Christmas In Provence | Enjoy a French Christmas

Christmas In Provence

Enjoy the 5-star Crillon le Brave Hotel in the foothills of Mont Ventoux

From 24 to 26 December 2016 (3 days/2 nights)
Rich in symbols, traces of beliefs and omens, Christmas traditions are deeply rooted in the hearts of the people of Provence. A time for sharing and getting together, it’s a succession of festivals, rituals and customs that punctuate daily life: santon fairs, Christmas markets, concerts and pastorals, with nativity scenes you can’t afford to miss during your stay at the foot of Mont Ventoux in the 5-star Crillon le Brave Hotel!

christmas in provence

Christmas at the foot of Mont Ventoux in the 5-star Crillon le Brave Hotel!

To spend your holiday in this ever-so-charming village hotel is a little lke a dream. With its old stone houses, its narrow streets which are now corridors and passageways, its comfortable, elegant rooms and exceptional cuisine, it really is the magic of Christmas that is on offer.

christmas in france

At the hotel, the celebrations start on Friday 23 December at 18.00, with a traditional concert in French and Provençal in the beautiful church of Saint Romain, just before your aperitif is served.
On 24 December, you’re invited to a Christmas Eve meal with all the colours of Provence and its traditional 13 desserts around the fireplace.

A relaxing, friendly atmosphere with the majestic Mont Ventoux in the background

Christmas tree

On 25 December, Christmas dinner is served in the Grange, the hotel’s gourmet bistro, beneath the Christmas tree. A relaxing, friendly atmosphere with the majestic Mont Ventoux in the background…

A 2-night stay (23 to 25 or 24 to 26 December) for 2 people is from €665 and includes:

– 2 nights’ accommodation

– breakfast each day

– Christmas Eve dinner on 24 December OR Christmas dinner on 25 December

You want to extend the celebrations? An extra night before or after Christmas is -50%, breakfast included!

Christmas in Provence

To book, click here, select your dates and the offer “Christmas in Provence“, choose your room category and the price will be calculated automatically.You can also contact the booking service at reservations@crillonlebrave.com or T. 33(0)4 90 65 61 61

https://www.crillonlebrave.com/fr

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10 Amazing and Affordable English Wines You Need To Know About

If you are looking for Affordable English Wines read this pearl.

Amazing English Wines

Affordable English Fine Wines

There are a lot of great wines that you can get for a small price, and through this guide we will help you pin-point ten esteemed wines that were highly scored and awarded and don’t cost you everything you got.

1. Worcestershire Rosé: Sixteen Ridges

This Worcestershire rosé will would you proud if you’re after a glass of crisp, dry pink stuff for a hot summer’s day. It’s ripe, rich and explodes with flavor while staying delicately balanced. Great with anything, shellfish and pasta comprising goat’s cheese.

Affordable and Amazing English Wines

2. Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs, 2009: Harvey Nichols!

This refined, pale-gold Chardonnay fizz comes from among the top names in English wines, which uses only its grapes from its Sussex wineries.

A large award winner only at that year’s International Wine Challenge, it is a real competition to Champagne, because of the citric notes and foamy texture, balanced by a mild creaminess.

3. Exton Park Pinot Meunier Rosé:

A delicate aroma of honey and peach fills each glass of it, and you can really appreciate this wine if you’re into fruity wines and easy to drink rosés.

Exton Park Pinot Meunier Rosé

4. Bolney Wine, Pinot Noir:

While English winemakers have favored white or sparkling wines, this year two silver medals were awarded at the International Wine Challenge, among which is this aromatic, reddish bacon, cherry, and cedar wood noted wine which makes for interesting smells and flavors.

It goes a treat with cheese, pudding with berries in and, interestingly, meats you’d usually appreciate with white wine, like pork, chicken, and rabbit.

Amazing English Wines

5. Giffords Hall Bacchus, 2014:

Place back that predictable New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc on the shelf and try this for a new option. Bacchus, which will be a Riesling/Sylvaner cross, is a notoriously difficult variety of grape to grow, but this crispy East Anglian Wine does it proud, with gooseberry and elderflower notes.

Giffords Hall Bacchus, 2014

6. Wiston Estate BlancBlancs, 2010:

Another supremely elegant single-vineyard from Sussex, this one is youthful and dynamic, with citrus and biscuit on the nose, and a flavor that’s rich and creamy, while additionally fresh.

Wiston Estate BlancBlancs, 2010

7. Camel Valley Pinot Noir Brut 2013:

This delicate salmon-peach-colored the Lindo family makes in Cornwall sparkling rosé is delicious.
Created entirely from pinot noir, among the three primary champagne grapes, it kicks off with aromas of raspberry and wild strawberry, which lead onto a creamy, fresh and light flavor with berry notes at the forefront. More refreshing and gentle than champagne, it truly is an utter joy from start to finish.

Camel Valley Pinot Noir Brut 2013

8. Trevibban Mill Black Ewe Red, 2014:

Planting began for this All-Natural Cornish vineyard; that managed to win a silver medal in the International Wine Challenge has a vibrant bouquet of berries and red fruit, with black cherry and clove continuing onto the palate.
Goes particularly well with roast lamb with cheese, pasta dishes and rosemary.

 Trevibban Mill Black Ewe Red, 2014

9. Hambledon Vineyard Classic Cuvée, NV:

Soft and yet quite dry, it is well balanced and has a long, lingering aftertaste. You can enjoy it better with seafood.

Hambledon Vineyard Classic Cuvée, NV

10. London Cru Bacchus 2014:

Kent is the region of this aromatic, crispy and light white wine with fresh perfumed notes of elderflower and citrus, with a glowing, smooth flavor that lights up dishes while also showing its worth. Additionally, it has an acidity that cuts through oils, so it goes with anything tempura.

London Cru Bacchus 2014

Affordable English Wines

=> For details of more affordable English Wines and to start your discovery of wine – Visit This Recommended Guide

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Rhug Afternoon Tea, Denbighshire, WALES

afternoon tea

Enjoy A Rhug Afternoon Tea in Beautiful Denbighshire

Featuring an assortment of freshly made mini sandwiches, the Rhug Afternoon Tea focuses on seasonal and local produce, offering guests a selection of egg mayonnaise using local free range eggs from Nant Ucha Farm, Rhug Estate’s very own organic beef pastrami with dill pickle, Snowdonia Black Bomber cheese with homemade sun-dried tomato chutney and smoked salmon, cucumber, rocket and cream cheese wraps.

Paired with scones, clotted cream and preserve, plus a variety of homemade mini cakes and a choice of tea, the Rhug Afternoon Tea is available throughout the week at £14.95 per person, or just £19.95 with prosecco.

Owned and run by Lord Newborough and secreted away amongst the rolling hills of Denbighshire, Rhug Estate is the perfect place for visitors to spoil themselves as they admire the surroundings of the beautiful Welsh countryside.

Afternoon Tea is available Monday – Friday from 2.30pm to close by pre-booking only. Please call 01490 411100 to book.

Rhug Afternoon Tea

Rhug Estate, Corwen, Denbighshire LL21 0EH United Kingdom

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Fancy Funkin Chicken Brixton

Fancy Funkin Chicken

Fancy Funkin Chicken, Coldharbour Lane, Brixton

Opened 30 September 2016 on Coldharbour Lane in Brixton, Fancy Funkin Chicken is a chicken shop and bar brought to you by a dynamic trio of young hospitality insiders, Nathan Pattie, Rollo Weeks and Lars Larson. No stranger themselves to the odd late night pit-stop to one of London’s many chicken joints, these guys know what it takes to manage the pecking order and elevate the humble chicken into something a bit fancier.

Expect an enticing menu of traditional herbed and spiced free-range fried chicken. Ethically sourced birds from a tranquil farm in Glastonbury are crusted with a Southern American recipe. Highlights include a kicking trio of Funkin Hot Wings, Funkin Funkin Hot Wings and I Can’t Feel My Funkin Face Hot Wings. Wings and boneless bites feature alongside a hearty selection of fried or flame grilled chicken breast or thigh burgers such as the Totally Tropical Burger, served with char’d pineapple and smoked chilli mayo and the momentous Big Cheese Burger, slathered with triple cheese, caramelised onion and honey glazed bacon. Teamed up with sides of fiery Chilli Cheese Fries, America’s favourite Tater Tots, Waffles and Corn Breads “a corn 3-way”, and polished off with Doughnuts straight out of the fryer, we’re talking serious eats.

“Funk fried” or flame grilled chicken aside, boozy concoctions, craft beers, wine and bubbles flow from the bar in bountiful supply. Fancy Funkin Chicken’s carefully curated cocktail list is full of flavour and refreshingly fuss-free, using locally sourced ingredients such as fruit from Brixton Market, and presented with immaculate attention to detail. Signature cocktails include the Hibiscus and Blackcurrant Julep, using a sprinkle of homemade hibiscus and blackcurrant syrup with Bourbon, mint and a dash of lime, and the Daisy, a biting mix of Tequila, fresh passion fruit, passion liqueur, lime and Aperol over ice.

The 50 cover dining room’s interior evokes an urban and residential warmth, using raw materials such as oak and artfully rusted steel. Hand-crafted antique and orange neon lighting illuminate navy walls and exposed brickwork adorned with graffiti art. Quirky furnishings such as chicken-shaped wall lights, together with a garden of herbs suspended overhead make for an alluring pen.

Fancy Funkin Chicken will play host to an eclectic and upbeat music programme of Jazz and Funk, with DJ’s performing from Thursday through to Sunday to get the party started.

Fancy Funkin Chicken

Fancy Funkin Chicken is located at 441 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, London SW9 8LN. For updated follow @fancyfunkinchicken on Instagram and @FunkinChicken #FancyFunkinChicken.

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Bodean’s BBQ smokehouse opening in Muswell Hill

Bodean’s, London’s original BBQ smokehouse

BODEAN’S MUSWELL HILL – 50% SOFT OPENING OFFER

Bodean’s, London’s original BBQ smokehouse, is coming to Muswell Hill this October and will be offering 50% off food during its soft opening.

Tables will be available for dinner on Wednesday 12th October, and lunch and dinner on Thursday 13th and Friday 14th October. The opening offer is available for direct bookings only via muswellhill@bodeansbbq.com.

Iconic Kansas City-style BBQ joint – Bodean’s BBQ smokehouse is bringing the authentic taste of the Mid-West to the leafy heart of Muswell Hill. Located on Muswell Hill Broadway, the meat lover’s paradise will offer everything from burnt ends to perfectly pulled pork, and the ‘best ribs this side of the Atlantic’.* Plus, from noon till 5pm everyday kids eat free, ideal for family get-togethers.**

Bodean’s Muswell Hill

Bodean’s BBQ smokehouse

348 Muswell Hill Broadway, N10 1DJ
www.bodeansbbq.com
Twitter @BodeansBBQ Facebook BodeansBBQGroup Instagram @BodeansBBQ

T&Cs –
The offer is for 50% off food for for dinner on Wednesday 12th October, and lunch and dinner on Thursday 13th and Friday 14th October. The offer is available through reservation via muswellhill@bodeansbbq.com.
Subject to availability
All drinks charged at full price
50% off deal not in conjunction with any other offer

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Festive Burger Menu – Luxury Turkey and Elk Burgers For Christmas

Elk Burgers, christmas burger

Enjoy Festive Elk Burgers for a Christmas Treat!

Muriel’s Kitchen

Christmas Burger: Beef Patty with Cranberry Jelly, Brie Cheese & Crispy Onions
Family inspired restaurant Muriel’s Kitchen, will be serving a decadent burger even Santa would love to get his hands on. Layered with all the trimmings including cranberry jelly, gooey Brie cheese and topped with crispy onions, the Christmas Burger will prove to be the ultimate festive indulgence.

http://www.murielskitchen.co.uk

Muriel’s Kitchen South Kensington, 1-3 Pelham Street, London SW7 2ND, T: 020 7589 3511
Muriel’s Kitchen Soho, 36 – 38 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4TT, T: 020 7434 0111
Muriel’s Kitchen Richmond, 30 Hill Street, Richmond TW9 1TW, T: 020 8948 7011
Social: @MurielsKitchen

KuPP, Paddington

Elk Burger: Two Elk Patties with Danish Blue Cheese, Smoked Onions & Roast Beets
Scandi-inspired casual dining restaurant, bar & café, KuPP at Paddington Basin will serve up a Nordic delight with their Elk Burger. This strong and mighty beast delivers the most mouthwatering patty, two in fact, dripping with Danish Blue cheese, finished with smoked onions and roast beets to deliver the most satisfying Christmas meal.

http://www.kupp.co

5 Merchant Square, Paddington, London W2 1AS, 020 7262 8618
Twitter @KuPP_UK | Facebook.com/KuPP.LTD

Ben’s Canteen

Let’s talk turkey Burgers. Ben’s Canteen will be serving this good looking number, that’s Sage and Shallot Buttermilk Turkey Breast, Squashed Stuffing Ball, Slow Roasted Honey & Mustard Ham Hock, Brie, Cranberry Sauce, Buttered Brussel Tops and Garlic Mayo.

www.benscanteen.com

Battersea – 140 St John’s Hill, SW11 1SL, 020 7228 3260
Earlsfield – 422 Garratt Lane, SW18 4HW, 020 8944 0452

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Limited Edition Christmas Cocktail Crackers

Christmas COCKTAIL CRACKERS

LIMITED EDITION COCKTAIL CRACKERS FROM BALANS SOHO SOCIETY

Looking for some crackers with extra craic this Christmas? Balans Soho Society has just the thing!

Be gone tiny trinkets, paper hats and paltry prizes. Balans Soho Society is bringing a little bohemian naughtiness to your festive soirée with limited edition, booze-packed crackers which can be bought either in their restaurants and cafes, or online for delivery across the UK (possibly on a sleigh pulled by red-nosed reindeer).

Smart, stylish and sexy, these decadently delightful crackers rip up the festive rule book and put the real spirits into the spirit of Christmas. Dinner is poured.

Priced at £60 for a box of six, Balans Soho Society Christmas Crackers contain a miniature bottle of a signature festive cocktail, using the finest ingredients including Tito’s vodka, Quinta Vallado 10-Year matured port, Combier triple sec and Broker’s gin. There’s also a voucher for a free cocktail to be enjoyed at any Balans Soho

And you can help others while treating yourself, as 10% of the purchase of these limited edition crackers will go to The House of St. Barnabas in Soho, a charity pledging to break the cycle of homelessness and social exclusion in London.

Plus, for one lucky puller, there’s a precious Golden Ticket that entitles whoever finds it to a special champagne dinner for two – perfect for anyone who finds pleasure in the joy of delicious food and quality drink, while in sophisticated and sumptuous surroundings.

Go on the pull to reveal one of the following:

Santa’s Favourite Ho – a festive take on the World Famous Pornstar Martini – vodka, passionfruit purée and vanilla syrup, ready to be topped up with fizz.

The Grinch – a Christmas-themed Bloody Mary – vodka, port, tomato juice, tabasco, Worcester sauce, horseradish, lemon juice, celery salt and pepper.

Stocking Stuffer – vodka, triple sec, mango puree, lime puree, passionfruit syrup and cranberry juice.

Dog in A Manger – A seasonal version of the Balans Soho Society Salty Dog – Moskovskaya vodka, grapefruit juice and grapefruit liqueur.

Scroogedriver – made with vodka, orange liqueur, passionfruit liqueur, peach liqueur, lemon juice and gomme.

Gin’gle Bells – gin, triple sec, lime juice and lychee purée.

Raise a glass and enjoy the true spirit of Christmas – spirits!

BALANS SOHO SOCIETY RESTAURANT 60-62 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4UG

BALANS SOHO SOCIETY SOHO CAFÉ 34 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4T

BALANS SOHO SOCIETY SEVEN DIALS CAFÉ

32 – 34 Monmouth Street, Seven Dials, London, WC2H 9HA

BALANS SOHO SOCIETY KENSINGTON 187 Kensington High Street, London W8 6SH

BALANS SOHO SOCIETY WESTFIELD LONDON

Unit 1034, Westfield Shopping Centre, Ariel Way, London W12 7GA

BALANS SOHO SOCIETY WESTFIELD STRATFORD

Ground Floor, 123 The Street, Westfield Stratford City, London E20 1EN

www.balans.co.uk

Twitter: @balanslondon | FB: BalansLondon | IG: BalansSohoSociety

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Halloween Tea

Halloween Tea – Trick Or Treat?

drink Halloween Tea

Halloween tea, is it as spooky as it sounds? Absolutely not!

In fact, this spiced pumpkin tea is nothing but a delicious herbal blend with a hint of sweet pumpkin spice. Inspired by the celebrations of Halloween.

All ingredients are natural, free of artificial colourings and flavourings. In addition, caffeine-, gluten- and dairy free and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

5 Good reasons why you should drink Halloween Tea

=> Pumpkin seeds are a great source of vitamin E, which helps keep your skin, heart, nerves, muscles and red blood cells healthy

=> The antioxidant-rich ingredients in this tea help to boost glowing skin

=> Yarrow Flowers have significant immune boosting properties. It can slow the ageing process, detoxify blood and reduce stress and insomnia

=> Cinnamon can help to regulate glucose levels

=> Orange has Vitamins C and P to clear the blood vessels for glowing skin

Due to the success of last year’s, Tea Cleanse UK has added some lovely items to the Halloween collection.

From re-sealable pouches, to tins, small gift boxes and a Halloween tea caddy, all available in different sizes and budgets to suit your needs.

Now available on Amazon UK

Will it be trick or treat this year?

Not for me – I will stick with a cup of Halloween tea myself….

drink Halloween Tea

For more information on Tea Cleanse and other seasonal herbal teas please visit the Online Shop where you will also find Tummy Tea Cleanse.

 

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National Chocolate Week

Special Offers on luxury chocolates and desserts for Chocolate Week 2016

a round-up of sumptuous chocolate dishes for National Chocolate Week (10th-16th October)….

chocolate week

Muriel’s Kitchen (Sites in Soho, Richmond and South Kensington)

Muriel’s Kitchen are offering diners a sumptuous Chocolate and Orange Lava Cake (£5.95) throughout National Chocolate Week (10th – 16th October). This insanely decadent pudding has a deliciously oozing centre and is topped with a dusting of orange sugar. Ask for two spoons and dive into chocolate heaven, or alternatively just order your own! If you still haven’t had your chocolate fix, Muriel’s Chocolate Ice-cream Milkshake made with Oreos will be sure to put a giant chocolatey smile on your face.
=> http://www.murielskitchen.co.uk

Cinnamon Club, The Old Westminster Library

Vivek Singh, Executive Chef of The Cinnamon Club, has teamed up with chocolate extraordinaire Paul A Young to celebrate this year’s National Chocolate Week (10th – 16th October). Combining Paul’s decadent chocolate with Vivek’s spice expertise, the pair have crafted three curious truffles and an indulgent pudding. Representing a starter, main and dessert, the three unique truffles will take you on a cocoa taste adventure to remember. The first course is a sticky sweet Lime Pickle Caramel; the second is an intriguing Cumin & Almond Truffle; and the final course is a Paan Truffle, which reflects the paan leaves eaten at the end of traditional Indian meals. Diners can also indulge in a limited edition dessert of dark chocolate paan and caramel muri bar served with carrot halwa and clover ice cream.
http://cinnamonclub.com

PAUL introduces limited edition Cocoa Baguette for Chocolate Week

Your favourite French family-run artisan bakery PAUL is challenging chocolate lovers to create the ultimate topping for the limited edition Cocoa Baguette (£1.95). Only available for Chocolate Week (10th – 16th October), pick up your moreish baguette and get creative to be in with the chance of winning a PAUL bread making masterclass for two people. Whether you go nuts with crushed almonds and walnuts, embrace decadence with salted caramel sauce or switch things up for an unexpected yet delicious savoury option, share your suggestions on Instagram to @paul_bakeryuk using #mycocoabaguette and the most creative design will win.
www.paul-uk.com

Le Restaurant de PAUL Tower 42, Old Broad Street

Bottomless Chocolate Mousse
Located at the base of one of the City’s most iconic skycrapers, Le Restaurant de PAUL at Tower 42 will offer diners bottomless Mousse au Chocolat a Volonte (£6.50) throughout Chocolate Week (10th – 16th October). The ultimate after–dinner indulgence, enjoy as many luxurious servings of this rich pud as you like, whether sealing deals over dessert or stopping by with colleagues or friends and catching up over a bottle of Champagne.
www.paul-uk.com

Brasserie Blanc, 18 Locations across the UK

CHOCOLATE & ALMOND TORTE £5.90
Indulgent chocolate & almond torte accompanied with a scoop of fresh vanilla ice cream, crème Anglaise, and toasted almonds.
http://brasserieblanc.com

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Harden’s Awards 2016 – London’s Most Expensive Restaurant On Top

The Araki, the UK’s most expensive restaurant, has won the Chapel Down award for offering London’s Top Gastronomic Experience at the first ever Harden’s London Restaurant Awards 2016.

It beat competition which included Michel Roux’s Le Gavroche and Brett Graham’s Ledbury.

Among 12 categories, awards recognised the whole price range of dining experiences in the capital, the cheapest being the winner of the Best Street Food category, Mark Gevaux – aka The Rib Man – whose meat rolls start at £7.

London’s Most Expensive Restaurant On Top

See below for the review text from Harden’s London Restaurants 2017
(published next month in October 2016).

London’s newest Restaurant Awards

1. Harden’s is the UK’s original ‘user-generated content’ restaurant review site and guide, taking survey feedback from ordinary diners and curating them into reviews and ratings. The Harden’s survey of regular restaurant-goers is now in its 26th year. It has been national in scope since 1999. Harden’s is the only established detailed annual survey of restaurant-goers across the UK.

2. Unlike restaurant review sites like TripAdvisor, Harden’s has never published its surveyees’ raw reports online, to prevent ballot-stuffing. Having no access to raw user reviews makes it much harder to “game” the Harden’s system, because it is impossible to gauge how much false data to submit to do so. What’s more, Harden’s longstanding core of reviewers – some of who have been participating for over 20 years – provides a control group by which to assess reports from newer respondents.

3. Harden’s content is available in guidebook format, and in apps for iPhone; and also at www.hardens.com.

4. Harden’s London Restaurants 2017, £12.99, and Harden’s Best UK Restaurants 2017, £15.99, will be published in October and November respectively. The guides are available in all good bookshops, including Waterstone’s and Amazon.com

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