GET ROASTING WITH CAFÉDIRECT

- First ever live TasteFair event to run from 21st February - 1st March 2009

To celebrate the art of coffee growing, Cafédirect, one of the biggest names in Fairtrade, is staging the first ever TasteFair – nine days of eco-lifestyle events to stimulate the senses during Fairtrade Fortnight at Whole Foods Market, Kensington High Street, London.

TasteFair will run from the 21st February – 1st March and will feature an impressive line-up of some of the UK’s best-known ‘eco’ celebrities and experts including Wayne Hemmingway and Oliver Heath. There will also be food tastings, music evenings, story time readings, coffee classes and a specially created photographic exhibition tracing the incredible journey of coffee. Daily ‘seed to cup’ sessions will be available for coffee lovers and novices alike to learn about the coffee-making process, giving them the unique opportunity to hand-roast and taste coffee beans direct from Kilimanjaro under the expert supervision of Amen Mtui, coffee cupper from Tanzania.

The full programme of exciting TasteFair events is available at www.tastefair.co.uk and highlights include:

Meet the Experts
Saturday 21st February at 3.00pm: What’s cooking at River Cottage? Tim Maddams, Head Chef at River Cottage Canteen. One of the UK’s most successful chefs, Tim Maddam, will kick-off TasteFair with a special session on seasonal food – what’s in season now and how best to prepare it. Tim will provide a selection of seasonal tasting samples from River Cottage Canteen in Devon, and advise on how to become attuned to the seasons and where your food comes from, both in your shopping and your cooking. He will also talk about his passion for food and first-hand experience working as a professional chef.

Tuesday 24th February at 7.00pm: Style or sustainability? Wayne Hemmingway, Designer and co-founder of Red or Dead.Wayne discusses the future of the design industry in these testing times. How does environmental design respond to the current economic landscape – is it possible to achieve ‘eco design’ on a budget? Do tastes change when the economy changes? What ‘looks’ should we invest in now, and what lessons do we need to learn? Find out the answers to all these questions and hear some of Wayne’s experiences working on the front line of sustainable and affordable housing delivery and more from his wide business and design interests.

Wednesday 25th February at 7.00pm: Screening of Black Gold hosted by producer and film-maker Nick Francis. In a time when everyone is more conscious about ethical and environmental issues, Black Gold opens your eyes to the coffee trade and guarantees you’ll never look at your latte or cappuccino in the same way again. The film follows the journey of Tadesse Meskela, General Manager of the Oromia Coffee Farmers Co-operative in Ethiopia, as he travels around the world to find buyers willing to pay a fair price for his coffee.

Saturday 28th February at 3.00pm: ‘Eco-Chic’ with Oliver Heath, Interior Designer and Architect. Oliver Heath shares his passion for eco-interiors – looking at how to create beautifully designed low-impact homes using a balance of technology, nature and vintage. He will focus specifically on why vintage items are important in reducing our environmental impact and how they can add character and personality to the home, investigating a number of creative ideas and demonstrating how to make over a piece of furniture, bringing it back to life for today’s homes.

Sunday 1st March at 2.00pm: Growing your own food with Joe Swift, BBC Gardeners World. Joe Swift takes you through a year on his allotment with tips and advice on organic gardening methods and companion planting. Joe will show how to grow your own fruit and veg as well as a revisiting the past with a look at heritage varieties.

Cafédirect Story Time at Elevenses
Looking to entertain your kids while relaxing with your favourite cuppa? TasteFair will feature regular story time events with well-known children’s authors, giving mums and dads the chance to sit back and enjoy a delicious cup of quality Cafédirect coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Highlights from the Story Time events programme include:

Monday 23rd February at 11.00am: Learn to sign with Olli the Monkey and author Garry Slack. Come along and meet Garry Slack, sign language expert and author of the critically acclaimed books, 'Learn to Sign with Olli' and 'Learn to Sign and Cook with Olli'. Garry and Olli the Monkey will host an interactive and easy sign language session for children using rhymes and songs.

Tuesday 24th February at 11.00am: Get your dancing shoes on: elevenses story time with Ruth Symes, author of ‘Harriet Dancing’. Bring along your tiny tots and hear children’ s author Ruth Symes (with the help of Harriet and her friends) read the story of 'Harriet Dancing' - the hedgehog who wanted to dance with everyone. Ruth and Harriet will also lead a workshop in making colourful butterfly finger-puppets and butterfly dancing.

All Cafédirect Story Time events are free; email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to reserve your place. Tickets for the Meet the Experts sessions cost just £5 in advance, and can be purchased online at www.tastefair.co.uk. Proceeds from these ticket sales will go towards helping the Coocafé coffee co-operative and its growers in Costa Rica rebuild their business as they recently suffered severe damage to their crops following a major earthquake in January this year. Cafédirect is providing support to the Coocafé co-operative and other co-operative businesses around the world through its unique Producer Partnership Programme.

To find out more about Coocafé click here: www.cafedirect.co.uk/coocafe

Space at all the events is limited so book now to avoid disappointment. Visit www.tastefair.co.uk.

THE COMPETITION THAT SPAWNED THE FAMOUS DUST MATE VACUUM SHOES AND THE FLAT SHARE FRIDGE IS LAUNCHING ITS 2009 CALL FOR ENTRIES

The Electrolux Design Lab 2009 global design competition invites undergraduate and graduate industrial design students around the world to submit their innovative home appliance ideas for the next 90 years, deadline May 31.

A limited number of finalists will be invited to participate in the final event in London September 24, 2009, to present their entries to a jury of high-level designers and experts. The jury will review the entries based on intuitive design, innovation and consumer insight and then select a winner.

The Design Lab 2009 has a First Prize of 5,000 Euro and a six-month paid internship at one of the Electrolux global design centers. The second prize is 3,000 Euro and third prize 2,000 Euro.
Entry deadline is May 31, 2009. Students may enter one entry via the Design Lab website at www.electrolux.com/design.

BRITISH ICONS HARVEYS® AND PPQ JOIN FORCES FOR LONDON FASHION WEEK 2009

Harveys, the classic sherry house has signed an exclusive deal with irreverently chic fashion label PPQ to be its official drinks sponsor at London Fashion Week 2009. Debuting next month, the partnership will span two seasons and includes official sponsorship of PPQ’s after show party.

In homage to Alice’s Wonderland, PPQ has produced an exclusive Harveys design which will feature throughout the after show party, most notably across the bars serving a selection of avant-garde sherry cocktails, including a bespoke PPQ signature cocktail created especially by Harveys’ mixologist Dan Wilks, whose previous clients include high profile celebrities such as Kate Moss, Kylie Minogue and Madonna.

Synonymous with London’s coolest dressers, PPQ has forged a reputation for creating chic, covetable clothes. For years, seen as the best kept secret of the fashion and music scene, PPQ have silently attracted a chorus of style savvy icons and critically acclaimed artists such as Sofia Coppola, Rihanna, Kirsten Dunst, Agyness Deyn, Daisy Lowe, Lily Allen, Alexa Chung, and Peaches and Pixie Geldof. PPQ consistently sets the bar as one of London’s most exciting labels, and is the label of choice for London’s most discerning style icons. Their quirky designs have become wardrobe staples for the trendsetters of our generation.

Harveys is the UK’s number one selling sherry and a pioneer of the recent sherry revival, which has put the once retro drink firmly back in vogue. Harveys’ collaboration with leading fashion house PPQ perfectly unites the brands’ shared classic-meets-contemporary style - and promises that sherry will be the tipple for all the fashion conscious in the ‘09 season.

Says Amy Molyneaux/Percy Parker: “We are excited to be working with Harveys, a quintessentially British icon. Together we are able to give a refreshing twist on the classic, bringing retro chic back to the forefront - and to celebrate with another great after show party!”

HELP CHANGE LIVES WITH A CHEESY NIGHT IN! SOMERFIELD’S WINE AND CHEESE PARTY FOR MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT

If 2009 is the year of ‘staying in’ then perhaps now is the time to recreate the sizzle of the seventies fondue nights and join Somerfield’s first ever Wine and Cheese Party for Macmillan Cancer Support, which takes place between the 28 January and 10 February. With a promotion on selected wines and cheeses raising money for Macmillan and tips on wine and cheese matching, it’s a great excuse to have a cheesy night in and help people affected by cancer.

Macmillan will receive at least 50p from each bottle of wine and a minimum of £1.50 from the cheese pack, which will go directly to helping to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. The wines on offer include the lively and aromatic Cono Sur Viognier 2008 and the Cono Sur Pinot Noir 2008 with hints of smoke and spiciness (both priced £6.99). The carefully selected Four Cheese Pack (£5.99), which includes the Bleu d’ Auvergne and White Stilton with Apricots, is sure to get your taste buds buzzing.

To raise even more money for Macmillan, why not host your own wine and cheese party? All you have to do is pick a date in the first two weeks of February, choose your location, invite some friends, and ask for a donation from each guest! See information in store for more tips on how to make your party a success.

With over two million people living with cancer in the UK, all the money raised by the Wine and Cheese Party will help Somerfield in its commitment to help Macmillan reach everyone affected by cancer by 2010.

For more information about Macmillan Cancer Support, visit www.macmillan.org.uk

CALLING ALL QUIRKY COLLECTORS
Insurer Launches Search for Unusual Stars

Norwich Union is set to get curtains twitching by throwing open the doors to some of the UK’s most weird and wonderful collections as it launches a search for closet collectors to come forwards and star in a new film.
The UK’s largest insurer is seeking images and anecdotes of the country’s quirkiest collections to be uploaded onto www.happysback.com, the best will feature in a short online movie celebrating eccentric collectors.

And to ensure the best entrants have extra cash in their wallets to pursue their passion, Norwich Union, soon to be Aviva, is giving the five winners £500 each. It is also offering free contents insurance to all new customers when they buy buildings insurance. *

So if you’re mad about memorabilia, crazy about comics or barmy about beer mats this is the competition for you!

Angela Rippon, one of the best known faces and voices in British broadcasting has been enlisted to champion the search for the best Quirky Collectors. She has her own proud collection of seemingly ordinary items made unusual by its scale.

If you were to go down to Angela’s house you’d be in for a big surprise – she’s a collector of Teddy bears. Angela has 26 bears (not all on her bed!); though at one point she had more than 80 of them!

Angela says: "My love of teddy bears started at the age of three when I was given a fifty year-old Teddy by a family friend. He's over a hundred years old now and worn round the edges, but like my love of teddy bears he's still going strong. I've been fortunate to have many teddy bears given to me but sometimes I still find bears I can't resist - or maybe they find me!

"I’m sure there are plenty of people across the UK who've got a collection they cherish as much as me. I'd love to see and hear about what you collect, so upload images of your collections on to the website and let us know how it all started and what it means to you."

Also joining Norwich Union’s search is cricket legend, Michael Vaughan. Not surprisingly Michael’s collection is of the sporting variety. He has an entire room in his home dedicated to his collection of football and cricket memorabilia that he began in1993 – including a prized signed bat from record-breaking cricketer Brian Lara! It all started with a shirt from his first game playing for Yorkshire, the team he still represents today.

“I became obsessed with collecting sporting memorabilia early on in my career and it’s something I’ve built up over the past 16 years. The collection is something of a series of mementos from what has been an amazing journey for me in my career, however I’ve also been adding to it over the years with items from other sports, particularly football – the best one being a shirt from my all time sporting hero – Pele.”

“I’m appearing in a film about people’s cherished collections and we’re looking for members of the public to be part of it. If you have a collection that you’re proud of, upload images on to the website and tell us why you should be included.”

To see pictures of the famous pair and their collections log on to www.happysback.com.

And to enter simply log on to www.happysback.com and upload a picture of you and your collection for your chance to win £500 and star in a short online film with Michael and Angela. Entries close at midnight on Friday February 20th 2009.

“JUST PAY US WHAT YOU THINK IT’S WORTH”

LONDON RESTAURANT TEARS UP THE BILLS FOR ITS CUSTOMERS

A London restaurant is tearing up its bills and asking customers to just pay what they think their food and service is worth.

Peter Ilic, owner of the Little Bay restaurant group, will not present a single food bill to diners at his Farringdon Road restaurant during February.

“It’s entirely up to each customer whether they give £100 or a penny. All I’m asking is they pay me what they think the food and service is worth,” said Peter, who has run restaurants in London for more than 26 years.

Little Bay is renowned for serving fresh, hearty meals at incredibly good prices in its trademark opulent surroundings. The February menu at Little Bay Farringdon includes ingredients which wouldn’t be out of place at Michelin starred establishments including foie gras, smoked salmon, caviar and fillet steak. Customers will also be treated to Little Bay’s famous live opera.

Peter said: “It just seemed the right thing to do with everyone under the cosh and feeling pretty miserable. We have seen so many more City folk coming into the restaurant lately, looking for a better value lunch. We’re well known for serving great food at very competitive prices and this is the ultimate value for money meal.”
“Pay what you think it’s worth” will be available for the whole of February at Little Bay Farringdon. While drinks are not included in the offer, tap water will be freely available. To reserve a table, customers should call 0207 278 1234. Little Bay Farringdon is located at 171 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3AL.

There are four Little Bay restaurants throughout London: Belsize Road, Kilburn NW6; York Road, Battersea SW11; Selsdon Road, Croydon, CR2; and Farringdon Road EC1.

Little Bay restaurants are renowned for their unique, extravagant, Bohemian and relaxed style.

www.littlebay.co.uk

BRACE ‘THE BIG CHILL’ WITH FULTON’S INGENIOUS ‘BIRDCAGE’

Brave the upcoming snowstorms with the ‘Birdcage’; Fulton’s ingenious umbrella that allows you to see out and a complete view of this year’s winter wonderland. Trusted by three generations of the Royal family the Fulton Birdcage offers more than enough protection.

The ‘Birdcage’ is designed as a classic walking umbrella tailored to fit any fashionistas fancy. Opt for a clear cover with a bold border in - fuchsia pink, classic black, snowy white or shimmery shades of gold and silver (RRP £12). To stand out in a storm choose prints that surround the cover - quintessential Cath Kidston (RRP£22), iconic Lulu Guinness (RRP £22) or Fulton’s photographic Rose (RRP £20).

The original dome shape spares you the shame of the inverted, blown out brolly and gives head to shoulders protection. Don’t let the snow steal your thunder – storm the streets in style with the ‘Birdcage’.

Fulton Umbrellas come in a range of designs and can be found at John Lewis, House of Fraser, and all good retailers. For further stockist details please call 020 7510 8500.

***EXCLUSIVE LAUNCH OFFER***
5* INTERCONTINENTAL LUXURY FROM JUST €99
For a limited time only, the brand new InterContinental La Torre Golf Resort, Murcia is offering a unique opportunity to experience five-star luxury for just €99. Situated in the beautiful South East corner of Spain, a region that enjoys over 300 days of sunshine every year, this luxury hotel is the perfect place to relax, unwind and enjoy the Spanish sun.

Featuring 133 luxury rooms each with a balcony or terrace and spectacular views across the golf course to the mountains beyond, the hotel offers guests a contemporary and elegant lakeside retreat perfect for business or pleasure.

For just €99 (per room, per night) you can be one of the first to experience this much-anticipated hotel, set in the heart of Polaris World’s La Torre Golf Resort.

Enjoy a round of golf on La Torre Best Golf, the 18-hole par 68 Jack Nicklaus designed championship course, take advantage of complimentary access to the hotel’s 24-hour fitness zone, heated indoor pool, sauna and steam room, or indulge yourself with a luxury spa treatment in one of the six relaxing spa treatment rooms.

A wide variety of restaurants and bars guarantee that all tastes and appetites are well and truly catered for. The Gingko Club Asiatic Restaurant specialising in Japanese dishes and a delicious selection of oriental discovery menus offers spectacular lakeside views and a large terrace for outdoor dining.

For gourmet tapas bursting with the flavours of the Mediterranean, La Vinoteca is the perfect choice and also incorporates the hotel’s elegant wine and cocktail bar. Or, for those not wanting to leave the Spanish sunshine for even a second, Al Fresco, a delightful poolside bar and grille serves light meals and snacks - ideal for sun worshipers!

Surrounded by a diverse landscape offering numerous outdoor activities, in an area rich in culture and history, the hotel is also just a short car journey away from the ancient towns of Cartagena, with its impressive Roman Theatre, historic port and maritime heritage and Murcia, famous for its baroque cathedral, narrow streets and distinctive Spanish boutiques.

The area is also home to the Nicklaus Golf Trail, a circuit that when completed will incorporate nine outstanding golf courses created by Nicklaus Design all within a 20km radius. At present four courses are fully operational – La Torre Best Golf, 18-hole par 68; El Valle Best Golf, 18-hole par 71; Hacienda Riquelme Best Golf, 18-hole par 72 and Mar Menor Best Golf, 9-hole (currently being extended to 18) par 36.

For more information or to book call 00 34 968 041 840 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Offer Terms & Conditions:
• Offer available until 31 March 2009.
• Offer cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions.
• Accommodation subject to availability.

Please Note
All information is supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Please check with individual organizations for the latest information about all events, products, or news items. Always take advice before making any financial investments. Care should be taken with the use of every beauty product particularly if you have any allergies, or sensitive skin. Always read the labels on products. Inclusion in a news item does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site.