Edinburgh apartments named best hotel in the UK

Posted on July 20, 2013 by Frostie

A luxury serviced apartment complex in Edinburgh has been named the best hotel in the UK by the world’s largest online travel agency.

The Knight Residence apart-hotel near Edinburgh Castle is ranked at no. 9 and has the top spot in the UK in Expedia’s 2013 Insider Select list of 650 hotels around the world, drawn up after study of half a million independent guest reviews.

The list “recognises the very best hotels available in Expedia’s global marketplace,” the agency said. “These properties have been identified by customers as consistently delivering superior services, an exceptional guest experience and notable value.”

Only two other hotels in the UK – The Stafford in London and Longueville Manor in St Saviour in Jersey – are included in the leading 50. Others in the top 10 are located in Mexico, Costa Rica, Slovakia, France and India.

The Knight Residence, situated in Lauriston Street, has 28 one, two and three bedroom apartments and has consistently won awards for customer service. Last year it was voted Scotland’s best employer in the hospitality industry.

It is the seventh year in succession that it has featured in the Expedia Insider Select list.

“It’s a remarkable achievement to have been named the best hotel in the UK and a tribute to the consistently high standards we strive to achieve,” said Colin Stone, General Manager of The Knight Residence.

“One factor in our favour is that we offer more space and facilities than even top-of-the-range rooms in a conventional hotel. This is particularly attractive to business travellers and people with young families.”

He added: “Edinburgh itself remains one of the main tourist hotspots and business centres in Europe and we are lucky to have an enviable location right in the heart of the city.”

The House of Peroni Launch Party

Posted on July 14, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

What: OPENING NIGHT AT THE HOUSE OF PERONI
When: 02.07.13 7PM
Where: 41 PORTLAND PLACE, LONDON. W1B 1QH

We had a ball at the opening of The House of Peroni. The music was great, the people were stylish, and the cocktails were different and stunning. They had Peroni beer in them and looked great too. The food was cooked by the Michelin-Starred Costardi Brothers, Christian and Manuel. There risotto was superb (and served in a can, a great touch) and I also loved their pea soup with mozzarella and croutons. The brothers are head chefs at the family-run Michelin-starred Hotel Cinzia in Vercelli. Their grandparents opened the hotel in 1967. Their food went down a treat and everyone was tucking in without any self consciousness as the food was so great. We even bumped into Antonio Carluccio. If he liked the food, it must be pretty good!

There was also great art, a favourite of mine was by Milan based visual artist Carlo Bernardini. The light artist works with optic fibre. His art is below. His use of light and space was amazing and you could not tell where the walls in the room were. Bernardini is an artist of exceptional talent.

We had an amazing night. Visit the The House of Peroni.soon for a great dose of Italian style.

The British Craft Beer Challenge Festival

Posted on July 3, 2013 by Frostie

BRITISH CRAFT BEER CHALLENGE FESTIVAL

THE ULTIMATE CELEBRATION OF THE BEST OF BRITISH BEER

THE CHALLENGE IS ON!

**ROUND TWO – GREAT BRITAIN VS USA**

THIS SATURDAY 6TH JUNE – 12PM – MIDNIGHT

THE BREWHOUSE – LONDON FIELDS

TICKETS: Earlybird beer & food £7 // on the door £9 // beer challenge entry £3

http://britishcraftbeerchallenge.co.uk

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The British Craft Beer Challenge is the ultimate beer test that will bring brews from around the world together in a head to head challenge. The search will be far reaching to all corners of the globe bringing the best beer from around the world to one spot in East London, the culturally vibrant Hackney.

That’s why we will be recruiting all beer lovers, occasional fans and total geeks – to assist in our search at a series of events held at The Brewhouse across the summer of 2013. We’re selling just 500 tickets per day to this event which promises to be a modern celebration about all that is great about contemporary British craft beer.

Unlike other international beer and brewing awards the British Craft Beer Challenge will invite the opinion of the most important beer fanatics of all – you, the everyday drinker – to cast their your on your favourite beer.

In case that is not enough reason to bring the family and friends along each event will see an array of local food producers and musicians ready to provide the perfect accompaniment to a challenging day!

You’re local British brew needs you this Saturday!

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EVENT LISTINGS INFORMATION:

WHAT: The Great British Beer Challenge Festival – GREAT BRITAIN VS USA

WHERE: The Brewhouse – The Railway Arches 369-370 Helmsley Place E8 3SB

WHEN: Saturday 6th June

PRICES: Earlybird beer & food £7 // on the door £9 // beer challenge entry £3

TICKETS & WEBSITE: http://britishcraftbeerchallenge.co.uk

Iberica La Terraza | Restaurant Review

Posted on June 27, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

When Samuel Johnson made his often quoted remark about those who tire of London being tired of life he could have been talking about the restaurants in London. There is every nationality and cuisines in this great city. All of the different boroughs, offer unique and different experiences.

Iberica La Terraza has its own unique experience. A Spanish Tapas bar on a terrace in Cabot Square, in the heart of Canary Wharf. It is near a fountain and is just so beautiful. You almost feel like you are on holiday.

The menu has a great selection of food. Both hot and cold. If you are not in the mood for tapas you can have breakfast, or a salad. The menu offers something for everyone. Here is what we had. Which was a lot.

Half & Half, a selection of cured meat and cheeses: chorizo de pueblo, cecina de leon, Spanish cheese taster,

This was an amazing selection of meat and cheese. Very generous portions. Delicious. Some of the meat was even cured with Rosemary.

Smoked Cod with Roasted Red Peppers Salad.

This salty and smoky salad tasted great. Quite different.

Aubergine, Honey and Pinenuts.

I loved this dish. The aubergine was perfectly cooked with honey and pinenuts on top. The texture and taste was just perfect.

Meatballs with chilindron sauce.

These meatballs are ‘like grandma used to make’. Family food in Spain. The meatballs are pork and beef, with tomatoe, garlic and a hint of chilli. Great, honest food.

Baby squid sandwich.

Delicious for those who love seafood. Also a very generous portion. The bread was great too. The squid was fried and delicious.

Topside veal with roasted vegetable puree.

This was perfectly cooked with a yummy puree.

Tapas

Snow Crab Meat with mayonnaise and trout roe.

Baby Squid with Alioli.

Ensaladilla with tuna, egg, green olives and Piquillo.

Creamed cheese, sun blushed tomatoes, rocket and basil.

Green Asparagus, smoked salmon, quails egg and avruga.

The tapas were AMAZING. Just really good. It is hard to choose a favourite so I won’t. I loved them all. Definitely try a few.

Dessert.

Cream Catalana.

Double cream, cinnamon, vanilla and lemon.

Great puffy dessert. A bit like foam but with more consistency. Is light and tastes amazing.

La Tarta de la abuela. Chocolate, vanilla and biscuit.

Good chocolate tart. The crunch biscuit on top was a great touch. I, of course, also loved the chocolate. The entire mix of this dessert works well together.

To Drink

La Terraza Cocktail

Gin, cranberries and lime.

All of the cocktails are made in house and a lot of thought is put into them.

Agua de Valencia

Cava, vodka, gin and orange juice.

Another classic. The oranges are imported from Valencia to make the cocktail perfect. No shortcuts are taken. The original 1950s recipe was also sourced by Pedro Carvalho. You can taste the attention to detail and love that goes into the cocktails.

Sangria Cava

This amazing drink was packed with delicious juicy fresh fruit and was very refreshing. You could really taste all the different fruit flavours (Orange, strawberry, blackberry and mint) as they marinated into the cool cava. A truly special drink. The only way I can describe is that it was like sipping the sun. I can really do with another one of these right now!

Sangria White

Ditto. Both Sangria drinks were tasty and perfectly suited the mood. They also came in great jug glasses.

Berry Cavarinha

Blackberries, raspberries, lime sugar, chambord, cava.

La Terraza Cocktail

I loved this cocktail. What a great combination.

We were impressed by Iberica La Terraza. The food was great as was the atmosphere and the cocktails. Prices range from low to high so you can go and have some cocktails and food no matter what your budget is. In fact, the only problem I have with Iberica La terraza is the smoking. There were a few people smoking around us and as a non-smoker I don’t want to breathe in other peoples smoke. Only a few people were smoking though so I do recommend that you head down to Canary Wharf for an excellent Spanish experience. If the weather is ropey then don’t worry, the restaurant has heaters, blankets and a big umbrella.

Cabot Square London Borough of Tower Hamlets, E14 4QQ. Nearest Tube: Canary Wharf.

020 7636 8650

Celebrate World Gin Day With Charlotte’s Bistro Cocktail

Posted on June 15, 2013 by Frostie

World Gin Day was founded by Neil Houston of ‘Yet Another Gin’ in 2009. What started with a few Gins has turned into a worldwide celebration. This year our friend Emma Stokes of Gin Monkey takes over the reins.

All over the world, in different time zones obviously people will be celebrating the beautiful spirit of Gin.

Our love and borderline obsession of Gin began with the introduction of our “Gin Wall” in August 2013 followed by the introduction of Monday night Gin School (@GinSchool) in November. Brainchild of Charlotte’s owner Alex Wrethman, our bar team Fredi, Ted, Nicholas and host Matt Mawtus have continued to grow this Monday night institution. Charlotte’s Bistro has become a secret hideaway for all Gin aficionados. They serve 40 different European gins in constant rotation, taking into consideration seasonality and personality.

Fredi and his bar team have created something unique for #WorldGinDay the ‘Charlotte’s Cup’ – based on the basic Summer Cup recipe with our personal twist, and feel it’s pretty darn good. It will be served in true British style with our homemade lemonade. The ‘Charlotte’s Cup’ will be launched officially on Saturday 15^th June – #WorldGinDay.

The Recipe

Charlotte’s Cup Lemonade

1500ml Gin – use simple based gin 25ml Gomme

750ml Sweet Vermouth 25ml Lemon Juice

3 Cucumbers 1 spoon Vanilla sugar

4 Punnets of Strawberries 2 mint leaves 75ml Sparkling water

700g Coriander Seeds

1 Vanilla Pod

1 Cinnamon Stick

After 3 days add:

100g Lemon Thyme

300g Sugar

Chop all your Charlotte’s Cup ingredients and snap cinnamon stick. Strain all ingredients and macerate in a sealed container (we recommend using a large 3ltr Kilner jar) for 3 weeks in a cold area.

After three weeks add your Lemon Thyme and sugar and leave for a further three days.

To make your homemade lemonade just put all the ingredients in a clean bottle and shake!

Serve long with lots of ice, strawberries, cucumber, mint and of course your homemade lemonade.

#WorldGinDay, @GinSchool, @CharlottesW4, Saturday 15^th June 2013

Cara Delevingne Gets On Stage With Rita Ora at The Belvedere Vodka DKNY Art Works Party

Posted on June 13, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

Last night saw celebs turn out for the Belvedere Vodka DKNY Art Works party hosted by Cara Delevingne and saw performances by Rita Ora, Iggy Azalea and a surprise appearance by Wretch 32.

Cara Delevingne joined Rita Ora on stage during her performance and showed off some dance moves as well as her rapping skills as she rapped along to Notorious BIG’s ‘Juicy’.

The party was sponsored by Belvedere Vodka and held at the Old Firestation on Lambeth High Street.

Club DKNY In Celebration of #DKNYARTWORKS

Father’s Day Gift Guide

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

Father’s day is on the 16th of June and it is fast approaching. For those – like me- who have not bought anything yet I have put together a gift guide. It is a range of fun and different things for the most important man in your life. Feel free to add your own ideas in the comments below.

At Frost we reviewed Grant’s Family Reserve. Here is what we thought:

This whiskey smells great, full bodied. My first thought on trying this whiskey is oak. I then read up on it to find out it is matured in oak caskets. It is also malty, clean and complex. I can taste cinnamon stick, cloves, and nutmeg. We initially tried it without water and you really get the full flavours. With water it is just as enjoyable, and personally I found it more so because you could take it all in more without getting really drunk! This whiskey is a great blend. I really enjoyed it. It is sweet and fruity so it is right up my street.

Whether your dad is a discerning whisky lover or someone who enjoys the occasional dram, the Grant’s Family Reserve gift pack is the ideal way to say thank you and to help make this Father’s Day extra special.

Feeling inspired? Why not try something different this Father’s Day with one of Grant’s signature cocktails, the Grant’s highball.

Cocktail – Grant’s Highball

Made with the world’s favourite family owned whisky, the Grant’s Highball is an ideal aperitif or accompaniment to a meal and ideal for sharing with your dad.

Ingredients:

· 50ml Grant’s Family Reserve

· Ginger ale

· Dash of Angostura bitters

· Garnish with an Orange wedge

Fill a glass with ice cubes and add the Grant’s Family Reserve. Top up with ginger ale and add a few drops of Angostura bitters. Garnish with an orange wedge.

The Grant’s Family Reserve £16.49*, Grant’s Sherry Cask (MRSP £17.99*) and Grant’s Ale Cask (MRSP £17.99*) are available at Tesco, other leading supermarkets and off licences.

Visit www.grantswhisky.co.uk for the latest serve ideas

This Leather Men’s Wallet is from QVC. £20.16

Item no.759923

Emu Mens Romeo Sheepskin Slipper, £69.00, QVC.

Item no.153851

Skagen Gents Midnight Blue Dial Titanium Mesh Strap Watch, QVC, £102.00

Item no.674551

FREE ARCHERY LESSON FOR DADS AND FAMILY SWORD SCHOOL

This Father’s Day, Sunday 16 June, at Warwick Castle, kids can send their dads back to school – Knight School – for free ‘have a go’ archery and training in swordsmanship from the Warwick Warriors, in addition to enjoying mediaeval weaponry displays and the firing of the Mighty Trebuchet. From 10am until 5pm, all dads qualify for an archery trial with an expert archer at Britain’s Ultimate Castle.

Kids and their dads can immerse themselves in over one thousand years of stories and legends about knights, battles and sieges, and experience firsthand how it feels to handle ancient weaponry. There’s plenty for mums to enjoy, too, including:

Raising the Portcullis
Flight of the Eagles Show, twice daily
The Sword and the Stone
Firing the Trebuchet, twice daily
Warwick Warriors live combat
Actor-led Tours of State Rooms and Great Hall
Towers & Ramparts
Riverside setting and Rose Garden
Warwick Castle Unlocked – four new rooms opened in February 2013

Book online in advance for the best value entrance fees: adults from £17.10 and children from £11.70: check www.warwick-castle.com for prices and latest attraction schedule.

Maybe all your dad wants is a phone call.

Lonely Dads Hoping for a Phonecall from their Children this Father’s Day

Panasonic survey finds over half of British dads long for more contact with their grown-up children

A third of fathers see their offspring once a month or less
Over half of dads would like to hear from children more often

Reports of middle-aged parents suffering Crowded Nest Syndrome due to the return of Generation Boomerang may be premature, according to a new study published ahead of Father’s Day. A survey of UK dads carried out by Panasonic reveals that 83 percent admit they miss having regular contact with grown-up sons and daughters who have left the family home.

A third of UK fathers see their adult offspring once a month or less, with five percent only seeing their children once a year at most. It seems dads can’t get enough family time, with 52 percent saying they would still like to hear from their kids more often.

Empty Nest Syndrome has historically been more commonly associated with mothers, but fathers who participated in the survey were keen to overturn the gender stereotype. Forty-six percent believe they miss their kids at least as much, if not more, than their mother does, and only one in three believes their mother misses them more than they do.

When it comes to keeping in touch, the home phone still reigns supreme; 68 percent of dads mainly use their landline to talk to their son or daughter. Of the many ways to stay in touch now available, dads agreed on which would appreciate receiving a new home phone as a gift. 42 percent rated the trusty home phone the best of the bunch, with 24 percent giving mobile phones their vote and Skype video calling trailing in third place with 10 percent.

The study shows that children are still turning to dad for advice, with petitions for help featuring in eight in ten of phone conversations. An enterprising 30 percent of children have taken the opportunity to ask for a loan during a catch-up, 33 percent have sought DIY guidance and 17 percent have asked for career advice. Oddly enough, they aren’t so forthcoming when it comes to their love lives, with just one in ten dads ever having been consulted by their children on affairs of the heart.

Free Massage for Dads at K West Hotel & Spa

Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, spa days away. With all these treats for the ladies, Dads might be feeling a little neglected.

This Father’s Day on 16 June 2013, K West Hotel & Spa will be giving Dads the treatment they deserve with a free back and shoulder massage.

To claim this fantastic treat, family members need to book a two course dinner at the stylish Kanteen restaurant (priced at just £16 per adult and £8 per child) and lucky Dads will receive a complimentary massage voucher.

Get your Dad a copy of the Breaking Bad Boxset from Amazon UK. He will be eternally grateful.

Check out these great gift ideas from buyagift.com

Double Supercar Driving Blast: £59

Choose from nine of the world’s most renowned and respected supercars and enjoy the high-octane adrenaline thrill of your life with this amazing driving blast! Your adrenaline levels will soar as you take control of two incredible driving machines for 3 miles each, with options including the Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Aston Martin and Audi R8 – each effortlessly combining style, speed and unbelievable power! With six locations across the UK to choose from, this is your chance to discover the true power of the world’s most impressive beasts!

Helicopter Ride Over London for Two: £225

Treat yourselves to a unique tour of London with this helicopter tour over the capital’s rooftops. London is full of famous landmarks and attractions, from Canary Wharf to the Houses of Parliament, and this unforgettable experience will give you a totally new perspective of one of the world’s greatest cities. Sit back during your flight and appreciate all the grandeur of London as you take in stunning aerial views of a city steeped in history and culture. Just remember to bring your camera!

Helicopter Pilot Experience Day: £139

This amazing experience is your chance to discover if you’ve got what it takes to fly a helicopter and be a commercial helicopter pilot. Arrive at the airfield for 9am, where you will be greeted with refreshments by your hosts for the day. An introduction and safety briefing will be given by a CAA Licensed Helicopter Instructor, followed by a talk on being a commercial pilot, and a presentation on helicopter pilot career options. Next comes the highlight of the day – a hands-on, one-to-one helicopter flying lesson and hover challenge! You’ll take the controls as your instructor gives you helpful tuition. During the experience you will receive a buffet-style lunch, as well as a guided tour of the hangars and a discussion about various helicopter types.

If you have a dapper dad you can always buy him some clothes.

Father’s Day is coming up and High and Mighty is here to help with its one stop shop for all things Dad-related. Designers such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Lacoste have an array of presents and everything from fashion and fragrances, to electricals and DVD’s are all under one roof at www.highandmighty.co.uk. Perfect for the Dapper Dad.

20 Years of QVC: Frost’s Top Picks

Posted on June 5, 2013 by Frostie

QVC has celebrated their 20 year anniversary. So congratulations to them. To celebrate I have picked out a few of my favourite pieces from their new range. Far from being just another shopping channel, QVC is a fav of Frost for being a forward thinker who collaborates with all of the hottest designers and experts in their field. Take a look and let me know what you think.

Lulu Guinness bags. Butler and Wilson necklace. Necklace, Libertine by Giles Deacon. All below was made exclusively for QVC 20th anniversary.