Two Old Ducks Hit The Canadian Rockies by Jan Speedie & Margaret Graham

Posted on July 8, 2015 by Margaret Graham

It seemed like a good idea at the time, but was it? As all things do, it began with just one question: ‘Where shall we go to celebrate this sort of birthday?’

We met at primary school when we were nine, a million years ago, and both had one of those birthdays this year. We decided on the Rockies, by train. Would we go it alone, or with a company? We decided on Great Train Journeys. Dr Diffey was in charge of us, a former headmaster, which caused some palpitations as detentions were a feature of Margaret’s school days. He was far from the usual model, a real legend.

We landed at Calgary at the beginning of June, imagining Calgary to be a small rodeo town, but it’s thriving and huge. We set off by coach across the prairies, heading for Banff, in the Rockies.

We saw the Rockies from a great distance, and why not, they’re huge. We were lucky and arrived in a heatwave. Normally there is a British amount of rain and the mountains can be hidden, but we had a full frontal view at all times.

Feeling a little travelled out we hit Banff, toddling into the Caribou Hotel with our luggage. Margaret was smug because she had stuffed her clothes into something little bigger than a weekend case. Jan was just a small step up.

Then a quick look round in the clean clear air of the mountains. Banff is a tourist town, but why not? A perfect centre, with restaurants, shops, and lots of activities on offer. The next morning, Keith Diffey gathered us up, assuring us that it wasn’t like herding cats, but not sure we believed him. We clambered on board a converted school bus, and headed for Bow River where we were to – no, not white water raft, but just raft for an hour.

Another glorious day it was, as we were ‘oared’ rather than rowed along this most shallow of rivers. It has very few fish, as there isn’t enough to sustain more than the odd trout. The same could be said for the land either side. We saw the occasional caribou, but no bears, which we had rather expected. We passed weather eroded rocks.

And stopped to see the golden willow, which the First Nation Indians would use for headaches. Much as we use aspirin for ours, though willow is common to both medications.

We reached a gently sloping bank, and there was the bus, waiting to return us to Banff. As Margaret reached terra firma, she began to feel dreadful. Travel sickness? Onto the bus we went, Margaret with her voluminous handbag as always – thank heavens. (much like Tinky Winky the teletubby) As we travelled, she upchucked into the only receptacle, the handbag, of course, or rather the scarf lying on the top. A memorable moment for in the vicinity .

Jan spent a delightful afternoon dawdling along the river bank at Banff – alone. Margaret did not see the light of day for a good 24 hours, wondering quite where the high temperature had come from. There is, you will be thrilled to hear, no illustration of these events, especially not a selfie.

She did not emerge for the trip to Lake Louise, but instead managed to get into Banff and gave a chemist the option of shooting or medicating her. He gave her antibiotics, and anti-this, and anti-that, which got her upright and so the odyssey continued. More later.

https://www.greatrail.com/

The GŎNG At Shangri-La Hotel At The Shard Hosts Johnnie Walker Blue Label City Edition Cocktails…

Posted on July 1, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL, the leading luxury Blended Scotch Whisky, has launched two stunning City Edition bottles, celebrating the spirit of the UK’s most iconic cities: London and Edinburgh.

The intricately-designed limited editions and their striking presentation boxes take the viewer on a journey through the streets of London and Edinburgh, featuring the unique architecture and attractions that make up the cities’ distinctive city skylines.

Only 4,000 of these exquisitely-designed bottles have been created, with each individually hand-numbered to create a must-have gift for whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Cities Collection, which is a series of whiskies from this popular Scotch brand that has engraved on it a cityscape from different regions of the world, is back after its Dubai bottling earlier this year with two new releases. This time around appearing on the bottles are two different cities from the United Kingdom.

The first offering, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label London Edition, features a design on it which includes iconic landmarks of the UK’s capital such as Big Ben, the Gherkin, Nelson’s Column and Tower Bridge. The other new release is the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Edinburgh Edition, and it is set with a design said to pay honor to the Scottish city of the same name. It sports ‘a sweeping, spiral flow from the peak of Edinburgh Castle, including national treasures such as the Scott Monument and the Duke of Wellington alongside the city’s cobbled streets and walls’.

Limited to just 4,000 bottles, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label London and Edinburgh City Editions, noted officials from spirits giant Diageo, are now available in the United Kingdom for around £200 ($315 USD). Available from June, the City Edition bottles are the first to be released outside of travel retail where the new Cities Collection was introduced in February with a bottle depicting Dubai. The previous Skyline Collection in travel retail featured cities such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Mumbai, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Auckland.

Costing not much more than the standard Johnnie Walker Blue Label, the new City Edition bottles come in bespoke gift boxes with more illustrations of their respective cities. Edinburgh’s depicts Scotland’s national symbol, the thistle, and attractions such as The Balmoral Hotel and Arthur’s Seat, while London’s packaging shows famous icons including St Paul’s Cathedral.

To celebrate the launch of these exclusive limited editions, Johnnie Walker Blue Label has partnered with GŎNG at Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London and Scotch at The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh, two of the most iconic landmarks featured within the limited-edition designs, to create to exclusive cocktail serves.

To mark the launch of the Johnnie Walker Blue Label City Edition bottles, the ‘Eagle Eye’ and ‘Famously Edinburgh’ cocktails were created to celebrate the best of these extraordinary cities with the remarkable smoothness of Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

‘Eagle Eye’, created by Christian Maspes at GŎNG at Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London explains “Known for their intently watchful, sharp and supreme sight across some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, the eyes of an eagle are estimated to be up to eight times stronger than that of a human’s. The idea of such skill and precision – the same qualities Johnnie Walker apply when creating their rarest blend of whiskies – together with GŎNG’s unrivalled views over London were the inspiration behind the ‘Eagle Eye’, a specially created cocktail to mark the launch of Johnnie Walker Blue Label’s limited City Edition bottle, celebrating London’s iconic skyline.”

45ml Johnnie Walker Blue Label

2-3 dashes Abbott’s Bitters

15ml Barolo Chinato

Homemade strawberry and peppercorn shrub

Garnished with blue ‘Johnnie Walker Striding Man walking stick’ meringue

The ‘Eagle Eye’ is currently available, priced at £17.00, with an ‘on-the-rocks’ version also available upon request.

‘Famously Edinburgh’, created by Fraser Robson, Whisky Ambassador at Scotch, the Whisky Bar at The Balmoral Hotel commented “The inspiration behind the Famously Edinburgh cocktail came from my experience of the City and all that it is known and loved for. I thought about what was famous in the City and how that relates to local people, what they famously enjoy doing and where. Whisky and tea are ingrained in every great Scot. Johnnie Walker is the world’s most famous whisky and here, at the Balmoral, situated at Edinburgh’s most famous address, guests visit for the finest cup of tea in town. These three pillars gave me the basis of my creation. Starting with a double measure of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, I look at how I could incorporate the tea. Edinburgh locals tend to have a sweet tooth so I added a tea-infused sugar syrup as a nod to that Edinburgh tradition. I was careful to ensure that Johnnie Walker Blue Label was at the forefront of the cocktail and selected some whisky barrel-aged bitters and Fino sherry to heighten those flavours. The City and the people of Edinburgh are renowned for their elegant ways, so there was only one piece of glassware for the occasion – a Champagne coupe.”

50ml Johnnie Walker Blue Label

15ml Famous Edinburgh tea-infused sugar syrup

10ml Fino sherry

2 dashes whisky barrel-aged bitters

Orange zest to spray over the glass

The ‘Famously Edinburgh’ is available at Scotch, the whisky bar at The Balmoral Hotel priced at £42.50.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ7kWpTrtJw

About Johnnie Walker Blue Label Whisky…

JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™ is one of the pinnacle offerings from JOHNNIE WALKER.

Only sublime, rare whiskies at the pinnacle of perfection are used in the blending of JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL, with only 1 in 10,000 casks containing whisky of sufficient character to deliver its remarkably smooth signature taste. Each is hand selected by the JOHNNIE WALKER Master Blender himself, part of an unbroken lineage of Master Blenders stretching back over 190 years – it is an ultimate expression of whisky making today and an remarkable achievement for the modern era.

Presented in individually numbered bottles, it is reminiscent of the 19th century style of whiskies. The Master Blender uses his decades of experience to select some of the rarest casks from the JOHNNIE WALKER reserves for their quality, character and flavour to create the powerful, complex, smooth character of BLUE LABEL.

BLUE LABEL has a mellow, rounded nose, with a dry smokiness (a JOHNNIE WALKER signature flavour) mixing with raisin sweetness. It is best savoured with the palate cleansed and cooled by iced water. One sip reveals a velvety mouth-feel, then an explosion of flavour. At once you’ll discover hazelnuts, honey, rose petals, sherry and oranges. Subsequent sips reward you with more hidden secrets like kumquats, wispy aromatic smoke, sandalwood, tobacco, and dark chocolate.

DIAGEO is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s, Windsor and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

The JOHNNIE WALKER and BLUE LABEL words, the Striding Figure device and associated logos are trade marks © John Walker & Sons 2014.

About GŎNG at Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London…

With a dramatic backdrop of unparalleled views, GŎNG, the hotel’s destination bar – and the highest bar in London – brings a new dimension to the city’s social scene. Perfect for sunset cocktails and late-night drinks, the bar offers three lofted areas; a cocktail bar, champagne bar and an infinity pool, for guests to relax and soak in the stunning cityscape.

Uncomplicated and seamless, the bar’s service ensures the ultimate escape from the city’s bustle. Sample one of the delicate, signature cocktails or indulge in rare, vintage champagnes available by the glass.

Please note that GŎNG operates on a walk-in policy basis, however seating is subject to availability at time of arrival. There is a £30 minimum spend policy per person and tables are allocated for two hours.

http://www.gong-shangri-la.com

About Scotch, the Whisky Bar at The Balmoral Hotel…

Presenting Edinburgh’s largest collection of whisky available to the general public, Scotch at The Balmoral Hotel is a chic bar and lounge setting. Enjoy rare vintage drams dating back as far as 1940, accompanied by delicious complementing bar snacks.

With a 400-bottle-strong cellar offered to guests, a luxury stock of blends, malts and vintages are sourced from Speyside, Islay, Campbeltown, the Highlands and the Lowlands. This supreme collection is overseen by Scotch bar’s 3 resident whisky ambassadors, who are always on-hand to advise both novices and connoisseurs.

Scotch whisky bar in Edinburgh also offers a contemporary Scottish food menu, featuring dishes from The Balmoral’s executive chef, Jeff Bland. Knowledgeably-paired nibbles are served as standard with each whisky, with offerings including wild boar salami, and dark Swiss chocolate.

Set within the 5-star Balmoral Hotel, the Scotch bar area is swathed in chocolate-brown leather, mustard velvet and heavy tartan fabrics. Edinburgh Waverley Station is just 2 minutes’ walk away.

reservations.balmoral@roccofortehotels.com

Summer Party At The South Kensington Club…

Posted on June 30, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

The evening of Thursday 25th June saw a host of London influencers and VIP guests, including Adam Garcia, Chelsy Davy, Jack Fox and Tom Parker-Bowles gather together to celebrate summer at The South Kensington Club.

With a dress code of summer chic and tennis whites, attendees enjoyed Pommery Champagne and a selection of sumptuous cocktails and canapés, whilst exploring the recently opened South Kensington Club. Entertainment was provided by Playlister DJ Dan Lywood, whilst guests were also treated to live music from theatrical band, Colomboloco.

On the evening, Coyote Ugly star Adam Garcia was seen speaking with actor Jack Fox, providing advice on how to perfect his accent for his upcoming role, whilst Noelle Reno (having just landed back in London) was seen catching up with Marissa Montgomery who was raving about Wednesday’s Fleetwood Mac concert.

Located in a historic Georgian Music Hall, The South Kensington Club has been designed with its Members every desire in mind – from the cultural and culinary, to the physical and philosophical.

VIP attendees included: Adam Garcia, Jack Fox, Chelsy Davy, Hugo Taylor, Laura Pradelska, Tom Parker-Bowles, Aluna Francis, Jack Freud, Olivia Grant, Natalie Coyle, Henry Conway, Roxie Nafousi, Noelle Reno, Zafar Rushdie, Tom Inskip, Marissa Montgomery, Daniella Helayel Issa, Lohralee & Will Astor, and Linzi & Will Stoppard.

Guests drank Pommery Champagne and were treated to a delicious light menu consisting of artichoke and quinoa salad, olive oil and lemon, salad of goats cheese, tomatoes and mixed seeds, spring vegetables salad, wild salmon in sea salt crust, potato salad and yoghurt sauce, culminating in mango and vanilla ice cream.

About The South Kensington Club…

Situated in the vibrant heart of South Kensington, nestled between Hyde Park and London’s best-known museums, The South Kensington Club provides an unrivalled lifestyle offering for body and soul. Located in a historic Georgian Music Hall, the elegant, unpretentious, homely environment of the South Kensington Club’s interior has been thoughtfully executed to provide a place for reflection, relaxation and respite for its Members. The Club has been designed with its Members every desire in mind; from the cultural and culinary, to the physical and philosophical.

The South Kensington Club, 38-42 Harrington Road, London, SW7

www.southkensingtonclub.com

Kettner’s: Quintessentially British Dining and Drinking in the heart of Soho

Posted on June 29, 2015 by Kesh

Amongst the hustle and bustle of our amazing capital London, lies the iconic Kettner’s. Elegant, glamorous and classy, Kettner’s stands out from the frenzy of the quirky, hip, pop up joints and offers customers everything which is quintessentially British.

Originally opened in 1867 by the Chef of Napolean III, the Grade II listed Georgian building stands proudly in Soho boasting a brasserie, Champagne Bar and eight private functions rooms. If you’re looking for somewhere with a little history and old school glamour look no further. As well as the cocktail menu being rather impressive with a host of Champagne Cocktails, they have a clientele list to match. So if you’re looking to dine somewhere up to the standards of Oscar Wilde, Agatha Christie and Bing Crosby look no further.

There really is an enchanting feeling when you walk through the door of Kettner’s. It’s everything that’s glamorous, traditional and old school without feeling stuffy and pretentious and with a price list that doesn’t leave you feeling bankrupt after a cocktail, this is the perfect place to come and admire the stunning decor, have afternoon tea or indeed enjoy a date here.

Kettner’s can be found

29 ROMILLY ST. SOHO,
LONDON W1D 5HP

And So To Bath Part 2

Posted on June 23, 2015 by Jane Cable

In her second article about the city, author and Frost contributor Jane Cable dips more than a toe in those famous waters

I can think of very few cities whose names are synonymous with their raison d’etre and Bath certainly tops the list. Since Roman times, and possibly before, that little hot water spring gushing out from the ground a few hundred yards from the river has been responsible for the prosperity and even the very existence of the place.

Bringing the concept right up to date is the Thermae Bath Spa in, most appropriately, Hot Bath Street. From the moment I saw pictures of its stunning architecture and roof top pool the spa was close to the top of my bucket list and as I wanted to experience it to the full I had booked a couple’s massage and visit package some weeks before.

Seeing the queue snaking from the building I was very pleased I had. The website warns that weekends are busy, but later a taxi driver told us that arriving at seven o’clock in the evening for the last two hour session – or first thing in the morning – guarantees a quieter time. Even so the spa was not unpleasantly crowded at any time during our visit.

The massage suite is on the first floor and after changing and putting on our robes and slippers we went upstairs. The treatment rooms are a series of curved pods and the therapists first class. I have rarely known fifty minutes pass more quickly or more blissfully and we floated into the central relaxation area where we were brought herbal tea and plenty of water. Husband was so blissed out he didn’t even pick up one of the array of glossy magazines on offer, just stared dreamily into space.

When we could be bothered to move we went up to the steam rooms on the next floor. The curved pod design continues, and four of them surround a central rain water shower which varies from gentle drizzle to tropical downpour. Each pod has a different scent; lotus flower, ginger, sandalwood or mentholyptus. The last one was incredibly strong and certainly cleared the sinuses but the sandalwood was our favourite.

Then it was up another flight of stairs to the roof top spa pool. Yes, it was busy, but there was plenty of room for everyone and the views over the city and the hills beyond were jaw-droppingly beautiful. We were blessed with sunny weather but even in winter the warm water would keep you cosy. Half the pool is taken up with spa jets and we dabbled here for a while before swimming into calmer waters to relax and people watch, just as the Romans would have done. To our surprise we stayed there for almost an hour but by that stage we were so chilled that time just floated past unnoticed.

We completed our visit with a swim around the indoor thermal pool in the basement and a light meal in the restaurant, which was included in our package. I have to say that we wouldn’t chose to eat there again but on reflection it’s probably best to let spas be spas and restaurants be restaurants. What we will be doing is returning the Thermae Bath Spa for more treatments and to soak and steam ourselves into bliss.

The next morning we got up early to visit the Roman Baths before the coach tours and school trips arrived. It’s a real don’t miss attraction with so much of the original roman architecture on show as well as brilliant background information. You can chose to follow audio guides by Professor Alice Roberts or Bill Bryson, with a separate tour for the kids. But what struck us most of all was how our experience the previous day echoed what has been done in the city for centuries; massage, steam room, thermal baths. Those Romans certainly knew how to live.

And So To Bath | Travel

Posted on June 17, 2015 by Jane Cable

In the first of two articles author and Frost contributor Jane Cable explores the possibilities of a weekend in Bath

Think of a weekend in Bath and what do you think? Georgian elegance – that’s what – and staying at the Bailbrook House Hotel on the edge of the city does not disappoint.

At first the friends we travelled with were nervous about booking a hotel outside the centre but I relish my peace and quiet. And one look at the menu in the Cloisters Restaurant won them over in seconds. All the same I had my fingers firmly crossed as we unloaded the car that the Bailbrook would live up to the reputation of the Handpicked Hotel chain of which it is part.

I need not have worried on that score. The reception area was crowded with new arrivals but we didn’t have to wait – the concierge settled us on a sofa and brought the paperwork to us to complete. Then we were escorted to our rooms in the hotel’s modern wing to find them large and luxurious with every home comfort including a capsule coffee machine and a dinky bottle of milk in the fridge.

Alas, the milk was off. But all this did was provide this marvellous hotel with an opportunity to give us another example of its fabulous customer service. Having telephoned housekeeping I put the kettle back on, more in hope than expectation, but the replacement milk arrived before it had even boiled. Surely the charming lady who delivered it must have been lurking in the corridor for just such an eventuality.

Pre-dinner drinks were served in an elegant drawing room overlooking the grounds. The house champagne was reasonably priced for a hotel at just over £50 a bottle so we treated ourselves and settled back on a comfortable sofa in front of the fireplace to nibble canapés and peruse the menu. Again, at £39, the three course table d’hôte looked like excellent value for money.

Excellent was indeed the word – not just the food, but the service was also spot on. The front of house manager read the mood of our party perfectly and joined in with our banter, the rest of his staff following his lead. With couples enjoying romantic dinners they were warm but discreet.

The food was completely fitting for a 2 Rosette restaurant. To start we variously enjoyed local asparagus with duck egg, gravadlax and a wonderfully light cheese soufflé with a salad of heritage tomatoes and radish. Three of us chose the 21 day aged slow roast fillet of beef and the fourth wished he had. Not that there was anything wrong with his sea bream on crushed purple potatoes, but the beef literally melted in our mouths and was so full of flavour. The only small criticism is that perhaps a few more vegetables wouldn’t have gone amiss.

Despite the lemon posset having sold out, dessert was a triumph when we almost all selected the honeycomb parfait. Husband, of course, headed straight for the cheese and was rewarded with a selection of three generous chunks accompanied by home made chutney.

After a hearty breakfast the next morning we set off into the city and discovered:

Café Lucca in Bartlett Street for coffee on a sunny terrace and amazing salads for lunch.
Sotto Sotto in North Parade for good solid Italian cooking: gets raved about on TripAdvisor but for us was at the better end of average, if fairly priced.
You have to pay to go into The Parade Gardens but there is a fabulous park on the other side of the river, tucked away on the Henrietta Mews side of Great Pulteney Street.
You don’t have to eat at Sally Lunn’s to be able to visit the tiny museum in the basement which shows the different pavement levels of the city through time – fascinating.
If you want to stay central then Three Abbey Green looks to be a great alternative.
If you go to Bath and find somewhere you can park for more than four hours then please let me know.

Blooming Brilliance Pop-Up Bar Creates New Summer Sanctuary In Knightsbridge…

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

BLOOMING BRILLIANCE POP-UP BAR CREATES NEW SUMMER SANCTUARY AT THE RIB ROOM BAR & RESTAURANT

• OPEN DAILY FROM 4PM, 8 JUNE-2 AUGUST
• LAUNCH OF SEVENTEEN BOTANICAL-INSPIRED COCKTAILS & SEASONAL LIGHT CUISINE
• EXCLUSIVE TASTING & SHOWCASE EVENINGS IN JUNE

On 8 June 2015, The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant at Jumeirah Carlton Tower in the heart of London’s Knightsbridge unveiled Blooming Brilliance, its first pop-up seasonal bar, offering an enchanting escape from the heat of summer in the city with a series of innovative botanical cocktails and exclusive tasting evenings.

Creating a direct connection with the manicured splendour of Cadogan Place Gardens, guests will experience a floral journey from the moment they arrive outside the hotel, through the lobby into the restaurant and bar itself. The decoration reflects a summer theme with imaginative planting of botanical herbs, vibrant flowers and citrus shrubs that add an intoxicating fragrance.

Guests may also enjoy sipping al fresco in The Rib Room’s outdoor terrace.

As part of this seasonal spectacle, Saverio Vicari, the Rib Room’s Head Mixologist has devised a specially crafted menu offering seventeen cocktails with a botanical twist.

The menu will incorporate classic English favourites, plus some contemporary concoctions featuring summer staples of Bombay Sapphire Gin and Grey Goose vodka, with some refreshing non-alcoholic choices as an option.

Just some of the botanical cocktails to launch will include; the thirst-quenching Jack and Shrub – a horticultural concoction of Gentleman Jack Bourbon, Amaro Lucano and strawberry shrub with dashes of lemon juice and Peychaud bitters, sweetened with sugar and served in a copper mug decorated with mint and strawberry.

Inspired by the fragrant herb, the Basil Sour is a heady mix of Beluga vodka, lemon juice and ginger syrup complemented with a teaspoon of basil olive oil. Lavender Cutie offers a non-alcoholic summer bouquet of blueberry purée mixed with equal measures of lavender syrup and lemon juice, topped up with soda water and garnished with blueberry on a stick of lavender.

For the cocktail aficionado, Blooming Brilliance will host a series of showcase evenings including; a Sipsmith Gin experience on the 18th June, Cocktail Creations on the 25th June, and on the 2nd July a summer botanical food demonstration for £30.00 per person.

Michele Caggianese, Manager of The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant said: “Blooming Brilliance creates a casual ambience for enjoying carefree summer evenings in the heart of Knightsbridge – whatever the Great British weather. Our imaginative drinks menu, savoury treats and experiences promise to refresh and reinvigorate, and restore seasonal bloom.”

Blooming Brilliance at The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant opens daily from 4pm, 8 June to 2 August. Visit theribroom.co.uk or call 020 7858 7250.

About The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant…
The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant is located on the ground floor of Jumeirah Carlton Tower, in the heart of London’s Knightsbridge. Awarded three AA Rosettes for culinary and service excellence, The Rib Room Bar is an intimate destination for drinks and bar cuisine, bringing together expert mixologists and contemporary design to evoke a chic ambience of indulgence. Located on the corner of Sloane Street and Cadogan Gardens, The Rib Room Bar serves a superb selection of world wines and cocktails – including Cocktail of the Month, and premium gins and bespoke bitters. The al fresco terrace offers a cocktail menu and a cigar menu. See: theribroom.co.uk

About Jumeirah Carlton Tower…

A beacon of British style and sophistication, Jumeirah Carlton Tower is a renowned five star hotel in London, located in the heart of the city’s central area.

Located on Sloane Street, the hub of Knightsbridge, this luxury hotel is one of the best hotels in London and boasts 216 guest rooms including 58 suites. These include the exclusive Royal Suite, offering superb views of the London skyline and spacious Executive Suites, ideal for business travellers.

Home to one of London’s most exclusive health clubs, The Peak Health Club and Spa, you can enjoy a relaxing spa treatment or invigorating workout in the gym. Combined with award-winning restaurants and elegant bars, Jumeirah Carlton Tower is the ideal destination for your next London city break.

Key attractions close to Jumeirah Carlton Tower include Hyde Park, and the city’s finest luxury shopping at Sloane Street’s boutiques and Harrods and Harvey Nichols are within easy walking distance.

See: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/london/jumeirah-carlton-tower

Just for Bread – Sailing Adventures by Manda Bear

Posted on June 5, 2015 by Margaret Graham

We were at anchor, under canvas, (not a tent, but our sailing boat). It was 4am in the morning and the mosquitoes were on the attack, so discretion being the better part of valour, we gave in and sailed 20 miles to a area called Cap Bear ( good name I thought) We went into a harbour and anchored outside a town called Port Vendres in Spain just to get some supplies and bread for lunch.

After making sure the anchor was settled Dave, Arthur and Adria took the dingy with the outboard engine, and left Lorenzo and myself on the boat listening to music and tidying, After about 15 minutes a small snorkeling vessel came over with a group of people on it, yelling that I needed to leave this area as a big cargo ship was coming into harbour.

‘Where am I supposed to go without my Captain and crew? I’ve never moved her on my own,’ I shouted back, panic stirring.

‘Move it over towards the beach area just for a while.’ It seemed simple but I could see there were rocks under the water there. However, there was nothing else to do but pull up the anchor on my own, fire up the engine, and carefully edge towards the shore.

Lady Bear helped me, by moving gently and like a dream. I radioed my partner, Dave, but the connection wasn’t good.

‘Return to Lady Bear, need you,’ Short and sweet and to the point, I thought.

The man in charge of the snorkeling vessel stayed by for a few minutes because of the underwater rocks. And I watched him leave, with regret.

There Lorenzo, my eldest son, and I stayed, but as time went by there was still no sign of our dinghy with the others on board. Where was he? Then I got a garbled radio message from the harbour master saying ‘Dinghy engine is broken down’.

It was at that point a huge cargo ship came through the small harbour entrance, shadowing and dwarfing our boat. Lorenzo, my son and I were beyond scared. It was then I saw Dave with the others, bobbing about on our tiny dingy with no engine in the path of this huge vessel.

I could do nothing as I had my hands full continuing to keep the Lady Bear clear of the rocks. But in the nick of time our guardian angel, the snorkelling vessel returned. Within minutes he had set up a tow, and at last our family was together again, on board, and the Lady Bear was in Dave’s safe hands. Many lessons learned, we decided as our thanks followed the snorkelling skipper as he went on to no doubt help someone else.

‘Is it always this exciting getting bread?’ our friend Adria asked.

Well. That was just one of the complications and adventures we experienced while we sailed on our small 37ft classic wooden hillyard boat.

For several years we have spend long periods on her and she has been good to us. Arthur, our youngest son, was only five years old when we travelled all the way to Turkey to buy the vessel, before sailing her back to Italy where we live in Le Marche. Lorenzo our eldest was seven years old then, and even though he is totally blind from birth, took to her really well and she helped his confidence enormously.

Together we have all experienced amazing events. We’ve had an engine falling off into a busy harbour, we have rescued other sailors during storms, as well as surviving them ourselves. We have met wonderful people, but also thieves who stole vital possessions. Next time I would love to tell you how we actually bought the vessel in Turkey, which involved Dave diving into the water to rescue – well, what? I’ll tell you next time.

But don’t forget, that there are of course, the most wonderful quiet and peaceful times.

http://casacasali6.weebly.com

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