how or why their lives have been touched by breast cancer.

1,096 of these images will be selected by British artist Samira Harris and used as a medium to recreate Botticelli’s ‘Birth of Venus’. 1,096 is the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer in Europe each day and ‘Everyone Is Art’ has been launched in association with 17 European breast cancer charities including Breakthrough Breast Cancer in the UK.

Emily Holt, aged 30, has uploaded this photo of herself to Everyone Is Art. Emily was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2008. She was convinced her lump was cyst. She has now finished chemotherapy, undergone major breast reconstruction surgery and is looking forward to starting a fashion course in Brighton.

Wendy Evans-Scott, a 47 year old British woman successfully completed treatment for breast cancer three years ago. “I have added this photo of me to www.morethantalk.eu/everyoneisart. My mum and I have both battled with breast cancer and I encourage my daughter to check herself regularly. Each day, 1,096 women in Europe are diagnosed with breast cancer and we can all do a little something to make sure as many people as possible are aware. ”

SAMSUNG HAS SUPPORTED EUROPEAN BREAST CANCER CHARITIES FOR FOUR YEARS AND FOR 2010, WE WANT TO TAKE ACTION THROUGH ART,” EXPLAINED INES VAN GENNIP, HEAD OF CSR FOR SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS EUROPE.
Samsung is appealing for photos of men and women who have been affected by breast cancer, either directly or through a loved one. We are also looking for photos of the hard-working and inspiring pink ribbon campaigners who take part in marathons or dye their hair pink to promote awareness.

“All of these pictures tell a story of courage and 1,096 can be used in one giant, final piece of art encouraging women to be breast aware. When you think that over one thousand women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Europe every day, the impact of this final piece becomes even more prolific,” Van Gennip continued.

Photos may be uploaded from today, with the deadline for images on 24th September.

The finished composition will be revealed on 14th October 2010, Samsung’s European Breast Cancer Awareness Day; at The Royal Exchange in Central London. After this it will be sold, with profits going to European breast cancer charities.

‘Everyone Is Art’ comes to Piccadilly Circus, October 2010

Of the 1,096 images that are chosen for the final piece of art, 20 photos will be shown on the world famous Samsung big screen at Piccadilly Circus in October 2010. This will be the first time in history that non-professional photos of real men and women are shown on the Samsung screen - London’s most iconic outdoor advertising spot.

‘Everyone Is Art’ event starring Sonique: 14.10.10

Samsung’s ‘Everyone Is Art’ campaign will culminate in a celebration event at The Royal Exchange in Central London on 14th October 2010: Samsung’s European Breast Cancer Awareness Day. On this date, ambassadors of the campaign and celebrity guests will enjoy a DJ set from Sonique and view the completed artwork.

Celebrities who have attended Samsung’s annual Pink Ribbon events over the past two years include Jerry Hall, Katherine Jenkins, Kelly Rowland, Jamelia and Beverley Knight. Even more are expected at the Samsung Pink Ribbon Celebratory Party at The Royal Exchange on 14h October 2010.

How to add your photo to Everyone Is Art*

Images of 2MB may be uploaded at www.morethantalk.eu/everyoneisart. 1,096 photos added by 24th September will form part of the completed artwork by Samira Harris. All images uploaded may be viewed on www.morethantalk.eu/everyoneisart. For more information please visit www.morethantalk.eu/everyoneisart.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS LIMITED EDITION OFFERINGS- CLINIQUE’S SUPPORT OF THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES’ BREAST CANCER AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

Exclusive to Boots

NEW BREAST CANCER AWARENESS LONG LAST GLOSSWEAR SPF15 LIMITED EDITION 'PINK RIBBON' KEY CHAIN

Clinique’s support of the Estee Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign continues in 2010 by celebrating a global best seller. Clinique’s Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 is a global best seller and to support Breast Cancer Awareness in 2010, Clinique are offering a LIMITED EDITION BREAST CANCER AWARENESS LONG LAST GLOSSWEAR SPF 15 “PINK RIBBON KEY CHAIN”. Three gorgeous shades of gloss all together on an exclusive handy key chain complete with a pink ribbon charm. Exclusively designed for Breast Cancer Awareness and the must have for your keys this October.

Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 provides long-lasting, high shine with the added benefit of SPF 15. Thanks to powerful film-formers that create a “seal” holding the gloss to your lips throughout the day, the high moisturising gloss stays put for up to 8 hours

UK

For each Limited Edition Long Last Glosswear SPF15 “Pink Ribbon Key Chain” sold in Boots during October 2010, £2 will be donated in total to the appeal. (£1 will be donated by Clinique and £1 donated by Selfridges to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s study at the UK Institute of Cancer Research. www.bcrfcure.org).

IRELAND

For each Limited Edition Long Last Glosswear SPF15 “Pink Ribbon Key Chain” sold in Boots and boots.com during October 2010, €2 will be donated in total to the appeal. (€1 will be donated by Clinique and €1 donated by Boots to the Cancer Clinical Research Trust in Dublin).

Clinique Limited Edition Breast Cancer Awareness Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 “Pink Ribbon Key Chain”
RRP £15.00/€20.00
Donation during October 2010 from Clinique counters at Boots nationwide and boots.com while stocks last
(Pink Ribbons are available at all Clinique counters during October)

Exclusive to Selfridges and Brown Thomas Ireland

NEW BREAST CANCER AWARENESS 'SPECIAL EDITION'
DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT MOISTURIZING LOTION

Clinique's support of the Estee Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign continues in 2010 by celebrating the brand’s global favourite, DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT MOISTURIZING LOTION. The LIMITED EDITION BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT MOISTURIZING LOTION has been dressed with a 'hint of pink' this October in the form of an elegant pink ribbon keyring. Exclusively designed for Breast Cancer Awareness, this is the must have for any Clinique fan this October. DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT MOISTURIZING LOTION is formulated to have the same balance of oil and water as the skin's own natural balance. It is the perfect drink for every thirsty skin and the final stage of the Clinique 3-Step Skin Care System. Absorbed into your skin fast and thoroughly, it leaves no trace of surface residue.

UK
For each Limited Edition Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion sold in Selfridges during October 2010, £2 will be donated in total to the appeal. (£1 will be donated by Clinique and £1 donated by Selfridges to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s study at the UK Institute of Cancer Research. www.bcrfcure.org).

IRELAND
For each Limited Edition Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion sold in Brown Thomas during October 2010, €2 will be donated in total to the appeal. (€1 will be donated by Clinique and €1 donated by Brown Thomas to the Cancer Clinical Research Trust in Dublin).

Clinique Breast Cancer Awareness
'Special Edition' Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
RRP £35.00/€54.50, 200ml

Donation during October 2010 from Clinique counters at Boots nationwide and boots.com while stocks last
(Pink Ribbons are available at all Clinique counters during October)
October 2010 is the 17th year since the Estee Lauder Companies founded the Pink Ribbon and Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the UK. In addition to creating the pink ribbon and distributing it in over 70 countries Evelyn Lauder founded the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in 1993 as an independent not for profit organisation dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime by funding clinical and genetic research worldwide. The BCRF has so far raised more than $285 million for breast cancer research. For more information about the BCRF go to www.bcrfcure.org.
Allergy Tested. 100% Fragrance-Free.
For stockist details, telephone 0870 034 2566

COOL CHROME BED FROM THE SLEEP ROOM
With grey fast becoming the new black, The Sleep Room’s new Chrome bed is bang on trend, bringing a cool and sophisticated style to the bedroom. Available in three different sizes and two contemporary colours, the Chrome bed offers a chic solution for modern living.

Available with either a Dove Grey or Biscuit coloured removable Italian wool cover for added practicality, Chrome is also made using solid beech slats for extra strength.

The Sleep Room offers quality and stylish beds, mattresses and accessories online, that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Their ethos is to provide a hassle-free experience that includes reliable delivery, good value and a comfortable night’s sleep. Not only do they look good, The Sleep Room’s beds are also supremely comfortable.

The Chrome bed is available in three sizes including double, king-size and super-king with prices starting from £695 and mattresses starting from £445 for a double. The Sleep Room also offers a range of accessories when buying a bed, including goose down duvets and pillows, standard sized cotton bed linen, snug cashmere blankets and stylish headboards.

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

CLICK, SLIDE AND GO…! WITH THE NEW CROSS EDGE
For on-the-go style Cross introduces the Edge; a smart, modern pen that’s ready when you are and combines contemporary design with innovative click-and-slide technology. Ideal for fast-paced trend setters, sports and gadget-lovers alike, the Cross Edge is your ultimate quick-thinking sidekick.

With a patented click-and-slide mechanism, the Cross Edge features slide-open and click-to-close technology, making it even easier to put pen to paper and capture your brilliant thoughts and ideas as soon as they pop into your head.

With a fresh and striking look, the Cross Edge is designed with a metallic fusion resin and available in Sonic Titanium, Jet Black, Nitro Blue and Octane Green. Each pen features polished chrome appointments and Capless Gel Ink Pen technology*; red and purple refills are also available, so you can add a little colour to your notebook.

The Cross Edge is priced at £35 and comes with the Cross lifetime mechanical guarantee.

Cross stockist information:
· Phone: 01582 422793 (to find your nearest UK stockist)
· Website: www.cross.com (where you can buy online)
· Store: Bluewater

* A Jumbo Ballpen refill is also compatible with Cross Edge

TAKE A FOODIE ROAD TRIP IN WALES THIS BRITISH FOOD FORTNIGHT 18 SEPTEMBER – 3 OCTOBER 2010
Food lovers should journey to Wales this British Food Fortnight to discover arguably the best locally produced food and drink in the UK.

Through its management of the Wales the True Taste Food & Drink Awards, the Welsh Assembly Government has helped to create a climate of support for the local sourcing of high quality produce among restaurants and gastropubs across Wales. These eateries form the basis of an exciting "True Taste road trip", to enable Brits to experience Wales as a top food destination over British Food Fortnight. The trip winds its way through the south east corner of Wales, an area put firmly on the map by the advent of the Ryder Cup golf tournament (1 – 3 October), which just happens to coincide with the end of British Food Fortnight.

The trail commences in Newport at The Chandlery Restaurant (thechandleryrestaurant.com). Since opening in 2002 it has won a clutch of awards including True Taste regional winner in 2008 and UK Seafood Restaurant of the Year. Head chef Ryan Mitchell is keen the menu should be seasonal and uses local produce where possible. He's particularly enthusiastic about the local grass-fed Welsh lamb, which he serves as a loin fillet in filo pastry together with braised shoulder. His salamis and cured meats come from True Taste winner Trealy Farm Charcuterie, which produces traditional smoked and air-dried sausages and meat from its own free-range Gloucester Old Spot, Saddleback and Welsh pigs.

From Newport the coast road skirts the coastal plains, then heads north up the Wye Valley with each bend revealing new views of the gorge carved by the river. On to Whitebrook and The Crown (crownatwhitebrook.co.uk), one of four restaurants in Wales to hold a Michelin star. Their meat comes from Neil James at Raglan – one of few butchers with an abattoir and where traceability of the meat he sells is not just back to the farm, but to individual animals. Handcock of Monmouth provides bacon and sausages and Munday and Jones supplies organic vegetables, while the ewes-milk cheese comes from Caws Mynydd Du in nearby Talgarth.

Back on the ridgeway road, the route circumvents Monmouth and heads north to Skenfrith, bypassing the remains of a triangle of castles – Skenfrith, White Castle and Grosmont. The next port of call is The Bell (skenfrith.co.uk) at Skenfrith; a 17th century coaching inn owned by William and Janet Hutchings. Since 2006 they have been growing their own vegetables in the organic kitchen garden. The fact that all game is shot by William reflects his belief in the link between food and the land, and that it's a bonus for visitors to enjoy produce that comes from the countryside they walk in.

From Skenfrith, join the road back towards Abergavenny – the market town famed for its annual food festival – where you come to The Walnut Tree (thewalnuttreeinn.com). Run by Shaun Hill and David Griffiths, the restaurant was awarded its first Michelin star this year. The availability of good local produce was one of the things that brought Shaun to Abergavenny: "I am currently building up a group of all-year-round local suppliers," he says. "If you are working with rather ordinary ingredients it takes a lot of effort and fancy footwork to make something good out of it. But if the produce is good you are half way there."

Next, head to the big junction south of Abergavenny and out on the old Raglan road which brings you to The Hardwick (thehardwick.co.uk), a country pub and restaurant owned by chef Stephen Terry and his wife, Joanna. Stephen's menu works around what is local and seasonal. "With the great pork, beef and lamb we can get around here, salad and vegetables, local ales, cider and perry…it's a no-brainer, we're spoiled for choice," he says. It's an approach that won them the top award for use of local food in the 2008 Good Food Guide. The Hardwick looks like it will be part of the Abergavenny food scene for some time to come as building work has started to add eight bedrooms and increase the restaurant size to 100 covers.

The trail ends almost full-circle a little further down the road at Nantyderry where Matt Tebbutt and his wife Lisa have turned a former stationmaster's house and pub into a restaurant that's won both a True Taste Dining Out Gold Award and AA Welsh Restaurant of the Year – The Foxhunter (thefoxhunter.com). Matt is a London-trained chef and he echoes Stephen Terry in praising the quality of the local ingredients and keeping the menu seasonal: "Our menu changes twice a day to make the most of the best ingredients available. A lot of dishes have been designed to incorporate the wild and foraged foods our professional forager brings us."

The Foxhunter offers foraging trips with their expert after which participants can enjoy a wild food lunch incorporating their finds. Depending on the time of year you might bring back marsh samphire, whinberries, ceps or seabeet.

All the above Welsh restaurants have won accolades at the Wales The True Taste Food & Drink Awards. The scheme was launched in 2002 and is managed by the Welsh Assembly Government as part of its commitment to developing the food and drink sector and to building awareness of the Welsh food brand 'Wales the True Taste'. Year-on-year the True Taste Awards grow in strength and popularity and are regarded as the 'Oscars' of the Welsh food industry.

FALL IN LOVE WITH EUROPE THIS AUTUMN WITH 35 PER CENT SAVINGS FROM PIERRE & VACANCES
European self-catering accommodation specialist Pierre & Vacances is offering UK customers specially discounted rates on properties across Europe this autumn, with savings of up to 35 per cent on bookings across a range of resorts.

Be it relaxing back amongst the uninterrupted views of the Picardy coast, riding horseback through the Ardeche or re-stocking the winter wine cellar in the Loire Valley, Pierre & Vacances is offering a range of affordable ways to fall back into holiday mode this autumn.

From €8 per person, per night, these autumnal specials can be had across selected Pierre & Vacances self-catering properties on the Atlantic coast of France, along the Cote D’Azur and Mediterranean, in the French Pyrenees, Brittany and Normandy. Pierre & Vacances properties in Spain, including on the Costa del Sol are also available. Below we have listed a selection of the deals on offer, to view all of the deals, please visit: http://www.pv-holidays.com/the-race-is-on_ms <http://www.pv-holidays.com/the-race-is-on_ms

Résidence Pierre & Vacances Loches - Loches
A one bedroom apartment sleeping up to five people from October 02 – 09 costs €280 (£233) per week – or just €8 per person, per night. This is a saving of 20 per cent off the advertised price of €350 (£292) per week.

Ideally located on the banks of the Indre and opposite the "Logis Royal", the Pierre & Vacances resort at Loches is based around a redeveloped flour mill, to which small modern buildings, respectful of the surrounding heritage, have been added. It offers very comfortable apartments, most with a loggia or small garden.

Pierre & Vacances Estepona apartments - Estepona
A one bedroom apartment sleeping up to four people from September 25 – October 2 costs €292.50 (£243) per week – or just €9 per person, per night. This is a saving of 35 per cent off the advertised price of €450 (£374) per week.

New to Pierre & Vacances in summer 2009, Estepona holiday resort is just 25km from Marbella on the Costa del Sol. Tastefully decorated with spacious, comfortable and well equipped apartments with air-conditioning as standard, the resort offers a range of activities including restaurants, bars and a large swimming pool.

Pierre & Vacances Le Rouret Resort - Le Rouret
A one bedroom hillside apartment sleeping up to four people from October 18 - 25 costs €328 (£273) per week – or just €12 per person per night. This is a saving of 20 per cent off the advertised price of €410 (£342) per week.

Opened in the summer of 2006, the Rouret Holiday village is a 100-acre multi-activity resort that is ideal for all members of the family. Set in an enchanting area of the Ardeche region, the resort offers facilities for all ages, including five swimming pools, a small farm and mini golf.. For those who enjoy exploring, walks, mountain bike trails, canoeing, horseback riding or 4x4 excursions are available.

Pierre & Vacances Premium Le Crotoy la Plage - Le Crotoy
A sea-view studio apartment sleeping up to five people from October 10 – 17 costs €336 (£280) per week - or just €10 per person, per night. This is a saving of 30 per cent off the advertised price of €480 (£400) per week.

With uninterrupted views over the sea and direct access to the beach, La Crotoy la Plage residence on the Picardy coast has been styled with heritage in mind. The only beach in the North of France that faces due south, the resort is secluded and full of charm. The property boasts an indoor and an outdoor swimming pool.

Further information
For further consumer information on Pierre & Vacances, please visit: www.pv-holidays.com or telephone: 0870 026 7144.

For trade bookings please visit: http://trade.pv-holidays.com

Visit the Pierre & Vacances blog at http://blog.pv-holidays.com

Follow Pierre & Vacances on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/pvholidays

SIX TOP LONDON CHEFS, SIX WEDNESDAYS, AN EXTRAVAGANZA OF CUISINES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
This Wednesday the second top London chef, Joe Gray from Kenza (Levant Group) will cook at A World of Welsh Lamb. This six week celebration of Welsh Lamb will be hosted at The Butcher in Leadenhall Market, every Wednesday from 12:00pm until 2:00pm, offering an extravaganza of dishes from top London chefs inspired by cuisines of the world.

The line-up includes some of London’s top restaurants (such as Arbutus, Kenza, Café Spice Namasté and L’Anima) cooking up mouth-watering Welsh Lamb dishes for the public to sample free of charge. Full lunch portions will also be available to purchase. This means that for six weeks the freshest Welsh Lamb will arrive straight from farmers' gates, to be incorporated into a dish for City workers' plates. The following chefs will each create their own unique mouth-watering Welsh Lamb dish:

Joe Gray, Kenza (Levant Group)
Muhammar, a slow roasted marinated lamb with organic couscous Wednesday 15 September
Sophie Wright, Food writer – Easy Peasy & Home at 7, Dinner at 8
Herb marinated canon of lamb with flageolet and merguez ragu Wednesday 22 September
Anthony Demetre, Arbutus, Wild Honey, and Les Deux Salons
Slow cooked shoulder of Welsh Lamb with fresh white coco beans Wednesday 29 September
Francesco Mazzei, L'Anima
Lamb salmoriglio with quinoa Wednesday 06 October
Cyrus Todiwala, Café Spice Namasté
Kharu gos, a braised lamb dish with crisp potatoes Wednesday 13 October

The six dishes are inspired by the flavours of the world and devised by the chefs according to their area of expertise. Using British, Indian, Italian, French, Mediterranean and Moroccan themed ingredients to demonstrate the versatility of Welsh Lamb, the dishes will be expertly prepared on The Butcher's grill, giving City workers and visitors the opportunity to try before they buy a bespoke meal for lunch. Moreover, each chef will be on hand over lunchtime offering tips on recreating the recipes at home.

Sophie Wright, food writer and chef (appears on Wed 22 Sept), says:
“I use Welsh Lamb because it’s a really tasty and a very versatile ingredient. It’s very consistent, conveniently available all year round and also very reasonably priced for such a good product. My dish - herb marinated canon of Welsh Lamb with flageolet and merguez ragu - is a French-inspired classic bean stew, paired with some very simple marinated and cooked Welsh Lamb canon. This is the tenderest part of the animal and it really shouldn't be messed around with too much. The meat will be cooked on the grill and served pink along with the bean stew.”

Francesco Mazzei, chef of L’Anima (appears on 6 October), says:
“Welsh Lamb is some of the best you can source locally in the UK at the moment. I have a close working relationship with my supplier, Elwy Valley, who calls me twice a week to discuss deliveries and the quality of the meat. Quinoa is the food ingredient of the future; the taste and texture is absolutely amazing and makes it a very versatile ingredient that works extremely well with lamb because it doesn’t overpower but instead lets the lamb taste unfold. The salmoriglio sauce in the recipe I will be serving is my mum’s recipe and provides a certain sweet and sour taste which again enhances the flavour of the lamb.”

Cyrus Todiwala, OBE and head chef of Café Spice Namasté (appears on 13 October), says:
“I love cooking with Welsh Lamb because you can always count on its superior quality and flavour, which is also very appropriate for Indian cooking. There are different ways in which I like to prepare the lamb, but the rule is as simply as possible to bring out the best of the meat. Right now I have a recipe that has the lamb cooked in cumin, green chilli and in a nutty sauce. My inspiration for working with Welsh Lamb goes back to when we first started taking part in the Abergavenny Food Festival almost five years ago now. We'd see small groups of lamb grazing right outside our doorstep. It was too tempting not to do anything about it!”

City workers and visitors will also be able to chat with a young Welsh farmer on Wednesday, September 8. Twenty-eight-year-old Myrddin Davies, the face of Welsh Lamb, will be present to explain firsthand how Welsh sheep are free to roam and feed freely in lush green pastures from the moment they are born.

IT’S (NOT) COMPLICATED!

Sometimes everyday life can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be as Hardys launches a Pinot Grigio to join their single grape variety range, Hardys VR.

Tapping into the current trend for Pinot Grigio, one of the fastest growing wines in the UK*, a Pinot Grigio will be added to Hardys VR range.

The Varietal Range consists of single varietal wines sourced from the warm inland areas along the banks of South Eastern Australia’s rivers.

Sam Caporn, Wine Development Manager, comments, “Hardys VR Pinot Grigio showcases an uncomplicated wine that displays the true character of its single grape variety. A dry, medium bodied wine, it has fresh citrus and poached pear flavours. It’s no wonder this wine is becoming a firm favourite.”

Tasting notes and serving suggestions:

Hardys VR Pinot Grigio
Dry and medium bodied, this wine takes on the colour of pale straw. Displaying delicate, lifted aromas of pear and white peach with touches of spice and fresh apple, and a soft, creamy palate with a fresh clean finish.
To be enjoyed well-chilled as a refreshing drink and a great companion to fish and poultry dishes and Thai and Indian Curries.
* Nielsen MAT to w/e 12.06.10

Hardys VR Pinot Grigio wine is available in convenience stores and selected on trade (RRP £5.79).

Always drink responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk/

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