Beefeater 24 Quintessentially British Edition Review

Posted on August 7, 2014 by Frostie

We get sent a lot of stuff to review at Frost so it takes a lot to bowl us over. The Beefeater 24 Quintessentially British Edition definitely managed it. The packaging, by talented illustrator Glenn Hin, is in a world of its own. It even pops out in a very fun way. All of that before we even get to the actual gin, which is first-class, first-rate stunning. This gorgeous bottle also came with a so-fashionable-it-hurts glass teacup and the best tea I have ever tasted in my life: My Cup of Tea Breakfast Tea. Sigh. Tea? With Gin? Yes, this is for the Beefeater 24 Gin & Tea cocktail which features on the ‘gates’ of the limited edition pack. Infused with English Breakfast tea which compliments Beefeater 24’s unique blend of rare Japanese Senchea and Chinese teas, the Gin & Tea is a refreshing modern interpretation of the classic Iced Tea, making it the perfect drink this summer. This is a limited edition so get your hands on one as soon as possible.

Toast ‘Distinguished British Country Chic’ this summer

Introducing the latest from Beefeater 24 – the ‘Beefeater 24 Quintessentially British Edition’. The limited edition collectible gift pack showcases a multi-dimensional design by talented illustrator Glenn Hin and was selected as the winner of a competition held by the brand inviting artists to capture ‘Distinguished British Country Chic’. To be released selectively worldwide, Hin’s pack design evokes images of British secret gardens and sophisticated summer parties.

The Beefeater 24 Quintessentially British Edition design centres around an imposing, fine country house hidden in the British countryside, which theatrically releases a pair of beautifully manicured shrubs on opening the pack. On closer inspection the elegant illustration reveals details that hint at a Quintessentially British summer garden party; cocktail glasses, tennis rackets and botanicals found in Beefeater 24 all float magically around the grand estate.

JC Iglesias, Global Brand Director of Beefeater 24 said “Beefeater 24 asked artists to draw inspiration from the theme ‘Distinguished British Country Chic’, as we were seeking designs that celebrated our elegant, British traditions but in a romantic and contemporary way. Glenn Hin captured this beautifully with exacting detail referencing a glamorous garden party. Beefeater 24 is the perfect accompaniment for such an occasion so the design really grabbed the imagination of the judges.”

As an ode to Hin’s design and the Quintessentially British garden party, the Beefeater 24 Gin & Tea cocktail features on the ‘gates’ of the limited edition pack. Infused with English Breakfast tea which compliments Beefeater 24’s unique blend of rare Japanese Senchea and Chinese teas, the Gin & Tea is a refreshing modern interpretation of the classic Iced Tea, making it the perfect drink this summer.

To accompany a selection of Beefeater 24 cocktails, the brand has also teamed with prestigious British chef Mark Hix’s newest venue HIXTER to create a selection of delicious canapés that can be created at home.

Ensuring that guests are treated to the full Quintessentially British garden party experience, hosts have the opportunity to share a piece of Glenn Hin’s work as an elegant invitation or thank you card featuring a vignette from the one-off design. Available to download from www.beefeatergin.com/24

Created in 2008 by Master Distiller, Desmond Payne, Beefeater 24 is a traditional gin with a modern twist, capturing the essence of contemporary British life and is the perfect accompaniment for the inspired Quintessentially British garden party this summer.

Winteringham Fields Review

Posted on August 1, 2014 by Jane Cable

When you live in the south of England it’s a long way to Winteringham Fields; indeed most of us would struggle to place the chic Lincolnshire village of Winteringham on a map. Think just south of the Humber, right at the end of Ermine Street where the Romans stopped and pondered for a while before crossing that great river. In modern terms, think Sheffield then right a bit.

Don’t let the journey put you off. In fact, their rooms are so gorgeous it would be a shame to miss out on that part of the experience. Or on walking along dykes with the huge Lincolnshire skies above you – perfect country for thinking enormous (if not a little pretentious) thoughts.

You do need to splash the cash but it’s worth it. My canny husband won us the room, breakfast and a very generous glass of champagne and canapés in a Facebook competition after Winteringham’s chef patron, Colin McGurran, reached the final of The Great British Menu. And (whisper it quietly) they have also been known to do Groupons.

But enough of this waffle – on to the main event – the food. Now we like our food and we do sometimes treat ourselves to lunch of dinner at Michelin starred restaurants. But the tasting menu at Winteringham Fields was quite probably the best meal we have ever eaten. Which is why, dear reader, I thought you ought to know about it.

Entitled Menu Surprise, and available in seven or nine courses and with or without a flight of complementary wines, our culinary journey started in the restaurant’s pretty courtyard. Almost before we had finished our canapés a deep red watermelon shot arrived, which rather surprisingly didn’t ruin the remains of our champagne, and set us on our way nicely. Inside the dining room a second amuse bouche awaited us in the form of a luxurious fois gras and cherry cup where the fresh and preserved fruit cut through the richness of the pate to perfection.

The first of two starters was as clean and fresh as it was ingenious. I have seen TV chefs prepare edible facsimile tomatoes, but having watched the process of making something which isn’t actually a tomato resemble one in minute detail, I was always left wondering if they actually tasted of anything. This one certainly did; a gorgeous garlicky gazpacho which packed an enormous punch of flavour, brilliantly accompanied by humble basil and feta and matched with a Spanish sauvignon blanc. Almost impossible to match a tomato with a wine successfully. As an afterthought, perhaps a salty Manzanilla might have stood up better. But that is splitting hairs – especially as the Argentinian chardonnay offered with the pork and smoked salmon ravioli which came next was a match made in heaven.

I freely admit to watching far too much food on TV. And I’m glad I do, because we would never have discovered Colin McGurran otherwise. But I am a little cynical about the worst excesses of praise – how can a plate of food make you want to weep? Get a grip, people. Or try the langoustine terrine at Winteringham Fields. Perfectly cooked fish surrounded by melting leeks. So simple. And quite the best thing I have ever eaten. My husband disagreed. Or at least he did once he’d tasted the Cornish red mullet and mango salsa which followed. Me? I was still savouring my Muscadet (which thankfully accompanied both fish courses) and dreaming of lobsters.

The main course was duck. Exquisitely cooked, in that it was hardly cooked at all. It was accompanied by more melting vegetables from the restaurant’s own polytunnels and more foie gras (not really necessary) as well as an excellent Cotes de Brouilly.

Just as I was running out of superlatives a small white chocolate ball sitting in a bed of desiccated coconut arrived. It was a warm night and we were counselled to eat it quickly by the extremely attentive front of house manager. Having taken a cautious sniff and encouraged by my other half’s look of ecstasy I dived in. I discovered afterwards it was a called a pineapple and basil bomb. Wow. Suited it perfectly.

Sadly it was too hard an act for the dessert to follow. I love apricots and there was nothing wrong with their ‘textures’, or the pistachio ice cream which accompanied them, but in such a brilliant meal it somehow got lost. Perhaps I’m being unfair and the wine was beginning to get to me.

It was the port which threatened to finish me off, but it was worth travelling hundreds of miles to see my husband’s face as the cheese trolley was wheeled in. The young lady who accompanied it was more curator than waitress and offered her wares in sensible selections; blue, hard, soft, goat – and in each category mild, medium and strong. I was past counting, but there had to be about fifty cheeses on show and the ones we tried were different and interesting.

As our peppermint tea was brewing the lovely front of house manager asked if we would like a kitchen tour as Colin was in that night and loved showing people around. Knowing how much I’d had to drink, my husband was extremely dubious, but I don’t think I was too embarrassing; McGurran is a real enthusiast for his food, both the growing of it and the cooking of it. He seemed a reluctant celebrity chef, happier in the kitchen or a polytunnel than in front of a TV camera, and I have to say I liked him all the more for it.

One final word. I’ve spouted on a great deal about the food, but in many ways it was the atmosphere and style of service which made our stay. When we watched the promotional video on their website we did wonder if Winteringham Fields was really for us; perhaps we’re not young enough or glamorous enough, perhaps we don’t drive the right car. But we needn’t have worried because we were welcomed with informality and genuine warmth. And when I told Mr McGurran I’d feared we’d have to park our Peugeot 308 around the corner, his laugh said it all.

Ziggy’s Restaurant Review St Andrews

Posted on July 21, 2014 by Melissa Volpi

Ziggy’s restaurant is surrounded by B & B’s and is situated just off North Street in St Andrews – a street that’s as famous for its old-fashioned picture house, as it is for the university buildings. Ziggy’s is also an easy establishment to spot – as it has a large guitar hanging above the entrance door.

The inside is a throw back to the American diners of the 1960’s and pays homage to the greats of rock and roll by displaying original records and signed gifts around the dining room, open kitchen and toilet areas.

We are greeted at the door by a pleasant waitress in a Hard Rock Café style tee shirt and are seated by the window on a new range of wooden tables and chairs that this family owned establishment (Ziggy’s has been owned and run by the same family since 1983) have just bought in.

It’s 6 pm on a Tuesday night and the place is just starting to fill up. There are a mixture of diners, from locals to golfing tourists. But we are the only table of two – the rest are in groups of four to ten.

Starters

Ziggy’s starters vary from garlic bread and house mixed salad to loaded skins and a bucket of devilled chicken wings. The prices are very reasonable, starting at £3.15 for a regular portion of garlic bread and rising to £11.95 for ‘The Ziggy’s BIG DISH Sharer’ – a combination of onion rings, breaded mushrooms, ribatisers, potato skins and chicken strips with sour cream, blue cheese and hickory sauce.

After having a quick glance over the main courses and desserts, I opt for something light and order the homemade potato and leek soup served with fresh crusty bread. My father orders the garlic prawns. And after scanning the wine list we decide to order two of the individual, 20cl, bottles of Prosecco as a treat. I think this is a wonderful idea. Unless you are in a wine bar, it is very hard to buy Prosecco or Champagne by the glass.

Homemade Potato & Leek Soup

The presentation is very simple. My white bowl of soup rests on a white plate with a white napkin. Colour is introduced from the soup itself and the two chunks of French baguette on the side.

My father’s dish is livelier looking. The garlic prawns arrive spitting and popping in a black cauldron.

Putting appearances aside, I take a spoonful of soup and am pleasantly surprised by how nice it is. The vegetables are chunky – just the way I like them – and the flavour is strong. This is a proper bowl of hearty soup that could not be anything other than homemade. When the owner/chef walks over to our table to ask if everything is ok, she tells me that her son – who also works in the kitchen – made the soup.

My father, who is not shy when it comes to giving his opinion, says that the prawns are tasty, but that they are submerged in too much oily sauce – the prawns are baked in garlic and red onion butter. He finds it hard to eat them because of this.

Main courses

It’s not only the look and vibe of Ziggy’s that reminds me of The Hard Rock Café, it’s the food too. The main courses are American inspired, with the house specialities being the steaks, ribs and burgers. It’s a menu that would delight the meat lover. The list of 18 handmade burgers are all under £10, with the extra special ones rising to between £10 and £15.00.

Both my father and I choose the gourmet 12oz burger (£12.95 with a choice of three cheesy toppings). I order the cheddar, bacon and pineapple topping and my father the bacon and Stilton.

All Ziggy’s burgers are 100% pure steak burgers and are handmade and supplied by the local award winning butcher, J.B Penman of Crail.

The Gourmet 12oz Burger

Again, the burgers are very simply presented on white plates. The burger is served on a toasted white flour bun. The top of the bun rests at an angle to show off the toppings – I see two rings of pineapple with melted cheddar resting on top of my massive burger. Underneath the burger is a bed of salad leaves, with a slice of beef tomato and some red onion and dill pickle. The house fries that accompany my burger are presented in a white mug next to the homemade coleslaw.

It really is a feast for the senses and we can’t wait to dig in…

Although the burger is tasty – and the combination a good one – I personally find it too greasy for my palate and would choose a different main course on my next visit. My father, on the other hand, enjoyed his burger.

Dessert

The list of desserts is excellent. There really is something for everyone here. You’ve got knickerbocker glory, cheesecake, sticky toffee pudding and a wide selection of Sundae’s. There are even ice cream floats (Pepsi, Irn Bru or Lemonade with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream); something that I love but have not had since I was a teenager.

We decide to share a dessert and choose the sticky toffee pudding with ice cream.

Sticky Toffee Pudding

We can smell the sticky toffee pudding before we see our waitress walk across the dining room with it. It looks like a traditional, gooey pudding and after taking the first bite, I find that it tastes like it too. It’s yummy.

The one thing that does disappoint me though, is the fact that the ice cream has not been bought from one of the town’s two famous ice cream parlours – Jannetta’s or Luvians. It is cheap, yellow coloured ice cream. From my point of view, it would have been nice to utilise local artisan ice cream makers in much the same way as Ziggy’s have done by buying their burgers in from an award winning local butcher.

None of this would deter us from visiting Ziggy’s in St Andrews again though. The waitresses are friendly and helpful. The individual bottles of Prosecco are a welcome addition to any wine list. The homemade potato and leek soup was one of the best I have ever tasted. And the ambience of this family owned restaurant is unusual – even in a town where every second premises is an eatery. If you’re a meat lover that enjoys American inspired food and is looking for somewhere a little more rock n roll… then head to Ziggy’s.

Our meal:

2 x 20cl bottles of Prosecco at £5.95 each

1 x Soup £3.95

1 x Garlic Prawns £5.95

2 x gourmet 12 oz burger at £12.95 each

1 x sticky toffee pudding at £5.25

Total: £53.65 for two people

http://www.ziggysrestaurant.co.uk/

Maeve’s Afternoon Delight Book Review

Posted on July 19, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

Maeve’s Afternoon Delight was included in our excellent summer reads piece, and with good reason. I read this book in the run up to my wedding and when I had no time to read it because of endless wedmin and work I kept thinking about it. Maeve is a wonderful character. A rather loveable heroine. Impossible not to like and even harder to not want her to get the best revenge anyone can have: living well and becoming happy.

After Maeve’s husband leaves her for her best friend it takes her a while to get back on track. She is understandably devastated and finds solace in her allotment and her baking. She has the support of her parents, her neighbours who think, quite rightly, that her ex is a terrible human being and a new friend who has an allotment near her, Larry. Her son, Andy, is still confused about his parents separation and can be mean. Will he grow up and stop listening to his fathers point of view? Read the book and find out. Maeve starts to put her life back together and it is fun to read as she gains confidence and starts to (finally!) rebel.

Maeve attracts the unwanted attention of Archie, who is head of neighbourhood watch and the residents association. This brings in an extra twist to a well-written novel which has wonderful characters and brilliant observations on life, marriage and love.

I could see this book as a film and it would certainly appeal to many women who have had to deal with cheating spouses. It has a First Wives feel about it (and if you haven’t seen that film, get your hands on a copy now!) and the characters would certainly translate well to this medium. There is a love interest of course. The previously mentioned Larry. Younger, handsome, kind. Will they or won’t they make it work?

Margaret Graham is one of Frost’s favourite authors and this book is yet another winner. Less historical than the previous books of hers we have reviewed, this has a modern setting. Perfect summer reading: a brilliant book.

Maeve’s Afternoon Delight is available here.

The authors website.

How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur Book Review

Posted on July 18, 2014 by Penelope Deacon

The daughter of a friend of mine is in her second year at drama school. She’s good: can sing, can dance, can act – particularly in comedy. So, she has it all? Trouble is, so do so many of the rest of her year group. And so do all of those other aspiring actors in all those drama schools across the country. She’s beginning to ask how she can show she’s different, that she deserves to be remembered from one audition to the next. How she can avoid annoying someone whose off hand influence can close as well as open doors for her?

I’m going to give her a copy of this book. It may be the single most useful thing I ever do for her. How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur by Catherine Balavage is one of those practical, down-to-earth guides which doesn’t try to hide the obstacles and difficulties of choosing an actor’s life but does give solid and sensible, practical, advice on making the best impression and avoiding the worst pitfalls. Equally valuably, Balavage makes suggestions for networking, for working with others to help each other through teamwork (e.g. helping film each other’s showreels), working for nothing except getting your name out there, remembering names, and never, never, never forgetting to say thank you – even when you don’t land the part. She is upfront about the chances of success in acting: ‘Only act if you cannot do anything else. It is the hardest and most competitive industry you can go into. Your chances of success at making a full-time living for the rest of your life are small.’ And then she offers clear and straightforward, practical advice about how to shift the odds just slightly in your favour.

This book seems, at first glance, rather plain, with no images and most chapters simply divided into paragraphs with explanatory headings, or questions followed by responses. I like this format. It’s no-frills and underlines the fact that this is a handbook. A ready reference tool which will be highlighted and annotated by anyone who uses it regularly. The pages of useful contacts and Top Tips are invaluable. I also liked the interviews with others in the profession: the replies to questions overlap with each other in ways which reinforce what Balavage has already said. This reinforces my conviction that this author really is writing from experience and passing on advice distilled from her own hard work. Which I really hope my young friend will take.

[Editorial note: Catherine Balavage is an editor of this magazine]

bac< Shoulder Brace Review

Posted on July 18, 2014 by Frostie

There are a few slouchers in the Frost office so we jumped at the chance to review the new bac< shoulder brace. Let’s find out if it works…

First of all, it is relatively easy to get on, as long as you follow the instructions. Yes, I know, we all hate following instructions but it needs to be done. The device looks good too. We reckon you could even wear it over your clothes. If you are into that type of thing.

So for the most important answer: yes, it works. It is lightweight and comfortable and it makes you stand up straight. This is a great device for strong posture. Recommended.

What they say:

bac< Shoulder Brace (RRP £34.99) Lightweight, discreet and comfortable, the Shoulder Brace draws theshoulders back and straightens the spine, so helping to improve posture and relieving pain in the middle back. A padded spine section supports the user’s own spine, preventing painful flexing and helping the user breathe more easily. Available in three sizes (junior (teen), small to medium and large), it helps maintain a strong posture, making it useful when taking part in sport and leisure activities.

Stand straight and proud! Improve posture and relieve pain

Our shoulder brace is designed to improve your posture, prevent slouching and align your spine therefore relieving pain and discomfort .

The shoulder brace has been developed in conjunction with Harley Street specialists at the London Spine Clinic and is manufactured in the UK ensuring a posture brace that will last the test of time.

Once the shoulder brace is fitted you will instantly feel the elasticated straps and the semi ridged thermo-formed back section pull your shoulders into the correct position and straighten your spine.

It’s lightweight and made from breathable, hygenic anti-microbial fabric so it is equally suited to be worn under or over clothing.

Adjust the tension by pulling the elasticated straps forward and fasten around the front of your stomach.

Graham’s Late Bottled Vintage Port 2008 Review

Posted on July 18, 2014 by Frostie

Graham’s Late Bottled Vintage (75cl) £13.50

Graham’s Late Bottled Vintage Port 2008 is a particularly fine port. It is a deep, red colour. It is full and generous with great tastes of black cherries, fruit and kirsch with a chocolate edge. It is dry with a smooth finish and is very drinkable. This was one of our favourite ports that we have tried and we would definitely buy it.

Perfect for drinking on a hot summer night. It is richly inky in hue and bursting with fruits of the forest, whilst its time spent in oak barrels gives it its dryness. Enjoy its lingering velvety smooth finish on its own or pair with some hard cheese.

Stockist Information:

Available from Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons

Remescar Review: Does It Get Rid of Stretchmarks?

Posted on July 11, 2014 by Frostie

Apparently a huge number of men are suffering from stretch marks as they try to get buff Hollywood bodies in the gym.

30% of customers buying anti-stretch mark products are now male and experts say demand is being driven by men in their mid-30’s ‘pumping iron’ causing their muscles to grow too rapidly for their skin. There has been a growing trend in men – inspired by the likes of Hollywood actors such as Hugh Jackman – to look more masculine and beefy by pumping iron, with fitness magazines advocating ‘quick bulk up’ workouts to get speedy results.

The most susceptible area for men to get stretch marks when they work out is under the arms, where their upper chest and front shoulder muscles connect, due to the fact that these areas tend to expand more in proportion to the rest of the body. The more pumped up the muscles become, the more the skin stretches.

We were sent some Remescar Silicone Stretch Marks Cream. to review. It is an affordable, non –invasive and clinically proven treatment that has a noticeable effect on scar reduction, most notably a 50% reduction in stretch marks by the people who used it clinical trials. So did it work? Let’s find out from our writer.

“I used this as suggested on the pack. Twice a day. I have to say that it does fade them. I have been using for about a month and there is definitely a difference. It says on the pack that you should use it for 2-3 months but I have already noticed a difference. I like it. I think it is great stuff. I will buy more when it runs out.”

So there you so. Stamp of approval from our (male) writer. Remescar also works on women.

£24.95 for silicone scar cream (100ml)

Remescar Silicone Stretch Marks Cream is available here and Boots stores nationwide and Boots.com.

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