Best of Britain
The Coffee Politik
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As we celebrate the annual UK Coffee week, Niamh Walsh discusses the history of 'coffeehouse' culture in Britain, and Kevin Pilley introduces the first ever Nespresso Eco Pod Advent calendar.
Since the 17th century, coffeehouses have been central to British cafe culture, depositing political importance due to their popularity as places of debate. Known as "penny universities", the crowds that they attracted were synonymous of scholars and students alike, and anyone with a penny could enter and sit in on a lecture or have access to books or print news. Coffeehouses boosted the...
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Featuring International Scottish Gin Day
The owners of mainland UK’s most northerly mainland distillery will be welcoming gin tourists on Scotland’s first nationwide chauffeured gin-immersive tour. Luxury Scotland represents twenty-six luxurious and exclusive Scottish properties including the country’s floating hotel, Fingal, next to the Royal Yacht Britannia. In celebration of International Scottish Gin Day, they are offering a seven-day motorized gin crawl, starting and ending in Edinburgh.
Exclusive Organic Perfumes made in the Heart of the...
Ffern, an organic perfumery, appears four times a year, always in a different form with different base and head notes and new ingredients and accords. Created in both Somerset and east London by brother and sister Owen Mears and Emily Cameron, they are counting down the days till the release of their fragrant autumn equinox and winter solstice scents. Somerset’s self-described “quietly disruptive perfumers”, blend, barrel-age, bottle & release their organic, small batch, limited-run fragrance four times a year. “We’re really proud of finding the sense of each season’s fragrance,” says Owen. “We don’t try and reinvent the wheel every season - we try to evolve and build on what has come before.” For each fragrance, Ffern sources the best in organic, sustainably harvested natural ingredients and distils at source wherever possible. Sustainability has been woven into every area of Ffern which is one of the first perfume makers to create entirely recyclable bottles.
The Second Elizabethan Age: Reflecting on Queen Elizabeth...
My first real memory of Queen Elizabeth II is reminiscent of a wide-eyed 4 year old who, after being dragged out the house in a pink tutu by my dear mum, stood gawking in the Tower of London at what was laid out before me. Who could be so lucky to own something so profoundly breathtaking? Almost indescribable, the Crown Jewels' dazzling beauty imprinted an ever lasting image in my mind, and began a (rather embarrassing) obsession with British history. Princesses, knights, kings, queens, battles, bloodshed & the (occasional) beheading - I couldn't get enough of it. For me, Queen Elizabeth represented so much more than just our head of state; she embodied centuries of deep religious and cultural significance in our nation’s history. So, whilst out at an art gallery event on Thursday 8th September, and only a stones throw away from Buckingham Palace, the sudden news notifications that began to fill my phone screen was a moment that felt so incredibly surreal.
Drinks with the Earl of Yarmouth, Founder of St Maur Liqueur
Having first created St Maur to serve at their wedding, William and Kelsey Seymour turned the elderflower liqueur they poured lovingly into the glasses of guests into a multi award-winning premium, small-batch drinks business. The four international industry awards the liqueur has won in its first years of business, The Great Taste Award 2 Star rating; International Spirits Challenge Silver Award; The World Liqueur Awards ‘Best English Floral’ and, most recently, Gold at Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards, show just how well-loved the product is. “St Maur” is, in fact, the name by which the family was known in medieval times but by the time Jane Seymour married King Henry VIII, it had become “Seymour.” Leaving behind a life of aristocratic privilege to create a new legacy for his sons to be proud of, Lord Seymour spills the tea on his rich family history, mixology, and what’s next for St Maur Liqueur, which he’s used to create a bespoke cocktail especially for The Sybarite.
Featuring The Best of British Elegance at Exton Park Vineyard......
Described as “60 acres of Hampshire, bottled”, Exton Park prides itself on being locally sourced, ensuring the consistent, high-quality production of exceptional English sparkling wines. As a single vineyard producer, their unique approach to sustainable winemaking and commitment to creating a natural ecosystem situates them in a niche position. The importance placed in the distinct “magic” chalky soil found in all nine plots is carefully nurtured by the vineyard director Fred Langdale and his team, who use the most natural methods possible to meticulously cultivate their 120,000 vines and, come harvest time, select the ripest grapes to be swiftly transported to the purpose-built winery at the top of their vineyard. The grapes are pressed plot-by-plot, in order to retain the variety of distinctive flavours and then the fresh juice is fermented for the first time, creating still wines which are added to Exton Park’s special reserve library.
A Royal Farewell: What to Expect From the Queen’s Funeral
Throughout her record-breaking 70-year reign, she brought the people of Britain and the Commonwealth a sense of pride, purpose, and unrivalled devotion. As flags across the royal residences and government buildings were lowered to half mast, the UK entered a period of national mourning. Now, with Her Majesty’s funeral scheduled for Monday 19th September, we will observe the subsequent phases of “Operation London Bridge”, the long thought out plan for Elizabeth’s funeral, unfolding in real-time.
Best of Britain: Queen Elizabeth's Most Beloved Places
As we move through this time of transition together, we wish to honour our late Queen's spirit of adventure. Throughout her long and impactful reign, Her Royal Highness travelled the world in service of the Commonwealth but here, we explore her most beloved places in the nation she called home. Click through to see the places closest to Elizabeth's heart, right here in the United Kingdom.
LOVE LAMB WEEK: The Gower Salt Marsh Lamb
The eighth annual Love Lamb Week ran from the 1st - 7th of September, showcasing the sustainability of UK sheep production, whilst also reminding consumers of the exceptional taste and quality that UK lamb brings to the table. In particular, the distinctive and delicious Gower Salt Marsh lamb originating from a small farm in South Wales.
Review of Our Lifestyle Expert reviews Bancone’s new menu
That, my friends, is the masterpiece that is Bancone's signature dish. But this summer evening, I'm not there to have my umpteenth plate of the famous silk handkerchiefs. I'll admit, it isn't easy to make a trip to Bancone without ordering it, but because I've always been amazed at how the team behind the restaurant group continues to innovate, I was excited to see what their new menu had in store, especially now that they're open all day on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. "It's all about using ingredients that are in season," explains Executive Chef Ben Waugh, who is himself a new addition to the group, having spent the last decade at Gordon Ramsay's Pétrus and the Savoy Grill. "We have spent our time lightening the menu for the warmer months," he adds.
Featuring New opening: Tatale, 2022’S most anticipated restaurant...
Partnering with iconic The Africa Centre in Southwark, London, Tatale rekindles the nostalgic classics of Pan-African cuisine with the contemporary dining energy of South London and its infectious culture. Settled into Great Suffolk Street, the menu is full of modernised delicacies, including Berbere King Oyster Mushroom with Jollof Couscous; Chichinga Buttermilk Fried Chicken Wings with Dill Emulsion; and a personal favourite of ours, the Red Stew and Palm Wine Pickled Shallot. Akwasi Brenya-Mensa’s approach to contemporary cooking is brimming with experimental flavour, which would stem from his time spent hosting supper clubs and immersive pop-ups in Belfast, Lisbon, Puerto Rico, Accra, Berlin, Amsterdam and San Juan. You’ll also note this reflected in the combination of music from the Black diaspora, matched with trendy collaborations and intimate talks frequently hosted.
Review of Staycation | Hawkstone Hall
The Grade I-listed stately home, Hawkstone Hall & Gardens in Shropshire, opened in April earlier this year. This spectacular Georgian property, set within 88 acres of manicured gardens, has been restored to its former splendour; and now, for the first time in its 550 year history, is open as a luxury hotel and exclusive wedding venue.
Featuring Ragdale Hall – pure heaven in the Leicestershire...
What better way to treat myself than head to Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa. With a team of over 460 staff, this privately owned retreat set amongst the soothing peace of the Leicestershire countryside is a relaxing heaven. The guests are predominantly women (90%) and the 93-bedroom spa offers luxurious pampering with a huge range of facilities including six pools, heat experiences, tennis, boules, pitch ‘n’ putt, croquet, cycling, and a mind gym are all available. My aim for my Overnight Reviver Break was total relaxation. On arrival, my mum and I were greeted by the friendly and polite Guest Liaison team who offered a refreshing drink while we were booked in. Valet parking is offered to all guests, and our luggage was whisked up to the room in a matter if minutes.
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