EVIAN CELEBRATES THE FESTIVE SEASON WITH A YOUTHFUL SPIRIT EMBODIED IN A LIMITED EDITION BOTTLE DESIGNED BY PAUL SMITH!

After its awe-inspiring rollerblading babies’ ballet, Evian continues to inject life into its youthful image in time for the Christmas holidays by linking up with one of the most creative designers, known for his sense of fun and optimistic attitude.

"Youth is not just a question of age, it's also a question of attitude", say Paul Smith and Evian via this limited edition project.

With this in mind, the British designer has designed a festive theme for Evian in vibrant colours - with a nod to the famous stripes - which elegantly underlines the purity of the natural mineral water from the Alps.
Miles away from the traditional Christmas themes, Evian offers us a concentration of youth in a multi-coloured bottle with five different caps to collect.

For more information please visit: http://www.paulsmithforevian.evian.com


· RRP for Paul Smith for Evian is £3.99

· Retailers to stock Paul Smith for Evian at present are Selfridges and Harvey Nichols

SAMSUNG LAUNCHES ‘EVERYBODY’S DOING IT’ CAMPAIGN TO FIGHT BREAST CANCER WITH AWARENESS, ACTIONS AND PLEDGES
http://www.vimeo.com/6639878
http://www.morethantalk.eu/uk/#/seehear - and select ‘see hear’

Samsung Electronics Europe has launched ‘Everybody’s Doing It’, an online campaign and website which is a call to action encouraging women in Europe to check for breast cancer and prevent the disease from spreading. By visiting www.morethantalk.eu women can find an instant community of support, a place to make pledges* to raise further awareness and a place to view or forward a short viral movie called ‘Everybody’s Doing It’; containing footage of eight women whose lives have been affected by breast cancer. The viral is intended to reach over 400,000 women - more than the number who are diagnosed with breast cancer in Europe every year.

Each woman in the viral can be seen with her arms across her chest, holding the gaze of the camera as it pans around to capture their image. The final message of the viral tells the viewer ‘Everybody’s Doing It: Join us on October 15th 2009’. The date refers to the Samsung European Breast Cancer Awareness Day – a date for women to be breast aware and to pledge to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Two of the women are Amanda Jones, a 67 year old British woman whose daughter Rebecca died of breast cancer at the age of 33 and Emily Holt aged 29, who was diagnosed last September.

Jaesun Yeon, 30, is a Samsung employee who has appeared in the viral. “I took part because a good friend is going through chemotherapy.
“I met some amazing women on the shoot, including Simone Francis who had a breast cancer scare when she was only 17. Social media and blogging has been a hugely important way for these women to talk about breast cancer and to tell others to check themselves, no matter what age they are. What Samsung has done, is to create a powerful online platform to spread this message across Europe.”

Ines Van Gennip, head of CSR at Samsung Electronics Europe added: “It’s so important that global brands such as Samsung use their influence to give women who advocate breast cancer awareness an even louder voice. This isn’t a disease that only affects older women, it can touch women of all ages and as many people as possible need to know.”

More than 400,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Europe each year. With support through Facebook, YouTube, Flickr and Twitter, the ‘Everybody’s Doing It’ campaign aims to reach at least this many women in Europe. This level of awareness could help save many lives not only in Europe but across the globe.

Samsung’s ‘Everybody’s Doing It’ campaign will culminate with a magical, garden-themed pop-up* celebratory party inside the atrium at the Westfield Shopping Centre in London on 15th October: Samsung’s European Breast Samsung’s European Breast Cancer Awareness Day. On this date, the women who appear in Samsung’s viral campaign plus celebrity guests, will gather at the Westfield Centre and make their own pledges to further raise awareness of breast cancer to as many people as possible. From the 16th until the 18th of October, the Samsung Pink Ribbon pop-up will be transformed into a shopping haven and breast cancer information centre for everyone to visit. (The Samsung Pop-up Store is a temporary venue which will be set-up at the Westfield Shopping Centre. It will play host to a Celebratory VIP Party on 15th October (invite only) and will become a shopping haven and breast cancer information centre for the public on 16th to 18th October 2009.)

Celebrities who attended Samsung’s pink ribbon breast cancer event in 2008, which took place at the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel, included Jerry Hall, Kelly Rowland, Beverly Knight, Amanda Donohoe, Henry Holland and Jasmine Guinness. Even more are expected at the inaugural Samsung Pink Ribbon Celebratory Party at the Westfield Centre on 15th October 2009.

In 2008, Samsung donated $3 million to Breast Cancer Charities across Europe and announced a multi-million dollar five year pledge to support breast cancer charities in Europe. Samsung’s campaign provides vital support for breast cancer awareness, prevention, campaigning and fundraising.

How to make a pledge*
www.morethantalk.eu has been created to encourage women across Europe to sign up to make a pledge to raise awareness of breast cancer. If each woman nominates her pledge on the website, this will encourage more women to be breast aware.
Pledges do not have to be fundraisers. The idea of a pledge is that women will commit to an activity that helps to spread breast cancer awareness - and the activity can take place at any time. It can be as easy as talking about breast awareness with a good friend. Samsung’s European Breast Cancer Awareness Day is 15th October 2009 and is a perfect day to spread the word to as wide an audience as possible.

To give some examples of pledges, Jo Parsons, aged 31 from London has pledged to bake pink cupcakes for her friends and family on the 15th of October and Cleo Comerford, aged 28 from Glasgow is to going to tie a pink ribbon to every tree she passes for one week from 15th October.

For more information please visit www.morethantalk.eu and download the viral ‘Everybody’s Doing It’ to forward to friends, family and women all over the world.

MAGIC AND MYSTERY THIS AUTUMN WITH THE NEW MASQUERADE RANGE FROM CROSS
Inspired by the mystery and romance of a masked ball, the Masquerade pen is the ultimate stylish accessory for glamourous fashionistas this autumn/winter.
Adorned with an exotic peacock-feather pattern and available in three striking shades, the Masquerade boasts an innovative enhanced finish with both delicate engraving as well as plating detail.

So whether you are updating your diary or writing your Christmas wish list, the art nouveau-themed Masquerade is the perfect personal and professional accessory for those wanting to make an impression.

These beautiful pens are available in three finishes – Peacock Green, Raven Black and Cardinal Red – and are priced at £50 (RRP). As with all Cross writing instruments the Masquerade comes with a lifetime mechanical guarantee.

Cross stockist information:

Phone: 01582 422793 to find your nearest stockist
Website: www.cross.com where you can buy online!
Store: Bluewater

CELEBRATE THE LONDON RESTAURANT FESTIVAL AT FORTNUM & MASON RESTAURANTS WITH SPECIAL MENUS AND WINE OFFERS
Often referenced as the gastronomic capital of the world, it seems only fitting that London should celebrate all its epicurean talents with the London Restaurant Festival, 8th – 13th October. It seems even more fitting that one of the capital’s oldest establishments, Fortnum & Mason, should be a part of these celebrations.

Whether you’re revisiting a favourite haunt or trying something new at Fortnum & Mason, there are offers to be enjoyed across all five eateries.

Throughout the London Restaurant Festival, all of our restaurants will be offering wine at retail price. No corkage means that you pay at the table what you would pay in the wine department – the perfect opportunity to order that special bottle or try something new. With Rosé Champagne, Billecart-Salmon Selection N.V at just £29.50, Chablis, Louis Michel 2007 at £13.50 and Rioja Crianza at £10.90, it’s simply a case of making decisions!

1707 Wine Bar – 2 course lunch £10
Choose from three mains and three desserts, including the plate of St Danielle Ham and Vanilla Panna Cotta with Marsala Dried Fruits.

The Fountain Restaurant – 2 course dinner £15 / 3 course dinner £22
The choice of starters includes Rabbit Terrine with Fig Chutney & Toasted Brioche and mains include Smoked Haddock and Salmon Fishcakes with Wilted Spinach and Champagne Sauce. Finish off with one of three desserts, perhaps Cinnamon Rice Pudding with Strawberry Jam.

The Parlour – 2 course lunch £10
A choice of three starters and three mains includes Roasted Vegetable and Goats Cheese Panini and a Knickerbocker Glory.

St James’s Restaurant – 2 course lunch £25 / 3 course lunch £32
A selection of dishes to choose from including a starter of Game & Pistachio Terrine wit Toasted Sour Dough, Poached Brill with Native Oysters & Spinach for main and the St James’s Cheese Plate for dessert.

The Gallery – The Big Roast, Sunday 11th October – 2 course £22.50
Enjoy a slow roasted shoulder of lamb followed by Plum Crumble with Vanilla Bean Custard or Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese with Quince Jelly.
Reservations: 0845 602 5694 Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, London, W1A 1ER
http://www.fortnumandmason.com/

LA DOLCE EATER - BEST OF ITALIAN FOOD AND WINE AT HARVEY NICHOLS SHOWCASING THE BEST OF ITALIAN FOOD AND WINE
Italy is renowned for bringing some of the best loved dishes to Britain. With a passion for food inherent in their culture, the Italians’ use of often simple ingredients which are rich in flavour means that their cooking ranks as one of the most accessible, healthy and popular choices for amateur cooks and foodies alike. To highlight our admiration for all things Italian, Harvey Nichols will be hosting an Italian celebration, La Dolce Eater at all Foodmarkets, Wine Shops and Restaurants nationwide during October 2009. Customers will have the opportunity to attend store tastings and themed events as well as enjoying special menus.

NEW PRODUCTS
New products in the Harvey Nichols range include Rocket and Lemon Pesto, Sun dried tomato puree, a range of bruschetta toppings and Borlotti baked beans among others.
Staple favourites from the current collection will also be part of the in store tastings, including the Harvey Nichols Baci di Dama ladies kisses biscuits and the Harvey Nichols Soft Amaretti, specially produced in heart of the Ligurian region.

IN STORE EVENTS AND TASTINGS
Throughout the month, various Italian suppliers such as Amedei Tuscan chocolates, Baratti Milano and Guidetti Olive Oil will be conducting tastings in every Harvey Nichols Foodmarket. For more information please contact your local Foodmarket. The Italian Ladies’ Olive Oils, on tasting throughout the month in each Harvey Nichols Foodmarket As part of the Dolce Eater celebration, The Oil Merchant, who supplies us with many fine Italian products, has collected together a range of estate bottled olive oils. Rather than just covering every producing region in Italy, they have however concentrated on quality oils representing regional styles, and all produced by ladies, which will be on tasting throughout the month in every Harvey Nichols Foodmarket.

Italian Themed Market, Second Floor Manchester Saturday 10 October, from 12 noon – 4pm A chance to meet some of our fantastic suppliers such as Antonio from Guidetti and Paolo Arrigo from Franchi seeds who wrote From Seed to Plate. Tastings from Amedei Tuscan chocolates will also be available. Free entry. For more information please contact the Restaurant reception at 0161 828 8898.

Italian Themed Market, Fourth Floor Foodmarket Edinburgh Wednesday 14 October, 6:30pm – 8:30pm A chance to meet suppliers and witness chef demonstrations about how to get the most of your ingredients. Tickets are £10 per person. For bookings and details please contact the Foodmarket on 0131 524 8322.

Paolo Arrigo Book Signing, Fourth Floor Foodmarket Edinburgh Saturday 17 October, 12 noon – 3pm An exciting opportunity to meet the author of From Seed to Plate Paolo Arrigo who will be demonstrating the Franchi Seed range. For details please call the Foodmarket on 0131 524 8322.

Olive Oil Event Fifth Floor Cafe? Knightsbridge Wednesday 28 October, 7pm With the exclusive opportunity to meet some of the finest Italian olive oil producers and Harvey Nichols pesto producer, and to taste some superb balsamic vinegars, this evening is hosted in conjunction with The Oil Merchant, who will be celebrating their 25 years as one of the UKs leading oil importers. It is a must for all italiophiles. Tickets are priced at £29.95 and the event will include tastings of authentic Italian oils and vinegar as well as a three course dinner and a glass of Prosecco on arrival. For bookings and details please contact the Restaurant Reception on 0207 235 5250.

AN ITALIAN OASIS IN THE HEART OF WESTMINSTER QUIRINALE LAUNCHES ITS SATURDAY TASTING MENU

Quirinale, an elegant and understated restaurant, is just two minutes walk from the Houses of Parliament. Appropriately named after Rome’s seventh hill and presidential palace, Quirinale is well-loved by local residents and business people for its fresh take on regional Italian cooking. The light, airy space, designed by David Collins, offers a stylish atmosphere for a business lunch or evening occasion with friends as the party season approaches.

Due to popular demand, Quirinale is now open on Saturday nights. Critically acclaimed Head Chef Stefano Savio’s menu is renowned for showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients, and to the classic menu he adds a five course tasting menu with matching wines, available on Saturdays only, which launches this Saturday, September 26th 2009.

A sample menu might include:
Timbale of crab with broccoli & Taggiasche olives
Fontina cheese Casoncelli with black summer truffle
Fillet of scottish beef with wild mushrooms
Selection of Italian farmhouse cheeses
Citrus fruit salad with Campari sorbet

The wine list is an oenophile’s delight; overseen by Valentina Cassandro, it focuses mainly on Italian wines and is divided by region. Suggestions for the menu above might be:

Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Extra Dry - Canevel
Haberle Pinot Bianco 2006 - Alois Lageder

Terlaner Classico 2007 - Cantina Terlano
Rosso Conero 2004 - Fattoria San Lorenzo
I Capitelli 2005 - Anselmi

The price for the tasting menu, including the five wines, will be £70 per person, a The price for the tasting menu, including the five wines, will be £70 per person, and is the perfect opportunity to enjoy Brescia-born Stefano Savio’s flair and imaginative dishes in a relaxed environment – the perfect weekend treat for locals and visitors alike.

Quirinale, owned by Nadine Gourgey, has gone from strength to strength since opening in 2002. The exceptional food and wine and discreet but charming staff have ensured consistently splendid reviews over the last seven years. A private catering service, Quirinale a Casa, was also launched recently.

Opening hours:
Monday – Friday
Lunch: 12.00 – 14.30
Dinner: 18.00 – 22.30
Saturday
Dinner: 18.00 – 22.30
1 Great Peter Street
London
SW1P 3LL
Telephone: 020 7222 7080

ENJOY A SPANISH FIESTA AT ORTEGA
Summer may be over but Ortega, with restaurants in London and Milton Keynes, is banishing the post-holiday blues with a new menu celebrating the best in Spanish cuisine.

From today, the restaurants will be serving up an even wider choice of tapas and paella dishes, as well as a mouth-watering selection of grill dishes and tempting desserts. -STOP PRESS-due to logistical issues out of our control, the launch of Ortega's new menu and Rioja Festival has now unfortunately been postponed to October, please check with the restaurant for availablity.

And for those who enjoy a tipple or two, Ortega will also be hosting a Rioja Festival throughout the autumn, inviting diners to taste match variations of the Spanish wines with a variety of tapas dishes.

Visitors during Ortega’s Rioja Festival can enjoy a tasting the restaurant’s Rioja selection with matching tapas dishes specially selected to help enhance the flavour of each wine. A tasting of six wines from the Rioja selection, paired with six specially selected tapas dishes, along with bread and olives will be available for £15 per person from today.

Capturing all the flavour and feeling of a typically Spanish bar and cantina, Ortega provides the perfect atmosphere in which diners can eat, drink and fiesta to the sounds of salsa and flamenco.

Paella is an Ortega speciality – and perfect for sharing. Cooked in traditional Valencian style, opt for the traditional seafood-spectacular - Pescado, featuring mussels, salmons, prawns and dory. Alternatively, try the mouth-watering meat-free Vegetariana, filled with fresh peppers and field mushrooms

There’s never been a bigger selection of tapas on the menu – from Pollo con Champinones – chicken and mushrooms in a cream, garlic and white wine sauce, to Croquetas de Queso Manchego – melted Manchego cheese croquettes with orange blossom honey – you’ll be spoilt for choice.

For more information visit http://www.ortegatapas.co.uk

ESTÉE LAUDER INTRODUCES NEW ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR SYNCHRONIZED RECOVERY COMPLEX
In 1982, Estée Lauder was the first cosmetics company to bring night-time repair to the anti-ageing category by introducing a product that revolutionized the way women thought about their skin and cared for it. Today, Estée Lauder’s pivotal research in genetic ageing has provided a new discovery and technology that will again revolutionize night-time repair.

New Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex provides optimised night-time repair to skin’s appearance using revolutionary Chronolux™ Technology to support the natural synchronization of skin’s repair processes. Additionally, a new patented technology encapsulating Alkyl Guanine Transferase (AGT) helps repair the appearance of damage from smoke and pollution, in particular toxins and chemicals, putting this new serum at the forefront of repairing the look of damage from all known major environmental assaults. Skin cells that are working optimally maximise repair functioning at night through a symphony of precisely timed repair responses based on the body’s natural circadian cycle. The sequencing and timing of these responses is so critically important that they are synchronized by a specific family of genes called clock genes.

Until recently, it was thought all cellular synchronization occurred through one “master clock.” New research now shows that each skin cell contains its own clock genes which help each cell maximise its own DNA repair. With age and repeated exposure to environmental stresses, these clock genes can become out of sync, causing cellular repair and protective process to slow down, thus compromising DNA repair.

Use Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex every night to help repair the appearance of past damage. The presence of anti-oxidants helps prevent future damage to skin’s appearance. Apply a few drops of serum evenly onto cleansed skin every night. Follow with moisturiser as needed by your skin type. Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex 30ml rrp £36.00 / €50.00

NEUTROGENA® WAVE™… NEW NEUTROGENA® BLACKHEAD ELIMINATING PADS.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND A BLACKHEAD
Blackheads are a common skin complaint, in both young and mature skin. But now, Neutrogena® has introduced a way to help eliminate these imperfections. Make way for a new bathroom accessory to accompany your revolutionary Neutrogena® Wave™… new Neutrogena® Blackhead Eliminating Pads.
THE TECHNOLOGY BEHIND THE PADS
Neutrogena® Wave™ together with the Neutrogena® Wave™ Blackhead Eliminating Pads are clinically proven to act in three ways, resulting in an exceptional deep clean that reveals softer, smoother and clearer skin:

Gentle vibrating motion stimulates skin’s surface to help unclog pores.
Tingly foam, enriched with blackhead fighting ingredient salicylic acid, cleanses deep down into pores and helps eliminate blackheads from first use.
The beaded pads gently exfoliate skin to sweep away dead skin cells and refine skin texture.
Neutrogena® Wave™
Blackhead Eliminating Pads
30 pads £5.99
Find out more about the Neutrogena® Wave™ by visiting www.neutrogena.co.uk

TREAT YOUR FEET AT FREE YOGA EVENT 30 SEPTEMBER, COVENT GARDEN PIAZZA
Ever felt that your feet don’t get the TLC they deserve? If so, then the Teva® Mush ‘Treat Your Feet’ event in Covent Garden will be right up your street. On Wednesday 30 September the first 90 people to pre-book their places will win a free Quantum® Yoga class with world-renowned yoga instructor Lara Baumann, and receive a complimentary pair of Teva Mush flip flops.

Teva, the footwear brand committed to innovation in outdoor lifestyle, is launching its first ever free yoga event in London’s Covent Garden to celebrate the ‘yoga state of mind’ of its Mush style of flip flops. The soles are made from a similar material to yoga mats which moulds to the shape of your foot, resulting in an extremely comfortable flip flop that, as soon as you slip it on, evokes the same sense of relaxation as achieved through yoga.

On Wednesday 30 September three al fresco yoga classes will be led by famous Yogi Lara Baumann. Teaching her unique form of Quantum yoga, Lara will run mixed ability classes which promise to inspire and relax experienced and novice yoga enthusiasts alike. There will also be a chill-out zone where yoga participants and passing shoppers can receive complimentary foot massages courtesy of the London College of Beauty Therapy, to help them get into the ‘Mush state of mind’. Vouchers offering a 20% discount on Teva Mush from Covent Garden outdoor sports retailer Ellis Brigham will also be handed out in the Piazza throughout the day.

The Teva one-hour yoga sessions are free of charge and will run at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 6.30pm. Each class is limited to 30 spaces and attendees must pre-book on a first-come, first-served basis by emailing their name, contact details and shoe size to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . All participants will receive a complimentary pair of Teva Mush flip flops.

The ‘Treat Your Feet’ event is the perfect opportunity to take some time out for your tootsies and reawaken the yogi within. Go on, invite your feet along!
www.teva.com
www.ellis-brigham.com
www.larayoga.com
www.lcbt.co.uk

MOLTON BROWN MEN

Molton Brown have just launched a new extended range for men. The first Molton Brown range for men launched in 1990 to offer urban males a complete body care and grooming solution. 19 years later, combining old favourites with brand new product developments and concepts – the range will continue to be results-driven and committed to delivering quality.

Men’s grooming habits have evolved considerably in the last few years and performance is paramount. Molton Brown has listened to its customers and produced this modern, sleek results-driven range in response to a demand for a variety of choice and improved grooming experience. Men spend more time and are savvy in their grooming and shopping habits – this launch answers these men.

Iconic old friends; re-charge black pepper and bracing silverbirch take new shapes in the form of shave oils and eau de toilettes, and join a wider collection including a facial scrub and body bars.

Experience is believing; for the ultimate shave; the new re-charge black pepper shave oil uses key actives; Amazonian gymestra sylvestra leaf, which softens hairs and helps prolong time needed between shaves. Blackseed, grapeseed, raspberry and plum oils give great razor glide, moisturise the skin and offer anti-oxidant benefits.

The new exfoliating re-charge black pepper bodyscrub bar adds serious spice to bathing. Packed with cracked black peppercorn and Madagascan black pepper oil, circulation is boosted with massaging which warms the skin and re-energises the body.

The range of ingredients are taken from ancient cultures and mixed with modern technology, the fusion delivers the excellence that Molton Brown strives to achieve.

Molton Brown’s wealth of knowledge, gained from listening to their customers coupled with the brands grooming expertise, is central to the new collection and the ongoing promise to bring results-driven products to the discerning male.

The new men’s range is now available from all UK emporia or at www.moltonbrown.co.uk

THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN AS ENERGETIC BABY ALIENS – THE WOTSWOTS – PREPARE TO LAND AT ZSL LONDON ZOO, TUESDAY 29 SEPTEMBER!

But what’s a WotWot you may be asking?

From the creative minds of the Academy Award winning Weta Workshop, the hit preschool TV show celebrates the joy of learning and discovery as it follows the adventures of adorable baby aliens - DottyWot and SpottyWot - as they explore planet earth.

To help celebrate the UK success and the launch of the new toy range, Hasbro and Weta Workshops are inviting parents and children to come to a special WotWots event between 1pm – 3pm on Tuesday 29 September.

Roam the zoo - just like SpottyWot and DottyWot do – meet the characters and the creator Martin Baynton from the celebrated Weta Workshop; watch a screening, meet the talented Milkshake! presenters and enjoy a craft workshop, treasure hunt and face-painting – not to mention lots of Hasbro goodies including the brand new (not in the stores yet) DottyWot and SpottyWot Zoomalong toys!

All WotWot activities and goodies are FREE with the purchase of a day-pass to London Zoo. All WotWot events will take place in the Mappin Pavillion. To find out more about a day-pass cost to ZSL London Zoo please visit http://www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo/

For more information on the WotWots visit http://www.wotwots.com or to browse the new toy range visit http://www.hasbro.com/en_GB/

The WotWots will be available from all good retailers from October 2009.

HOTELLY.COM SET TO REVOLUTIONISE PRICE COMPARISON

New travel comparison site will search for best value holidays by price and customer rating
Hotelly.com, a ground-breaking, new price comparison site, has recently launched into the UK market. Never has it been easier to find the right holiday first time as the innovative site is the first to offer consumers ‘best value’ holidays by price and user reviews simultaneously. The true comparison site already has over 10 million user reviews, videos, maps and hotel brochures in one place, making it quick and simple to find your dream seven-night, beach holiday or just that perfect hotel.

Unlike some other price comparison sites where prices are subject to change throughout the booking process, Hotelly.com shows the user the final booking price from the outset, allowing for a quick and confident decision.

What’s more, if you’d rather plan your great escape by getting a trusted second opinion, Hotelly.com gives you the option to book over the phone with an experienced travel agent. The cutting-edge site has gone a step further and ensures its partner travel agents are ranked through user reviews to ensure consistency and quality. Users can even watch videos of the agent as well as read more about that particular company. This personal touch helps reassure the consumer that they’re being supported by industry professionals who have the time to find the best deal for everyone.

“Hotelly.com has been designed completely with the consumer in mind at every stage. It’s essentially a one-stop shop that is not only easy to use but is a trusted source through its straightforward pricing and exceptional content,” said Vishal Jain, Commercial Director for Hotelly.com. “It’s the first site of its kind that truly empowers the consumer and values their opinion over traditional benchmarks such as star ratings.”

Hotelly.com is a finalist in the upcoming Travolution http://www.travolution.co.uk/ Awards that will be announced on September 29.

MAKE TIME FOR TEA WITH HAND PICKED HOTELS

- The quintessentially British afternoon tea is more popular than ever at Hand Picked Hotels – and now for a limited time you can experience Hand Picked Hotel’s afternoon tea for two for £20 -
According to a recent survey around 20 million people will choose to holiday in the UK this year*. With the rise in popularity of the staycation, holidaymakers are opting for a more traditional getaway and rediscovering the delights that the British countryside has to offer and finding ways to spoil themselves during their stay.

Following on the trend this year for all things British, Hand Picked Hotels have seen a dramatic increase in visitors requesting traditional afternoon tea. Figures for all the hotels have more than doubled in 2009 since last year with a staggering 25,000 refreshing afternoon teas served so far already this year. The collection of 17 luxury country house hotels, situated across the UK provide the perfect base from which to enjoy this great British tradition, spend the afternoon relaxing whilst surrounded by the most beautiful countryside.

Buxted Park Hotel, set in East Sussex, is a member of The Tea Guild. Guests can expect the highest standards of service as well as a range of teas, including recommendations on how each should be served to create the perfect brew. Enjoy this fine tradition in the grand drawing room of this historic country house. Set in 312 acres of private grounds and parkland, Buxted Park Hotel is a quintessentially British getaway.

Or enjoy tea for two at Chilston Park Hotel, and spend a relaxing afternoon at this charming 17th Century, Grade 1 listed country house in Kent. Spend an afternoon relaxing in this country house hotel and enjoy the delights of fine afternoon tea surrounded by lush countryside in this haven of relaxation and hospitality.

Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa in Nantwich, Cheshire is also offering a signature afternoon tea entitled Cheshire’s Finest Afternoon Tea. A truly sumptuous experience, the tea includes Cheshire cheese sandwiches, smoked salmon and cucumber oatcakes and savory Cheshire cheese scones, accompanied by Manchester Tart, Soul Cake and Rookery Hall’s renowned cheesecake.

For a truly indulgent experience, have tea after a relaxing spa treatment at Norton House Hotel & Spa, a stunning country house in Ingliston, Edinburgh. The Afternoon Tea offer includes full use of the spa facilities at the hotel after 2pm so your choice of traditional afternoon tea can be enjoyed after treatments including a 25mins back, neck and shoulder massage for two. Robes, towels and slippers are included.

A traditional Hand Picked Hotels afternoon tea includes freshly prepared finger sandwiches, freshly baked warm scones and a selection of homemade cakes. All are served with your choice of fresh tea, including Assam, Earl Grey, Peppermint, Green, Darjeeling, decaffeinated and of course traditional English blend. For those who want to enjoy extra special treat, you can add a glass of Champagne for an afternoon with added sparkle, or why not sample Woodlands Park’s afternoon tea with summer favourite Pimms and lemonade, garnished with cucumber?

To encourage even more people to experience the delights of afternoon tea, a selection of Hand Picked Hotels are offering a special 2-for £20 traditional afternoon tea midweek from Mondays – Fridays. For more information on this offer go to handpickedhotels.co.uk/afternoontea. Terms and conditions apply.


To book contact 0845 458 0905 or visit http://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk.

WINTER BREAKS IN CORNWALL

Following this summer’s increase in domestic tourism, it looks like the ‘staycation’ is here to stay through the autumn and into winter. Cornwall will be top of the list for many families, groups and couples when choosing the destination of their ‘staycation’ winter break.

With sandy beaches, surfing and water sports, dramatic coastline, gardens, moorland, golf courses, cosy pubs and world-renowned restaurants, Cornwall is the ideal destination for a winter break.

Silver Horse Glade at Cornwall’s Crealy Great Adventure Park already reports increased bookings on last year, with a particular surge on bookings for 2010. Located between Pastow, Wadebridge and Newquay, Silver Horse Glade is unique in offering 5 star accommodation perfectly positioned, adjacent to one of Cornwall’s most popular visitor attractions.

In addition to this unique position , Cornwall’s Crealy are also offering guests the opportunity to care for a miniature pony during their stay and enjoy discounts at a range of hand-selected restaurants, spas and golf courses renowned for their quality and high standards. The 5 star Silver Horse Glade includes 2 luxury farmhouses each sleeping up to 12 people, with new packages created to appeal to couples and groups of friends, rather than their usual family market.

David Wright, one of the family owners of Cornwall’s Crealy said, “We are offering a unique opportunity for groups of friends to get together and get away from it all. Silver Horse Glade during the winter months is the perfect venue for secluded romance or for adventures with friends. A short drive to coast, fishing village, town and moorland, everything is right on or doorstep. Although perfect for families during the summer months, we have adapted our offer to appeal to adult groups looking for luxurious breaks for spa retreats, golf weekends or activities such as surfing or mountain biking.”

Silver Horse Glade has some availability over the winter months and is offering extra value seasonal specials for a limited period.
http://www.crealy.co.uk

TOP OF THE PORTS: VENICE TOPS POLL AS CRUISE FANS’ FAVOURITE PORT IN THE WORLD

- Liverpool and Southampton share the “top of the port” honours in the UK

The romantic Italian port of Venice is revealed as the cruise fans’ favourite port in the world, according to a new YouGov survey, published today (21 September 2009) to mark the launch of National Cruise Week (20 – 27 September 2009). With a record 1.5million Britons now taking a cruise each year, we are disembarking at an ever wider reach of ports around the globe, from Antigua to Wellington.

With thousands of ports to choose from, Venice was voted top port by 5% of all those who have cruised, narrowly beating the vibrant Spanish port of Barcelona (4%) into second place. With a total of 15% of those that have cruised citing Mediterranean ports as favourite, it is clear us Brits still rate Mediterranean destinations well above ports in other parts of the world.Caribbean ports were the next favourite among those who have taken a cruise (4%), with the port of Road Town on the island of Tortola (British Virgin Islands) mentioned ahead of ports like St John’s, Antigua, and Bridgetown, Barbados. In America, the Brits’ favourite port is Miami - their largest cruise port – with Vancouver taking the top spot in Canada.

Cruise goers’ favourite river port emerged as Luxor on the Nile, with our own Port of London on the Thames coming second, but otherwise respondents named their favourite rivers ahead of the actual ports rivers, citing the Yangtze in China and the Douro in Portugal. Liverpool and Southampton vied for top spot when it came to British sea ports, with the same number of votes as for Sydney and Stockholm.

Stunning port scenery and local port excursions were equally cited as the most important feature of a cruise port (53%), closely followed by its natural location (52%). Nearly four out of ten (39%) thought that local culture was most important, with the ports’ regional food and drink offering next at 25%. One in five (20%) said that meeting the local people was the top attraction - although this figure rose to 29% among male respondents, leading some credence to the “girl in every port” fantasy!

Surprisingly perhaps, shopping in ports (16%) was seen as the least important listed feature, although this rose to 19% among women, and was more important to them than meeting the local people.

National Cruise Week runs throughout Britain from 20 to 27 September 2009. Visit your local ACE (Association of Cruise Experts) travel agent for the latest deals and offers. For further news and information about National Cruise Week 2009 please visit www.discovercruises.co.uk

(All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2034 adults with fieldwork undertaken between 8-10 September, 2009. The survey was carried out online, and figures were weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged over 18).)

OCTOBER HALF TERM OFFER! - 10% OFF AIRPORT HOTEL FAMILY ROOMS WITH AIRPORT PARKING AND HOTELS –
With airport hotels being cheaper than ever before, Airport Parking and Hotels (http://www.aph.com/) is helping families travelling over the October school half term get their holidays off to a relaxing start, by offering a further 10% discount on all participating UK airport hotels. This offer is available through http://www.aph.com/hoteloffer for all bookings made before the 2nd November 2009.

Examples of savings on airport hotels include:
A family room at the Britannia Airport Manchester South Hotel – only £37.80 saving 10%
Situated close to Manchester Airport, the hotel offers a selection of family rooms and offers two free children meals when dining with two paying adults.

A family room at the Ramada Hotel, London Gatwick – only £49.50 saving 10%
The hotel is located only 10 minutes from London Gatwick. Guests can order exclusive breakfast costing £7.50 per adult and £3.75 per child (up to 12 years). A full in-room media package is also available for APH guests at only £9.99 discounted from £19.99.

A family room at the Novotel, Birmingham Airport – only £67.86 saving 10%
Located just a short walk from the terminal, the hotel offers a selection of family rooms and free transfers to the airport.

Airport Parking and Hotels Ltd has over 20 years' experience as a retailer of pre-booked airport parking and travel extras. It offers parking at 24 UK airports, ports and Eurotunnel terminals plus airport hotels packaged with parking, airport lounges, travel insurance, car hire and holiday taxis.

For further information visit http://www.aph.com/ or call 01342 859515.
(Cost of hotel rooms is based on travel during UK October 2009 half term)

TRIVIA TOURS, CRAZY COMPETITIONS, SPOOKY FOOD AND A HALLOWEEN PARTY AT FRANKIE’S!

KEEP THE KIDS ENTERTAINED THIS HALF TERM AT CHELSEA FC.
Chelsea FC is offering parents a helping hand this autumn half term with the launch of a series of activities to keep children entertained during the holidays. Starting on Monday 26 October a fantastic new Trivia Tour, the return of the much loved Stamford the Lion tour, a spooky menu at Frankie’s restaurant and a Halloween costume party will all be on offer at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s new Trivia Tours will keep children happy for an hour this half term as they get to walk in their heroes’ footsteps, visit the home and away teams’ dressing rooms, the press room, the tunnel to the pitch, the dug-out and the hallowed museum as well as be in with a chance of winning a signed shirt.

During the tour fans will get the chance to answer a series of trivia questions relating to Chelsea FC. If they can successfully complete the questions, which have been designed for 7-11 year olds, they will receive a certificate along with a Chelsea gift and will be entered into a prize draw for a signed home shirt.

The hugely popular Stamford the Lion tours will also be making a comeback with Chelsea’s hugely popular club mascot giving kids behind the scenes tours.

The above tours will run Monday 26th to Friday 30th of October at 12.30pm and will cost £15.

Frankie’s, the family friendly Italian restaurant at Stamford Bridge, will be running a special ‘spooky’ menu from Monday 26th to celebrate Halloween. Menu highlights include vampire’s pumpkin soup and bloody beef carpaccio for starters, along with coffin pizza and spirit of chocolate mousse. There are four or more choices at every course, and the food is horrifyingly scrumptious.

On Saturday 31st October, Frankie’s will transform into a haunted chamber filled with child witches, wizards and goblins and parental skeletons and zombies. Dress up and join the fun with a meal from Frankie’s terribly tasty Halloween menu and enjoy sweets, movies and prizes for the best dressed. It promises to be a fun – and only slightly scary – evening for the whole family.

More details on these and any other tour packages can be found by logging onto http://www.chelseafc.com/tours or by calling 0871 984 1955.

Frankie’s Sports Bar and Grill is at Stamford Bridge, Fulham Road, SW6 1HS. http://www.chelseafc.com/frankies

The number to book Frankie’s is: 0207 957 8298.

CHEESE LOVERS FEAST ON SIX COURSE BRITISH CHEESE MENU

Chelsea restaurant Papillon has teamed up with leading cheese shop, La Cave á Fromage to create a six course cheese feast in honour of British Cheese Week.

Papillon Head Chef Tom Hempstead has worked closely with La Cave á Fromage’s resident fromagier, Todd Bridge, to design a cheese lover’s dream menu of six dishes, all centred around British cheeses.

Todd Bridge, fromagier and general manager at La Cave á Fromage, said: “Gone are the days when the only recognised British cheese was Cheddar or Stilton. We are constantly visiting farms the breadth of the country to uncover new gems, such as the Barkham Blue, which is made by a woman in Berkshire who started out draining the curds in her bathroom – two years later she was All British Champion.”

Tom Hempstead, Head Chef, Papillon, said: “While my kitchen training is classically French, there are so many beautiful cheeses to celebrate from around the British Isles that often get overlooked. The menu we have created takes people on a tour of our country’s finest, from Lincolnshire Poacher to Berkshire’s Barkham via Surrey’s Isle of Avalon.

The menu, which costs £48 per head, will be available throughout British Cheese Week (26 September – 4 October).

Leek and Lincolnshire Poacher soup
Lincolnshire Poacher is made from unpasteurised cow’s milk cheese in the Lincolnshire Wolds
The taste lies somewhere between French Comte and traditional west country cheddar

***
Caramelized pear and Barkham blue cheese
Endive salad and walnut oil
The Barkham Blue is an award winning cheese made from the milk of Guernsey and Jersey cows

***
Gratin of smoked haddock with Isle of Avalon
Dijon mustard glaze
Isle of Avalon is a washed rind cheese from James Aldridge’s farm in Godstone, Surrey
using French milk imported and processed in southern England

***
Fillet of Angus beef with Stilton 'la cave' cheese sauce
Potato rosti and green beans
Stilton 'La Cave' is specially selected cheese from Quenby Hall
***
Selection of British cheeses with walnut and raisin bread

***
Warm pancake with cream cheese, raisin, rum and citrus filling
served with vanilla ice cream
Cerney cheese is produced in Cirencester; it is a very young,
soft and creamy cheese with floral and citrus flavours

Tom Hempstead, concluded: “British Cheese Week marks the start of an ongoing relationship between Papillon and La Cave á Fromage. We will be working with the team to create amazing, rare cheese boards and hosting cheese and wine evenings for our customers.”

To reserve a table for the British Cheese Week menu, please call Papillon’s reception team on 020 7225 2555

www.papillonchelsea.co.uk
www.la-cave.co.uk

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