Belfast City Guide

Posted on September 12, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

If you have never been to Belfast before and are planning to go then you will be in for a treat…

Belfast Facts

A thriving city which always has something going on: Belfast is the largest city in Northern Ireland.

Belfast may be a small city but it is big on excitement.

There is a population of only 286,000 in the city of Belfast but what it lacks in size and population it more than makes up for in history, events and fun things to do.

First Thoughts on Belfast

Your first impressions of the city is just how beautiful it is. The accent of the resident will also leave an impression. The Irish accent is know to be beautiful and lyrical, as is the friendliness of the Irish people.

Then there will be so much stuff to do that you won’t know where to start.

If you are a Game of Thrones fan then you are certainly in for a treat as the hit fantasy TV show is filmed in Belfast and the rest of Ireland.

You can take a tour of Titanic Studios in Belfast where it is filmed. You can also take a Game of Thrones location tour and get a picture of yourself sitting on the throne.

For something else that will also inspire a high amount of awe you might want to go for some real-life history and see the Titanic Belfast. Titanic Belfast is the largest Titanic visitor experience in the world. It is situated right beside the real historical site where the world’s most famous doomed ship was constructed. The 6-floor building will also have all of the information you could ever need to know about the Titanic, from her construction to the very tragic end.

Because there is so much to do in Belfast and you will be surprised at just how amazing the city is, the best thing to do is to sort out your accommodation first. Find a good hotel from Hotel Direct before you leave so you can just relax and enjoy the rest of your visit. After you have dropped your stuff off the first thing you should do is grab a guinness. A trip to Ireland is not fully complete until you have tried this famous beverage.

Whats happening in Belfast?

There are also a number of festivals that happen in Belfast throughout the year.

Check ahead before you leave and you won’t miss out.

Festivals range from Red Bull Music Weekend, Sound of Belfast and the Belfast Restaurant Week.

You can take your pick depending on when you visit but there is usually at least a few great festivals or events running in the city. Catch some live music and you might hear the next big thing. A lot of famous artist have come our of Northern Ireland like Snow Patrol, Ash, Van Morrison, Therapy?, The Divine Comedy and The Undertones.

What about food?

You will also have a good choice when it comes to eating out.

There is a substantial amount of good restaurants in Belfast. Try and have a traditional dish like Irish Stew, Colcannon (a traditional Irish dish which generally consists of mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage) or soda bread.

Family fun

There is also plenty of things to do for families. The Belfast Zoo is a good place to start and the W5 interactive science museum will have hours of educational fun to entertain you and your children. For the more sporty and energetic there is the T13 Urban Sports Academy.

Here there is a good range of exciting and sporty things to do: BMX, skateboarding, kick scooter, break dancing, urban art and DJing. Rather handy, the T13 Urban Sports Academy is opposite the Titanic Belfast. So you can catch both star attractions on the same day if you have time.

All in all, Belfast is a wonderful place to visit, not only will it make a good first impression on you, but it will also leave a good lasting one, with wonderful memories and an urge to go back again and again. What are you waiting for?

Langshott Manor Review | Travel

Posted on September 11, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

After our recent marriage my new husband and I spent a wonderful bank holiday weekend at Langshott Manor which we booked via http://secretescapes.com. It was a truly wonderful 16th-century Elizabethan manor house in Surrey. We got a good rate and it included breakfast and a five-course tasting menu.

This is what http://secretescapes.com said:

A 16th-century Elizabethan manor house, complete with red brick walls, casement windows and an ancient moat, Langshott Manor is a real boutique gem. Set within three acres of secret garden near Horley in the heart of sleepy Surrey, you’re just an hour’s drive from the Big Smoke. Slip on your Hunter wellies and get ready for a decidedly stylish country retreat.

The refurbished Mulberry Restaurant is full of nooks and crannies to hide away in. Packed with original features, it has a cosy fireplace and views out across the pristine gardens. The menu is both refined and hearty, with plenty of home-grown produce and local ingredients.

Good to know

Please note that check-in is at 4pm ad check-out is at 11am.

The restaurant’s dress code is smart-casual, which excludes trainers, sportswear and ripped denim.

We like

The quirky original features in this grand 16th century Elizabethan manor house

The re-invented Mulberry Restaurant where you can have fabulous gourmet dishes and afternoon tea

Walking through the grounds to discover the ancient moat and beyond, tranquil countryside

We were very impressed with the food, the service and our room. The grounds were beautiful and relaxing. Ducks played in a pond and even came right up to the restaurant. They were completely adorable. Our room had a four poster bed, a hall and a beautiful bathroom. The food truly is first-class, as good as anything in the best restaurants in London.

We had a wonderful time. Upon checking out we noticed the service charges were quite a lot but, to be fair, the service is impeccable. The papers are not free and will be added to your bill. The nearest train station is Horley. You could take a taxi to the manor house and it won’t cost much. It is also possible to walk as long as you have a good sense of direction or GPS on your phone.

My husband and I have become quite obsessed with http://secretescapes.com since we booked out mini moon and are already working on our next trip.

Postman’s Park by Margaret Graham

Posted on September 8, 2014 by Margaret Graham

There I was, slouching about in London with ‘he who must be disobeyed’ in search of the Postman’s Park. Have you been? If not, nip along. It’s almost next door to the Museum of London. It’ll pull at your heartstrings.

Postman’s Park is on the site of the former HQ of the General Post Office, and is one of the largest parks in the City of London. It is tucked away almost next to the Museum of London, at St Martin’s le Grand, EC1A.Tube: St Paul’s.
Buses: 4, 8, 25, 56, 100, 172, 242

When you see the blue old police box, just turn into the gates. The Postman’s Park opened in 1880 on the site of the former churchyard and burial ground of St. Botolph’s Aldersgate.

As you enter you will see ahead of you, and beyond the circular flowerbed, a loggia and long wall. It is this you must head for, past the headstones, past office workers eating their lunch, past the circular bed, lovely though it is.

Your goal is Victorian painter and sculptor George Frederick Watt’s wall of ceramic memorial tables honouring the self sacrifice of ordinary people.

In 1900 Watt’s felt driven to create this memorial, determined that acts of bravery performed by ordinary people should be commemorated.

Only four of the memorial tablets were in place at the time of its opening, with a further nine tablets added during Watts’s lifetime.

Watts’s wife, Mary, took over the project after Watts’s death in 1904, and oversaw the installation of a further 35 memorial tablets as well as a sculpture of her husband.

Later, increasingly pre-occupied with the Watts Gallery, which still features her husband’s work at Compton, near Guildford, she ceased involvement, and only five further tablets were added during her lifetime.

In 1972, key elements of the park were designated Grade 11 listed. Following the 2004 film Closer, which set some key scenes within Postman’s Park, interest was stirred again. Recently, a free mobile app, The Everyday Heroes of Postman’s Park was launched which documents those commemorated on the memorial. New tablets are still being added. Mary and George would have been delighted.

I remember the plaque I came across in the West Australian bush, when researching a novel for Heinemann. The plaque commemorated a young girl who lay across her siblings when a bush fire raged over them on their way home from school. She died, they survived.

Ordinary people do extraordinary things, not the least being our young troops out on patrol day after day in war zones. It is right and good that we remember every one of these ordinary people. Are you supporting the Invectus Games? I do hope so.

Top Ten Downtonesque Destinations

Posted on August 27, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

To celebrate the return of Downton Abbey, here is the Top Ten Downton Abbey style places to stay. Sigh.

1. Rushton Hall Hotel and Spa: Kettering, Northamptonshire

From £119 / per room per night from Secretescapes.com (saving £61 / per room per night)

The Grade I listed Rushton Hall Hotel and Spa is so grand and packed full of original features that guests could easily imagine they’re living the Downton Abbey dream. The magnificent 16th century building is surrounded by 25 acres of beautiful grounds, with a large lake, croquet lawn and tennis court, making for the perfect country escape. Having been awarded four coveted red stars and three rosettes for dining, the hotel itself features a gourmet restaurant, a full sized billiard table and the Stable Yard Spa – which has its own indoor swimming pool, fitness room and indulgent range of treatments on offer.

Offer includes accommodation in a superior room, full English breakfast and a 10% discount on treatments at the spa and on dinner in the restaurant. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

2. Melville Castle: Edinburgh, Scotland
From £99 / per room per night (saving £66 / per room per night)

Standing within 50 acres of beautiful woodland, Melville Castle is an 18th-century country house hotel just 20 minutes from Edinburgh. With original features, gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape and luxurious rooms, even Lady Violet wouldn’t have much to complain about in this historic four-star castle. Stylishly decorated with traditional touches throughout, guests can throw themselves into the Grantham lifestyle, engaging in countryside activities like clay pigeon shooting, horse riding and falconry.

Offer includes accommodation in a Classic Double room, cooked breakfast, complimentary afternoon tea for two and complimentary late check-out. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

3. Peckforton Castle: Tarporley, Cheshire
From £125 / per room per night (saving £90 / per room per night)

Boasting stunning vistas across the Cheshire plains and a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2014, the dramatic Peckforton Castle combines regal charm with modern luxury to create an exclusive four-star retreat with a real touch of enchantment. With a range of gung-ho country activities like falconry and land rover experiences, guests will feel like Lord and Lady of Manor from the moment they pass through the drawbridge.

Offer includes accommodation in a Classic room, breakfast and two-course dinner in the brasserie and 30% discount on pre-booked spa treatments. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

4. The Ickworth Hotel: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
From £149 / per room per night (saving £86 / per room per night)

The Ickworth Hotel is situated in the grounds of the grand Ickworth stately home, a National Trust property which dates back to the early 1700s and is one of the most unusual and spectacular country mansions in Britain. It’s easy to imagine the Earl of Grantham strolling down the magnificent corridors while the girls take a stroll in the stunning landscaped gardens. Guests can explore the grounds on foot or on the hotel’s bikes and can access the exclusive Italianate gardens out of hours.

Offer includes accommodation in a Standard room, full English breakfast and three-course dinner. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

5. De Vere Slaley Hall Hotel: Hexham, Northumberland
From £109 / per room per night (saving £65 / per room per night)

The serene grounds at De Vere Slalely Hall are just 40 minutes from the centre of Newcastle and offer one of the country’s most spectacular golf settings, featuring green championship fairways and bordered by beautiful woodland. The stately hotel also boasts a wide selection of restaurants and bars, including a stylish brasserie and a cosy whisky snug. There’s also an exclusive spa offering Germaine de Capuccini treatments, as well as a gym and a 20-metre pool, offering guests the ultimate luxury experience.

Offer includes accommodation in a standard room, breakfast and a two-course table d’hote menu dinner per person, a complimentary bottle of wine in the room upon arrival, full use of leisure facilities, 25% discount on any spa treatments booked directly and 20% discount on spa retail products. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

6. Walton Hall: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
From £114 / per unit per night (saving £103 / per room per night)

Constructed as the ancestral home of the Mordaunt family, the 16th-century Walton Hall served for centuries as a high society residence before its recent multi-million pound restoration, which has transformed it into a luxury hotel with 65 acres of parkland. It boasts the two time AA rosette awarded Moncreiffe Restaurant, in addition to a spa and wellness centre, which includes a fitness suite, aerobics studio, indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam room. Walton Hall is the perfect spot for enjoying a leisurely getaway full of countryside walks and provides an excellent base for exploring nearby Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick.

Offer includes accommodation in a premium room, full English breakfast, three-course set menu dinner on first night, a bottle of house wine with dinner, afternoon tea, use of leisure facilities and late check-out until 1pm. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

7. Danesfield House Hotel & Spa: Marlow-On-Thames, Buckinghamshire
From £149 / per room per night (saving £75 / per room per night)

A turreted white country house framed by crisp landscaped gardens, the Danesfield House Hotel & Spa sits pretty in the Buckinghamshire countryside, just a few miles from Marlow and the regal town of Henley-on-Thames. With two restaurants and a multi-award-winning spa, this cool retreat has an indoor pool, a gym and a range of luxury treatments. The restaurant is run by chef Billy Reid, and the Orangery has a gourmet menu to rival Mrs Patmore’s culinary delights, with spectacular views down to the River Thames.

Offer includes accommodation in a Standard room, full English breakfast and 20% off all spa treatments. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

8. Stapleford Park: Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
From £149 / per room per night (saving £62 / per room per night)

It’s easy to imagine the Granthams entertaining at Stapleford Park, one of the finest stately houses in the country. Few hotels could match the aristocratic grandeur of this sprawling Leicestershire pile, with its maze-like gardens, a resident falconer and even a few sheep, making this landmark property the perfect English escape. In addition to its high-ceilinged rooms, open fires and antique furnishings, Stapleford Park boasts a genteel restaurant, a championship 18-hole golf course and a luxurious Clarins Gold Spa, with a heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.

Offer includes accommodation in a manor room, full English breakfast, unlimited access to the spa and leisure facilities, 25% off any spa treatments booked directly with hotel and late checkout. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

9. Ston Easton Park: Ston Easton, Somerset
From £119 / per room per night (saving £107 / per room per night)

A Grade I listed building dating back to the 18th Century, Ston Easton sits quietly on a 36-acre estate in the Mendip Hills, in sleepy Somerset. Classical landscaped gardens feature a crumbling grotto fountain, a historic ice house, romantic Palladian bridges, an original Saloon and a scattering of ancient wells. This is a place designed around indulgence, with spacious, elegant bedrooms, in-room spa treatments and the celebrated Sorrel Restaurant which uses fresh ingredients straight from the Victorian kitchen garden and fine vintage wines.

Offer includes accommodation in a Superior room and full English breakfast. Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

10. De Vere Oulton Hall Hotel: Leeds, West Yorkshire
From £100 / per room per night (saving £79 / per room per night)

De Vere Oulton Hall sits within its own 300-hectare estate, featuring sweeping entrance, high ceilings lit by glass chandeliers, marble floors and landscaped gardens. The dining is AA Rosette awarded and presents a range of dignified spaces, from the gourmet restaurant’s dining room to the champagne bar and the swanky drawing room. Guests may hide away for the day at the spa and indulge in an Espa spa treatment or take a round on the 27-hole golf complex with its own Nike Golf Academy, a practice range and a spectacular setting.

Offer includes two-night stay in a Standard room, breakfast, three-course meal from the set menu in the Claret Jug restaurant on the first night of the stay, full use of leisure facilities, 25% off spa treatments (subject to availability and must be booked at the time of reservation) and 20% off spa retail products (minimum spend of £20). Visit http://www.secretescapes.com or call 0843 22 77 777.

Bottled Water Causes Fire & Other Useful Things Campers Should Know

Posted on August 1, 2014 by Frostie

As the heatwave continues and Pitchup.com reports record levels of daily bookings (averaging around 1,000 per day), the outdoor holiday specialist has revealed six top tips for anyone taking a camping, caravanning or glamping holiday this summer.

Pick a campsite with shade, such as a forest location. US research shows forests can be up to five degrees Celsius cooler due to the shade and evaporation.

If buying a new tent, pick one with a separate groundsheet. This allows air to circulate inside the tent, even when closed, which has a cooling effect.

Take extra freezer blocks: rotate them to keep food and drinks cool. Choose a site with ice pack freezing available.

Pack a fan. A battery-powered fan will provide a great cooling effect, especially if a bowl of ice is placed in front of it – instant air conditioning!

Put a tent over your tent – if pitched in direct sunlight, provide shade or reflectors that will keep the sun’s rays off and the tent cooler.

Be careful with innocent objects that could start a fire if left in direct sunlight. Bottles of water can concentrate the sun’s rays and ignite groundsheets.

Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com, commented: “These are just a few of our top tips for keeping cool – and staying safe – while camping in warm weather. Camping air conditioning units are available but these can prove expensive and require an electric hook-up, so are not ideal for all campers on non-electric pitches.”

“Visitors to our site can search to find the perfect site for hot weather, from forest locations to those near water or sites that offer outdoor swimming pools. This is our busiest time of year and with the mercury still high, we’re getting more visitors to our website every day: daily visits average 60,000 with bookings at around 1,000 per day. Most site owners are well versed in staying safe while camping in summer, so if in doubt always ask for advice on arrival and request a cool and shady spot that gets the least sunshine and perhaps cut back a bit on the booze.”

For more information visit www.pitchup.com. All prices correct at time of writing.

Westfield’s Launch ‘We Are LDN Summer’ Campaign

Posted on July 18, 2014 by Frostie

To celebrate the launch of Westfield’s ‘We Are LDN Summer’ campaign, running 16 July – 31 August, visitors to Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City will be treated to six weeks of London’s best in class of dance, music, art, food, children and fashion themed activity. Each themed week will showcase the capital’s finest free dance workshops, musical performances, art exhibitions, culinary demonstrations, children’s activities and style sessions along with competitions and offers from Westfield’s dining, entertainment and leisure retailers. Whether you’re out for a spot of shopping, enjoying a delicious meal or soaking up the sun, Westfield has all your summer bases covered.

MUSIC WEEK (21 – 27 JULY)

West & East London Talent, Various Stages, Daily

The very best of London musicians, choirs, writers and performers will be showcasing their talents across a variety of stages at Westfield London and Stratford City. The Mayor of London’s annual busking competition will also be taking place during this week so get front row to see the capital’s next big star!

DANCE WEEK (28 JULY – 3 AUGUST)

English National Ballet, 30 July at Westfield London, 31 July Westfield Stratford City 11-4pm

Children can experience the love of dance firsthand with this exciting workshop hosted led by the English National Ballet, featuring the enchanting tales of Coppélia, Swan Lake and Nutcracker.

Big Dance, Westfield London, Mon 28 July, Fri 1 Aug, Sun 3 Aug, 11-5pm

High energy performances and have-a-go workshops from Big Dance at Westfield including street, Brazilian, Jazz and swing.

IMD Legion, Westfield Stratford City, 3 August, 12pm

Check out East London dance crew, IMD Legion as they show off the talent that made them famous on Got To Dance, Nickelodeon, Ashley Banjo’s Street Crew and CBBC Fridays.

ART WEEK (4 – 10 AUGUST)

East vs. West Art, Westfield London, Daily

Curated in associating with Jack Jones of The London Collection, the exhibition brings together a selection of established and emerging artists to promote the cultural richness and diversity that West London has to offer. This exciting collection will feature a mix of contemporary painting, photography and sculpture.

Kids Arts, 6 August Westfield London, 7 August Westfield Stratford City, 11-4pm

Wednesday 6 August is a dedicated kid’s art’s day. Kids are invited to come down grab a painting easel, a beret and a paint brush and hone their skills.

Live Graffiti, Westfield Stratford City, Throughout the day

Check out the week long interactive live graffiti artwork supplied by Graffiti Life. Become part of the daily mural or get your own graffiti name tag giveaway!

FOOD WEEK (11 – 17 AUGUST)

Cooking Demos, Westfield London, Westfield Stratford City, Daily, See website for details

Enjoy free, daily masterclasses with L’atelier des Chef, the leaders in fun, energetic culinary classes.

Kids Cooking Day, Westfield London 13 August, Westfield Stratford City, 14 August, 11-4pm

Kids are invited to try and be the next Jamie Oliver at Kids Cooking Day. Kids can try their hand at making finger sandwiches and pies.

Foodie Festival, Westfield London, 16 – 17 August

Top off a week of gastronomy at Westfield London with a weekend foodie festival. Located in the al-fresco surroundings of The Southern Terrace, retailers and guest vendors will be sharing their tasty treats to shoppers.

KIDS WEEK (18 – 24 AUGUST)

Dinosaur Train, Westfield London: 19 August, 11am, 12noon, 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm,

Westfield Stratford City 20 August, 11am, 12noon, 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm

Beloved Nick Jnr programme, Dinosaur Train, is coming exclusively to Westfield! A UK first, Buddy the tyrannosaurus rex and his adopted pteranodon family will be entertaining their fans. Free wristbands collected from 9am.

My London Girl Lessons, Westfield London, Daily, 12 – 5pm

During kids week, retailer My London Girl will be holding free in-store arts and crafts such as dolly hair braiding, friendship bracelet making and decorating trinket boxes.

Kids Arts & Crafts, Westfield Stratford City, Chestnut Plaza, Daily, 11-5pm

East London themed kids workshops and activities organised by Iced Gems Events, including games, making and decorating bags, jewellery, ceramic plates, clothes, giveaways, competitions, and face paint. Fun for all ages every day!

The Kick Off, Westfield Stratford City, Outside Café Football, 21 August

Think you could do better than US goalie, Tim Howard and the 16 goals he saved? Try your penalty shootout skills with Café Football.

FASHION WEEK (25-31AUGUST)

Style Sessions, Daily, Westfield London, Westfield Stratford City (see website for schedule)

For the forward-thinking fashionista or those after some styling advice, Westfield London will be hosting open style sessions from Westfield’s retailers and team of personal stylists.

PLUS, SAVE THE DATE FOR…

ABBEY CLANCY AT SCHOLL EXPRESS PEDI BEACH

Westfield London, The Atrium, 18 July, 11am

As the official ‘feet’ of Scholl, Abbey Clancy will make her exclusive, star appearance to open the glorious indoor beach on the morning of Friday 18 July

SCHOLL EXPRESS PEDI BEACH

Westfield London, The Atrium, 18 – 19 July, 10am – 7pm; 20 July 12pm – 6pm

The Scholl Express Pedi Beach is set to be the perfect pit-stop for your pre-holiday speedy summer pedicure. Let the Scholl pedicure team tend to your tired soles with a free express pedicure using the Scholl Velvet Smooth range to give you soft, beautiful feet in an instant.

ALEXA CHUNG BOOK SIGNING

Westfield London, The Atrium, 12 August, 12.30pm. Signing for 1.5hours

Fashion’s It girl, Alexa Chung, will be make an appearance to sign her aptly entitled book, It. A collect of writing, doodles and photographs, It has been a huge success with Alexa’s army of fashion and style followers.

BIG HOUSE

Big House, Westfield Stratford City Daily, 11-6pm, Sunday 12-6pm

Daredevil visitors to the Big House can hang from the window ledges by their fingertips with not a care in the world. Well, it will look like you can! The Big House is nothing but an optical illusion. Give it a go and share on social media to trick you friends!

Don’t forget to have your picture taken with the great big WEST and EAST letters to pledge your allegiance to #WestLDN or #EastLDN on social media.

Tanqueray No Ten Launches Citrus Garden Pop Up at Vista’s Rooftop Bar

Posted on July 17, 2014 by Frostie

Event:
Tanqueray No. TEN launches Citrus Garden Pop Up at Vista rooftop bar

Date:
16th July throughout the summer

Time:
12pm to Midnight
Where:
Vista (rooftop bar at The Trafalgar)
Price:
Free
Website:
http://www.thetrafalgar.com/vista-homepage

Launched yesterday, Tanqueray No. TEN has transformed the rooftop back bar at Vista (The Trafalgar) into an exquisite Citrus Garden, creating an oasis of tranquillity among the chaos of the capital.

The Vista bar and its iconic British skyline acts as the perfect setting for this exclusive Citrus Garden. On entering, a citrus archway adorns the secret entrance and through an assortment of botanical grapefruit, lemon and orange trees, the Tanqueray No. TEN garden awaits.

The Pop Up is in celebration of the new bottle design and has taken inspiration from the whole handpicked citrus fruits and botanicals of Tanqueray No. TEN. Intimate cocktail masterclass sessions hosted by Tanqueray brand ambassador, Tim Homewood, will be held in the Citrus Garden every Wednesday evening inviting guests to delve into the rich history of gin, learn about the distinct flavours of Tanqueray No. TEN and the art to creating gin-infused cocktails.

Guests will be greeted and welcomed with one of the ‘Perfect TEN’ cocktails whilst enjoying the Citrus Garden. The masterclass will begin with learning about the history of the British spirit alongside a gin tasting, allowing guests to explore the fascinating array of botanical notes iconic to Tanqueray No. TEN. After this, Tim will demonstrate how to create one of the ‘Perfect TEN’ serves before guiding the class to recreate and enjoy one of their very own TEN bespoke gin-infused cocktails. Guests will be invited to stay and relax on the boutique rooftop to experience the new ‘Perfect TEN’ menu.

Masterclasses cost £15 per person inclusive of 2x ‘Perfect TEN’ cocktails. For more information visit www.thetrafalgar.com/vista-homepage

Tanqueray No. TEN – Perfect TEN cocktails

In celebration of Tanqueray No. TEN and the new bottle launch, World Class finalists have created the following TEN serves all available at Vista and select bars.

1. Nathan O’Neill’s Through the Looking Glass available at Milk & Honey and Dandelyan

2. Nathan O’Neill’s Tiny TEN Collins available at Milk & Honey and Dandelyan

3. Ladislav Piljar’s Finest TEN made upon request at Bam Bou

4. Gareth Evans L’Amuse Goose available at City Social

5. Gareth Evans Madam Camomile available at City Social

6. Tim Homewood’s Perfect T10 Martini available at Aqua Shard, Blind Pig, American Bar, Bar American, Callooh Callay, POLO, The Connaught, Balthazar

7. Monica Berg’s TEN Pollen available at Pollen Street Social

8. Tim Homewood’s Tiny TEN Martini available at Vista only

9. Tim Homewood’s What a lovely Waugh available at Vista only

10. Tim Homewood’s Old Tom Fizz available at Vista only

Live Music In The Oscar Wilde Bar at Hotel Café Royal

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Frostie

Commencing in July, guests in Hotel Café Royal’s exquisite Oscar Wilde Bar can enjoy live music from singer Jessica Sweetman every Tuesday and Wednesday evening from 7pm. Sweetman has played alongside musicians such as Jools Holland, and at events including Benicassim festival in Spain. She will be featured on BBC Radio London at her first session at Hotel Café Royal. The breathtaking Oscar Wilde Bar (formerly the iconic Grill Room) has been stunningly restored to its authentic Louis XVI detailing. The room oozes grandeur and sophistication, offering the perfect place to enjoy the selection of creative cocktails and live music. http://www.hotelcaferoyal.com/

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