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Foodies will love Taste Tripper

Taste Tripper are revolutionary new food and drink guides bringing something extra.

They are from Jennifer Earle, the wonderful lady behind Chocolate Ecstasy Tours, not only do the packs recommend some of the top coffee shops, chocolatiers and craft beer sellers in London, when you visit each location in the guide, you will receive a specially-arranged treat to taste!

This becomes even more exciting when you discover who their partner locations are. The chocolate guide partners include: award winning chocolatier Paul A Young, chocolate institution Charbonnel et Walker and chocolate revolutionaries Mast Brothers. The coffee guide partner locations include: the Fitzrovia's most excellent Kaffeine, enthusiasts’ favourite Prufrock and coffee boundary-pushers Macintyre. The craft beer pack is almost complete and will be launched later this year. (EDITOR: I can't wait!)

It was while growing her tours business that Jennifer realised some of her customers would rather take more time, and experience each location at their own pace, and this is how Taste Tripper came about.

Taste Tripper is as much a guidebook as it is a self-guided walking tour. Each chocolate, coffee or beer guide comes complete with information about each partner venue, as well as a map showing all of their locations. The samples and treats don’t expire so you can do as much or as little of the guide, whenever suits you.

Taste Tripper is excellent value for money and gorgeous to look at. As well as the sample vouchers and map, the guide also includes tasting notes, insider secrets, offers and tips. A pack for one person costs £18 and a pack for two people is £30. The total value of the samples and offers within the pack make it an excellent and inexpensive way to try some of the best food and drink the capital has to offer. They also make the perfect birthday or Christmas present for any foodie in your life.

In the true style of Taste Tripper, the website also offers visitors something extra: a whole section of insider tips from some of the food and drink world’s leading authorities, all for free. Participants include leading restaurateur Russell Norman, Delicious Magazine editor Karen Barnes and series 1 winner of the Great British Bake Off Edd Kimber. Giving visitors to the website suggestions for even more destinations to visit, from some of London’s leading foodies.

Said Jennifer: “I am absolutely delighted to be launching Taste Tripper. Since working within the food tours business I saw a gap in the market for people who didn’t have the time to commit to a full tour but still wanted to visit the best foodie venues in London. I really hope that Taste Tripper fills that gap and allows people the opportunity to experience and sample some of the best tastes London has to offer, at their own pace.”

Taste Tripper is available directly from their website, along with select partner locations. All contact information and social media links are listed below.

Website : www.tastetripper.com  Twitter: taste_tripper Instagram: taste_tripper.

(EDITOR: This will make a really good Christmas present for the foodies in your life. Hope my wife is reading this article!)

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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

From That's Christmas.

We will be back with more Christmas stories some time during 20016.

Some very late minute Christmas presents from Kurobuta!

Kurobuta! They have some amazing vouchers available online and also have a great Christmas exclusive offer running with Timeout - http://uk-offers.timeout.com/deals/food-and-drink-kurobuta-harvey-nichols

This Christmas why don’t you give the gift of an amazing dining experience? Kurobuta has put together a variety of brilliant options for those foodies in your life. From a private cooking lesson to an indulgent champagne lunch, there is something for everyone - and if you’re lucky maybe they will take you along!

Each gift has been carefully thought out by Kurobuta owner Scott Hallsworth to ensure that each offer is the best it can be. You will get to experience the true Kurobuta with these offers and sample a selection of their most popular dishes and drinks depending on which gift you decide to choose.

Kurobuta takes its inspiration from the Izakayas of Japan, where tapas-style plates are served to accompany drinks in a casual setting. Originally a pop up Kurobuta has been such a hit with diners who fell for the unique chilled out ambience and exceptional Japanese food; it’s now a permanent fixture in London’s Marble Arch, on Chelsea’s Kings Road and Kurobuta can now be found on Harvey Nichols 5th floor!

The below are the gift options that are available this year – a gift you will be sorry to be giving away!

·         Cooking Lesson for 1 Person - £150.00
·         Sushi & Sake for Two - £50.00
·         Champagne Sunday Lunch for Two - £75.00
·         Dinner for Two - £80.00
·         Lunch for Two - £55.00
·         £80 Voucher - £80.00
·         £50 Voucher - £50.00
·         Sake Dinners for One - £100.00
·         £100 Voucher - £100.00

https://kurobuta.giftvouchers.uk.com//

One in 10 UK adults would give up alcohol to get online this Christmas

One in 10 UK adults would sacrifice alcohol in order to stay online this Christmas in what is being dubbed ‘going Dry-Fi’, whilst 9% would give up chocolate, according to the latest research commissioned by Virgin Media.  

The UK’s ultrafast broadband provider has revealed how the internet underpins the nation’s festive needs. According to the survey of over 2,000 UK adults celebrating the Christmas holiday, carried out by YouGov, two thirds (67%) of respondents plan to go online on Christmas day.

Of those, 38% will spread festive cheer on Facebook while nearly one in five (18%) will check out Boxing Day sales. These figures are higher among 25-34 year olds with just under half (48%) using social media and a quarter (25%) looking for online deals.
In fact, one in five 25-34 year olds said that having Wi-Fi will be ‘essential’ for a successful Christmas day.

Wi-Fi etiquette
However, our ever growing appetite for all things digital will not be without domestic politics this Christmas as Virgin Media’s research has revealed some of the new rules of engagement when hosting or visiting family and friends.
The research reveals 43% of those surveyed said they will ask for, or expect to be offered, their host’s Wi-Fi password this Christmas.

This generosity must be reciprocated, with 39% of people believing they should extend the same connectivity courtesy when they have visitors – a good reason to ensure your broadband speed will support the additional use.
Over a quarter (27%) of those polled said that a host’s internet connection should only be used for basic internet activities such as checking emails or social media, however 14% expect guests to be able to use the internet to do whatever they like.

For those without a reliable and fast Wi-Fi connection, there may be repercussions – the data showed that 14% of guests would let the host know if their Wi-Fi didn’t meet their browsing needs.

The UK’s love of digital life is not at the cost of festive traditions. Of those asked, the most popular essentials for a successful Christmas were being with friends and family (80%), Christmas dinner with all the trimmings (65%), giving and receiving presents (61%) and having access to festive TV (42%).

Have their life story written up by expert ghostwriters! What a super gift!

Story Terrace helps you turn memories and stories into a beautiful book, using their ghostwriters to find your voice and tell  story.

Whether you have an interesting family history, a life story or successful career, with Story Terrace you can create your own memoir or autobiography, for yourself or as a unique gift, a keepsake for future generations to read.

To learn more visit https://storyterrace.com/how-it-works/.

Christmas recipes from Mission Deli

Spicy Orange, Chocolate &Cranberry Wrap Cake

Preparation time: - 15 minutes.

Cooking time: - 45 minutes in total.

Ingredients

3 Mission Deli Original Wraps

225g (8oz) Chopped bitter chocolate

75g (2¾ oz) Unsalted butter

1 Beaten egg

3 tbsp castor sugar

2 Medium eggs

65g (2 ¼ oz) Castor sugar

284mls (½ pint) Double cream, heated 

Pinch salt

Pinch chilli powder

Finely grated zest 1 large orange

3 tbsp vanilla extract

120g (4oz) Semi dried cranberries

Method

1. Pre heat the oven to 180°C gas 4.

2. Melt the chocolate and unsalted butter together, over a pan of simmering water.

3. In a bowl place the eggs, sugar, vanilla, salt, chilli, orange zest and mix well.

4. Next lay out the 3 wraps, and brush with beaten egg and sprinkle liberally with castor sugar.

5. Lay onto a baking sheet and bake in the pre heated oven until crisp and nicely coloured

6. Once cooked cool. 

7. Reduce the heat in the oven to 160°C gas 3.

8. Next add the warm cream to the melted chocolate and butter, then mix well.

9. Add to the egg mixture and whisk well.

10. Lay one of the cooked wraps in the bottom of a 25cm x 5½ cm, loose bottomed cake tin. The cooked wraps should fit in perfectly.

11. Pour in half the chocolate and egg mixture, then, sprinkle over half the cranberries.

12. Lay on the second wrap and pour in the last of the chocolate and egg mixture, then sprinkle over the rest of the cranberries. Top with the last wrap.

13. Place the tin into the oven and cook for 15 minutes, or until the outside edge is set. 

14. Remove from the oven, cool, then chill well, best overnight.

15. Cut into thick wedges, dust well with plenty of cocoa powder and icing sugar, serve with a dollop of clotted cream

- Serves 6-8 

Warm Christmas Pudding Wraps with Brandy Dipping Custard Sauce

Preparation time:- 15 minutes.

Cooking time:- 15 minutes.

Ingredients

4 Mission Deli Original Wraps

350g (12oz) Christmas pudding

2-3 tbsp Brandy

1 medium egg, beaten

castor sugar

2 x 150g pots ready to eat custard

4 tbsp Brandy

Method

1. Pre heat the oven to 180°C gas 4.

2. Cut the Christmas pudding into 16, 6cm long x 1cm thick sticks, then drizzle

with the brandy.

3. Square off the round edges of the wraps, give them to the kids.

4. Then cut each square into 4 equal pieces.

5. Brush well with beaten egg, and sprinkle with a little castor sugar.

6. Lay each stick onto the edge of one of the quarters of wrap and roll up,

placing the roll on the cut edge.

7. Repeat for the other 15 pieces.

8. Place onto a baking tray and brush with beaten egg and dust with a little

castor sugar.

9. Bake in the pre heated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until well browned.

10. Mix the brandy into the custard to your liking.

11. Serve the rolls with the custard dip warm, not hot.

- Serves 4-6 persons

Wraps are available at most supermarkets, RRP: £1.70. So pick some up on the last Christmas shopping run on Christmas Eve and get creative!

 

The Prakti Stove. The practical way to cook Christmas or any dinner!

Think that just because the summer months are long gone that it’s time to stop cooking outside?

Well, think again! The Charcoal Burner Company is on a mission to bring the heat this winter, what with all those tasty German sausages you might pick up at the Christmas market!

In fact, that is how The Charcoal Burner Company came to bring the Prakti Stove, an Indian design classic and outside cooking staple, to the UK. Founder Alastair was searching for the best way to roast those chestnuts outside during the winter months, and after having decided that charcoal stoves beat their gas equivalents hands down in terms of being authentic, easy to use and keeping in the flavour, he discovered the Prakti Stove.

Having ordered a Prakti Stove from India, Alastair was immediately impressed by the cleverness of its design, the speed at which it lit and the clean, efficient not to mention superheat his new stove generated. Very soon he was addicted to cooking all kinds of things on his new Prakti Stove, not just those  … Alastair ended up having his very own Christmas cook-out on a Prakti Stove and now you can too!

The Charcoal Burner Company is now the UK distributor for Prakti, making it easier than ever to own one of these glorious stoves, your quickest route to bring the heat and aromas of India to your back garden or balcony.

The grills are perfect for winter barbecues and can cook fish or meat in just fifteen minutes. For vegetarians, there is also the option of cooking vegetables straight on the grill - perfect for travelling or for taking to outdoor events such as festivals.

As Yianni Papoutsis of the famed Meat Liquor restaurants says of the stove "All-in-all a most practical way of getting your grill on."

There are a wide range of different stoves available, including:
- Charcoal Stove (Rocket Stove) - which comes in red, blue or yellow
- Single Wood Burning Stove
- Double Wood Burning Stove
- Double Wood Burning Stove With Chimney Bracket
- The Orca Extra-Large Wood Burning Stove
There is also a range of essential accessories available from The Charcoal Burner Company, from the highest quality charcoal to grills, aprons and tote bags to transport all that tasty food you’re about to cook on your Prakti Stove.
And remember… A Prakti Stove is not just for Christmas! These wonderful stoves are fast becoming a favourite on the food festival circuit and across a wide-range of UK events all year round.
Keep on top of this truly hot trend with The Charcoal Burner Company!

For more information, please visit: www.thecharcoalburnercompany.co.uk 

   

Fresh festive ideas for last minute shoppers wrapped up at Dobbies

The countdown to Christmas is well and truly on, as we enjoy opening advent calendars and decorating houses with a sprinkle of festive magic.

 But if you’re yet to find the perfect present or are in need of some styling inspiration, you’ll find all you need and more in-store or in just a few short clicks at dobbies.com.

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree…

Ordering your Dobbies fresh tree has never been simpler, and all from the comfort of home or on the go. With the impending arrival of visiting friends and family throughout the festiveseason, we all want to make sure our homes are looking their best. Dobbies early gift of easy online ordering means that opting for fresh is achievable whether you have a local store or not.

Fraser Fir Christmas Tree from £49.99; Nordman Fir Christmas Tree from £49.99


With British grown real Christmas trees from just £49.99 and up to 8ft, you’ll be able to make your selection at the click of a button. With Nordman and Fraser styles both available,  ordering online is perfect for those short on time in the run up to the big day.

Garden fresh festive gifting...

Dobbies fabulous selection of seasonally inspired houseplants will add a touch of Christmas cheer to any room in your home. With a whole host of pretty potted plants in all shapes, sizes and colours now in store, they will make the perfect gift choice for your friends and family. If you’re looking for a way to remind that special someone how much you care, a beautiful delivery can be ordered online and straight to their door, a sure way to brighten up any winters day.

Scent of Christmas Flower Bouquet £25; Festive Cheer Flower Bouquet £25

Poinsettia in Nordic Pot £7.99; Poinsettia in Hooped Basket £16.99

Tickle the taste buds…

Christmas Beer Set, pk of 3, £11.99; Foster's Man Crate £17.99; Rudolph Relish, £3.69

With no better time to indulge, treat loved ones to delicious foodie favourites from the Dobbies food hall. The rustic Foster’s Man Crate will provide some hearty festive sustenance for the man in your life, or choose from the delightful selection of unique relishes, preserves and locally sourced produce – it is the season to eat drink and be merry after all!

Stocking fillers…

Whatever your budget, you’ll find something for everyone with the brilliant range of gift ideas and stocking fillers in-store and online. Encourage a tea break from tending to treasured gardens with our practical ‘Gone Gardening’ enamel mug or wow a chocoholic with the giant Mega Chocolate Bar…

Dobbies Enamel Mug £5.99; Mega Chocolate Bar, £14.99; Christmas Festive Fudge, £3.99

Deck the halls for less…

Have you decorated but think there’s not enough wow factor? It’s not too late to add some Christmas sparkle to your home inside and out and with 30% off selected items. Certain to be spoilt for choice, the fabulous assortment will make any room look bright and beautiful…

Scandinavian Pattern Baubles, box of 14, Was £12.99, Now £9.99 – Save £3

Noel Lighting Set, Was £99.99, Now £69.99 – 30% off

Cloche with Red & Aqua Church, Was £14.99, Now £12.59 – 30% off

Rope Light Stag, Was £150, Now £105 - 30% off

Reindeer and Sleigh Light Silhouette, Was £130.00, Now £91 – 30% off

Take a fresh approach to your last minute Christmas prep and sow the seeds of decorating and gifting success with real trees, wreaths and much more now available to buy online. Browse the range available to order online now at www.dobbies.com, or drop into your local store and find all you need for a very merry Christmas!

Christmas Day Essentials with Sabichi

Christmas Day Essentials
Tackle and prep for the day’s festivities with ease, using a few kitchen and dining essentials from Sabichi:

• Mezzaluna chopping board and knife, £14.50
• Red table runner, £9.50
• Denton 4 piece napkin rings, £5
• Silicone flat brush, £2.50
• Santoku knife, £4
• Large roaster pan, £7

Stocking Fillers 

£10 or Less

Stocking fillers? Sorted. Whether they’re a keen baker, homemaker or someone special, Sabichi has a whole host of thoughtful stocking fillers for £10 or less. The new range of silicone bakeware makes cupcakes a breeze, while festive fragrances such as Mulberry and Wild Fig will warm your home with sweet scents. 

And why not Kick Start January with some Healthy Kitchen Essentials for the New Year?

 

For a healthy start to the new year,  these top three kitchen essentials from Sabichi will help keep balanced diets on track. 

Whether it’s freshly pressed vegetable juices, steaming wholesome dinners to perfection or using a handy gadget such as the mandolin for fresh salads in seconds, the best choices start in the kitchen. 

All available to shop now at www.sabichi.co.uk.

A Home Christmas Light show

Just a rather fantastic Christmas light show on a house in a quiet residential street.

Some funky new slippers for Christmas!

Get your friends and family members into a fun, festive mood with these adorable reindeer design slippers.

They come complete with a fluffy red nose and antlers.

Brown fuzzy fabric stays cosy while a riptape strap fastens easily and the sole is ultra-flexible.

From the Clark's hugely popular Doodles range, Shilo Jena Fst are available in whole and half sizes.

And the price is now down to a rather nifty £7.00 from the original £14!

To locate your nearest store please visit http://www.clarks.co.uk/.

Christmas tree facts with Homebase

To learn more about Homebase -including the location of your nearest branches- please visit www.homebase.co.uk.

This is the gift for the budding businessman or businesswoman in your life

Most of us have a friend, or perhaps a family member or loved one who constantly talk about wanting to start a business.

But there's always something that seems to stop them taking the next step.

Eventually, you might begin to wonder of they will ever take the leap and actually do it?

But this Christmas, along with the usual socks, chocolates or soap set, what if you got the ball rolling on their behalf. Buy them something a little bit different? Buy them their dream Company in a Box.

Company in a Box
For £59.99 The Formations Company will send out a gift box which includes a guide and a voucher containing a unique code needed to redeem the gift.

Once the gift has been delivered the recipient just needs to call their Customer Service Team and tell them the unique code.

They'll then help them set up the company of their choice, complete all the necessary paperwork required by Companies House and send out all the official documentation.

Taking the plunge and actually forming a company can be intimidating, but sometimes all you need is the right kind of nudge to get going.

This Christmas they are giving you the chance to do just that for someone you know.

What's Included
Fully formed Limited Company - registered in the UK with Companies House RRP £15.00
Assisted formation - guidance from their formations experts throughout the formations process RRP £40.00 + VAT
Framed Certificate of Incorporation - sent on successful incorporation, on official grade paper and ready for display RRP £25.00 + VAT
Bound copies of the Memorandum and Articles – these are the terms under which the company will be run RRP £14.00 + VAT
Share Certificates - for all the share holders (the owners of the company) RRP £15.00 + VAT
The whole package costs £59.99 and they don't even charge you postage!

To learn more please visit https://www.theformationscompany.com/company-in-a-box-landing

Treat your loved ones ot what they really want this Christmas. Some Wickes stocking fillers!

Find the perfect gift for any budget at Wickes this winter

Do you want to help a loved one transform their home this Christmas? For those looking to deck the halls, the bathroom, the lounge or even the kitchen, Wickes has a range of festive and fun stocking fillers to satisfy the needs of both expert and novice DIYers this Christmas.

Those who are already a dab hand with a drill will love the Wickes 3.6V Li-ion Cordless Screwdriver (only £9.99) to help take their home improvement projects to the next level. For those who’ve never even picked up a screwdriver, why not get them their first Stanley Metal Latch Toolbox (only £13.99) and encourage them to kick start their DIY dream.

Whether friends and family are looking to revitalise an overlooked room or simply tidy up some odd jobs around the house, these stocking fillers can help spread some Christmas cheer by making sure all the family have exactly what they need to improve their home in 2016.

Under £10
Wickes 3.6V Li-ion Cordless Screwdriver, only £9.99 in stores nationwide and online

                                               Wickes 3.6V Li-ion Cordless Screwdriver
The Wickes 3.6V Cordless Screwdriver has a soft grip handle for ease of use and comes with 10 different screwdriver bits. Suitable for use with wood, metal and plastics, it’s perfect for all manner of DIY projects from beginner through to expert use.

Stanley Metal Latch Toolbox 16in, only £9.99 in stores nationwide and online
Stanley 1-94-858 Metal Latch Toolbox 20in
The Stanley Metal Latch Toolbox has a wide soft grip handle on top for easy lifting. Its innovative design, combined with its robust structure and large storage volume make this the perfect gift for anyone looking to organise their tool collection ahead of their projects in the New Year.

Under £20
Wickes 2000W Hot Air Gun, only £14.99 in stores nationwide and online

Wickes 2000W Hot Air Gun
The Wickes 2000W Hot Air Gun has a rubber grip for improved comfort and three speed/heat settings. It is guaranteed to make a range of home improvement projects even easier to achieve, helping remove paint, varnish and more. For those embarking on some serious DIY, this is sure to help lighten the load.

Stanley Fat Max Screwdriver Set 6 piece, only £17.24 in stores nationwide and online
Stanley Fat Max Screwdriver Set 6 Piece
The Stanley FatMax Screwdriver sets are made with chrome vanadium steel which allows for high torque and reduces the risk of tip breakage. The handle is moulded directly to shaft for a virtually unbreakable bond, giving long life and durability. Ideal for anyone needing strong durable tools to tackle those tricky DIY projects.


Under £30
Stanley Dynagrip Strike Cap Chisel Set 5 Piece, only £22.46 in stores nationwide and online

Stanley Dynagrip Strike Cap Chisel Set 5 Piece
The Stanley Dynagrip Strike Cap chisels have a steel striking cap which can be used with a steel hammer for increased force at the point of contact, and a longer soft-grip handle for improved grip and control. The chisels are manufactured from forged high carbon steel for strength and durability and have pre-sharpened blades ready for immediate use. These would be ideal for anyone needing to do high-precision DIY work.


Wickes 300W Versatile Multi Tool, only £29.99 in stores nationwide and online

The Wickes 300W Versatile Multi Tool has a slim body with a soft comfortable grip. This Multi Tool comes with a semi-circle saw blade and an end cutting blade, as well as a sanding pad and sanding sheets. Great for DIY lovers who would benefit from a versatile gadget that can be used for sawing, cutting and sanding.


Under £50
Kärcher WV2 Window Vac, only £39.99 in stores nationwide and online

Karcher WV2 Window Vac
The new Kärcher Window Vac makes cleaning windows easier and quicker than traditional methods. Also suitable for other smooth surfaces such as mirrors and tiles, and leaves surfaces clean with no streaks or residues. Great for anyone looking to get a head start on their spring cleaning in the New Year.


Over £50
Bosch PMD 10 Multi Detector, only £56.24 in stores nationwide and online

Bosch Pmd 10 Multi Detector

The Bosch PMD 10 Multi Detector detects the most frequent materials found behind walls, ceilings and floors, including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, AC live wires and studs. Whether it’s live AC wires, wood studs, copper pipes or steel rebar, the PMD 10 can help you locate problem areas with ease. DIY enthusiasts needn’t worry any longer about drilling into a water pipe or damaging a power cable.


Worx 250W Sonicrafter Universal Multi-Tool, only £69.99 in stores nationwide and online

Worx WX679 250W Sonicrafter Universal Multi-Tool
The Worx Sonicrafter is the ideal tool for around the home thanks to its great versatility. The 18 included accessories make it perfect for cutting architrave, sanding in tight corners, cutting pipes and removing grout as well as carrying out tasks on wood, metal, plastic, tiles and more.


Worx 20V Lithium-Ion Cordless Hammer Drill with 2 Batteries, only £99.99 in stores nationwide and online

Worx WX372.7 20V Lithium-ion Cordless Hammer Drill With 2 Batteries
The Worx 20V Lithium-ion Cordless Hammer Drill will always give you the confidence to tackle any task. Making light work even of masonry, completing your DIY projects around the home & garden couldn’t be easier. The 20V Lithium battery stays charged up to 1 year and Powershare allows you to interchange your batteries with your other 20V Worx tools.


To learn more and to find out the location of your branch of Wickes, please visit http://www.wickes.co.uk/

Ragdale Hall Gift Vouchers

All vouchers come beautifully packaged in a presentation pack with voucher wallet and brochure.
Starting from only £25, a Ragdale Hall Gift Voucher is the perfect gift that can be enjoyed any time throughout the year ahead.

Vouchers are available for spa day packages, breaks or in monetary values –  the choice is entirely yours:

Monetary Vouchers – available in £100, £50 and £25. Can be used towards a spa day or spa break or to pay for additional goods purchased whilst a resident or day guest.

Spa Day Packages – available for each of Ragdale’s  day packages (from £79 to £205) for weekdays or (£89 to £225) at weekends.

Spa Breaks – vouchers are available for any of the packages detailed in our Guide to Spa Breaks for either twin, double, triple or single occupancy in a choice of six different room types.
Fully inclusive prices from £138 per person per night.

Please feel free to view Ragdale Hall’s video brochure at http://www.ragdalehall.co.uk/video-spa-brochure.php

All vouchers are valid for a year from the day of purchase and are dispatched upon receipt of full payment.

To make a purchase or for further information contact Voucher Sales on
01664 433030 or visit our website on www.ragdalehall.co.uk

Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa, Ragdale Village,
Nr Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE14 3PB Tel: 01664 434831,
Email: enquiries@ragdalehall.co.uk.

Fruit Cake & Cheese: A Festive Favourite for Yorkshire Folk

As the festive season approaches, one custom that is set to entice the taste buds of the nation is fruit cake and Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese – an increasingly popular Christmas pairing, which sits proudly amongst the long-standing traditions of God’s Own County.

The pairing of fruit cake and Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese dates back to at least the 19th century, and the Creamery proudly champions the flavoursome match of its creamy Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese with the rich sweetness of fruit cake. The combination has won many plaudits from Yorkshire Greats as a well-known festive treat.

William Hague, Former UK Foreign Secretary, Leader of the House of Commons, flies the flag for the seasonal match: “For me, there is no greater delicacy in the world than Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese and fruit cake.”

David Hartley, Managing Director of the Wensleydale Creamery, comments: “Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese has become synonymous with quality, authenticity and tradition, being recognised with European protected food name status.  Our skilled cheese-makers still continue the art of handcrafting Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese in the heart of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales today.

“We are very proud to celebrate the long-standing great Northern tradition of Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese and fruit cake and we look forward to seeing many celebrating and enjoying the festive treat across the nation this Christmas.”

To find out more or to purchase the Wensleydale Creamery’s full range of cheeses and accompaniments, visit www.wensleydale.co.uk.

Bonne Maman... It's sort of French for Christmas!

BOITE METAL MADELEINES 2015+sticker festif.

Treat your family and friends to a limited edition Bonne Maman Madeleines Christmas Tin, the perfect festive indulgence to share on Christmas Day.

Featuring 10 individually wrapped Bonne Maman Madeleines, delicate in taste and light in texture thanks to their subtle almond and vanilla flavours and light, buttery sponge.

Made from an authentic traditional recipe using the finest natural ingredients, these French delights will add a little luxury to this festive season.

Available from Ocado (RRP £3.99)

Men's Health Lab launches new vitamin range for Christmas gifting

Men's Health, the UK's no 1  men's  magazine, has launched into the vitamins   sector with  its new brand Men's Health Lab, to help men release their best   by giving their body and mind an extra  helping hand.  

There's eight easy-to-understand products, so Men’s Health Lab vitamins has made it simpler  for  men to navigate the complicated  vitamins  and supplements  market by developing clear  benefit led vitamins products, designed with  men  and  their busy lifestyles in mind.  

The new comprehensive range is expertly designed to support the specific needs of every man   and utilises the  expertise that Men’s Health has built over nearly three decades in the  health and   fitness industry.  

Developed by the experts of Men's  Health in  partnership with consumer healthcare specialists    Omega Pharma,  men can  be assured each and every product is made only with the highest   quality ingredients,  carefully selected and sourced for optimum health benefits.

The range is split into three distinct segments of advanced vitamins and supplements, tailored  to   support body and  mind:  

• Performance: Mental Focus,  Vit  D3 Max, Cardio Health  & Joint Endurance
• Well-being Multi-­Fit   & Body Defence  
• Energy Energy Release  &  Active Recovery  

Please note that Men's Health Lab products are available via the Amazon powered gift shop which you will find to the top right side of That's Christmas.

Bespoke Number Plates from Fourdot. The ideal gift. gift cards are available

The first fully tailor-made, 100% road legal number plates, Fourdot gives drivers the ability to add a unique finishing touch to their number plate, perfectly complementing the contours, lines and aesthetics of their vehicle.

Tailor made dependent on each vehicle's shape and style as well as the driver's unique personality – the luxury plates are completely custom-made.

Crafted out of high grade, quality acrylic, Fourdot’s Style and Signature ranges are both designed to be bespoke to each persons needs.

Signature Range
Carefully created for car enthusiasts, the flagship Signature range uses advanced 3D laser scanning technology to produce model specific number plates that fit each vehicle’s plate recess with precision.

Use the online Plate Creator to discover a range of design options, from the colour of backgrounds, to the size and shape of the reflective area and borders. Plus, add bespoke icons or personal artwork that matches either the paint or styling of the vehicle and create your own bespoke plate that enhances rather than detracts from the vehicle’s original design.

Price: from £145 (a pair)

Style Range

With the same state-of-the-art precision engineering alongside fixed plate dimensions, tailor the Style range to suit the personal tastes of the owner as well as their vehicles aesthetics. Choose designs from the hundreds of options created by Fourdot’s in house design team or create your own unique arrangement, based on anything from the owner's favourite pattern or design to a favourite hobby or pastime.

Price: from £75 (a pair)

Both laser cut ranges are manufactured in the UK and also come with a zero front plate option; a streamlined front plate that reduces the size to the extremes of legal limits, to show that less is definitely more.

Head to www.fourdotdesignerplates.co.uk to design a bespoke plate unique to each individual person's style or purchase a gift card.

BRITA Marella jugs a good looking and healthy Christmas gift

We all know the importance of water when concerning our health and skin, so it's good news that BRITA have a Marella jugs which holds up to 2.4L or 3.5L of water.

Marella's fit perfectly into the fridge door and have a helpful 'memo' which reminds you to change the Maxtra cartridge to ensure you always have the freshest filtered water.

The Marella jug reduces levels of chlorine, heavy metals and limescale in your water, and also features a sleek flip top lid. It comes in a range of colours to suit every kitchen from Yellow to Purple.

So not only does it make an attractive Christmas present, it also helps keep the recipient healthy, too!

Why not buy one for yourself, too?

Festive fun for Christmas week

@ The Hour Glass
http://hourglasspub.co.uk/
Enjoy their cosy downstairs pub area for drinks first before heading to the upstairs restaurant for a traditional selection of Christmas wonders starting at £30 for three courses. Indulge in delicious dishes such as warming Blue Vinney Rarebit, Venison and Bacon Suet Pudding and Stone Bass with Clams and Purple Sprouting Broccoli – there’s also Roast Goose with all the trimmings for those who want to keep it traditional.

@ Adam Byatt http://www.trinityrestaurant.co.uk/
Trinity: Long considered one of the finest restaurants in the Capital, and a particular stalwart for residents south of the river. Get involved in true gourmand Christmas tradition and enjoy Adam Byatt’s luxury Christmas menu, offering three courses for £50 per person (Available from December 2nd to 23rd, for groups of 4 or more) Choose a hearty pumpkin soup with gingerbread to begin your wintery feast before a whole goose with Cranberry Stuffing, Roast Roots and Goose Fat Potatoes is put before your table.

Upstairs at Trinity: The more informal restaurant “Upstairs” offers a banquet for Kings, a sharing feast starting at £30 offering a variety of options for three courses. Choose Gin smoked salmon or delicious Cornish mussels to start with, before the whole table can feast on spit roast Ark Farm chickens with Macaroons or a cheese selection for pudding, if you still have room..!
Bistro Union: Keeping it real this Christmas, with only festive favourites on their £35 three course menu, guests can choose from comforting classics like Cherry Smoked Salmon, Turkey with all the trimmings and stilton and port for a Christmassy closure.
http://www.bistrounion.co.uk/

@ Rudie’s http://rudieslondon.com/
For those that don’t want to pre-empt the Christmas Day meal by eating the full turkey only weeks before, Rudie’s “festive” menu is just for you. For only £29.50 feast on turkey and cranberry Jamaican patties, slow cooked pineapple and rum glazed ham and Rum Cake with Rum Butter Sauce and Ice Cream.

It doesn't stop there though, adding an extra punch to your Christmas feast, Rudie’s offers you their festive and aptly named Berries Hammond cocktail – an enchanting mix of winter fruit and Jamaican Rum.

Christmas made easy

Christmas Hampers. Or as my wife calls this concept, "Christmas in a Box!"

Forget the stress of Christmas shopping this year – containing everything you need for the perfect gift in one package, a hamper is your secret to hassle-free festivities.

Even the fussiest of family members would be thrilled to receive a hamper full of their favourite Christmas classics and, thanks to First4Hampers, these bundles of delight can be selected and ordered in just a matter of clicks with next day UK delivery available. Many of the products, which are sourced from the UK, Ireland and Europe are Great Taste Award winners, which is the highest accolade afforded to foods in the UK and ROI.

From Christmas puds to chocolate Brazil nuts, wine, marmalade and biscuits, these food-filled hampers make the ideal gift for indulgent enjoyment and will last long after the turkey has been eaten.

The Great Christmas Classic (£79.90)
Delivered in a classic handmade wicker hamper, this festive-themed gift package contains all the Christmas classics sure to evoke fond memories. Perfect for families, it includes favourites such as chocolate Brazils, brandy pudding, Raspberry shortcake and Christmas preserve. The season can be toasted with a selection of Vicuna Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc wines.

Luxurious (and affordable) Christmas    
This Thornton & France (established 1717) luxurious gift box creates an opulent present which doesn’t break the bank. Perfect for post (or pre) turkey nibbles, it contains both savoury and sweet treats such as handmade sweet ham and pickle Yorkshire Crisps, caramelised cashews, Ditty’s spiced shortbread and Cole’s figgy Christmas pudding. These goodies can be enjoyed with delicious Lily O’Brien’s chocolates and washed down with Alta Rita Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc (or New English Tea if you prefer). Perfect for sharing after the kids have gone to bed.
£69.90

Festive Fruit Punch Basket
Walker’s Mincemeat tarts, Cole’s brandy Christmas pudding, Belgian chocolates and shortbread Scottie dogs are just some of the delicious classics contained in this stunning handmade wicker hamper. An ideal gift for one or two people, the delicious delights can be washed down with non-alcoholic fruit punch made with real elderberries, blackcurrants and orange, spiced up with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg to create the perfect festive drink.
£35

For more information on First 4 Hamper’s full range, please visit www.First4Hampers.com.

Pet Pavilion. Festive fun for the furry folk in our lives!

If you thought buying gifts at Christmas time was restricted to just humans – think again.

This year, thanks to London’s most luxurious pet boutique, Pet Pavilion we can now spoil our favourite furry friends just like our other family members.

The new range of canine Christmas treats which will be available in all Pet Pavilion stores is so exclusive, that they are sure to be at the top of every doggy and moggy’s Christmas list.

From exclusive spa packages to beds shaped like Ferarri’s and beautifully packaged to special sparkling collars for the fashion conscious pet. Owners can find truly unique toys, accessories and treats to suit even the fussiest of tastes and keep your four legged friends occupied for hours.

For those customers looking to really splash out at the most wonderful time of the year, Pet Pavilion will also be offering the Christmas Spa Package where you can indulge and pamper your pet with their own very special treatment designed to enhance their regular groom or bath.

There will be a festive Mulled Orange Shampoo and Conditioning Treatment, a Pedicure with moisturising paw balm, a Mulled Orange Cologne Spritz and to top it all off the pamper pooches will also be given a Christmas bow tie for the boys or bow for the girls, guaranteed to make them wag their tails with delight.

To learn more please visit http://petpavilion.co.uk/

Mac & Wild Ready To Drink Pre-Bottled Cocktails -

 Mac & Wild Ready To Drink Pre-Bottled Cocktails (www.macandwild.com/cocktails) London’s top Scottish restaurant Mac & Wild is pleased to announce the launch of their brand new ready to drink innovative cocktail range, Scottish Cocktails, this winter.

The drinks come in four ready to drink varieties including the Ginger Laddie and the Auld Pal.

 The cocktails are available to buy in stores including Selfridges & Co and Whole Foods.

These nostalgic flavours will transport you to the heart of the Highlands and will serve as the perfect Christmas gift for your loved one or even for yourself.

(Image courtesy of Mac & Wild)

Inception Group Experiences and Gift Vouchers

The festive period is the Inception Group’s favourite season and to celebrate, all eight restaurants, bars and clubs are offering an exciting array of one-of-a-kind experiences and gift cards that would make ideal presents for friends, family, loved ones and colleagues.

From a Squiffy Picnic experience at Soho’s underground sensation Cahoots to a Saturday brunch party complete with DIY bellini kits at Battersea’s Bunga Bunga, there is truly an experience for everybody to enjoy.

All experiences and gift cards can be purchased via http://inception-group.com/.

Encona can help you transform your turkey and help stop food waste

The British waste an astounding and, to be frank, horrific, 7 million tonnes of food each year, with much of this happening over the festive season.

Did you know that very Christmas, we throw away an estimated 2 million turkeys. Yet being inventive with leftovers is easy and delicious - particularly with Encona!

If your family enjoyed fish or seafood as part of your festive fare, this needs to be the first food you use up. Toss leftover prawns with carrots, radishes, cabbage and spring onions, and serve with a dressing of Encona Thai Mild Sweet Chilli Sauce with oil, lime and fish sauce. This fresh salad will bring exotic flavour to your Boxing Day meal!

Leftover roast potatoes are delicious hot or cold with any Encona chilli Sauce, but why not try mixing three parts mayonnaise with one part Encona African Peri-Peri sauce for a yummy Peri Mayo dip? Or make a twist on a traditional British dish by crafting Bubble & Squeak from leftover roasties and sprouts, served with a drizzle of Encona West Indian Original Hot Pepper sauce for a flavoursome treat.

Cold turkey can be tossed with cooked noodles, shredded carrot, thinly sliced spring onion and a generous splash of Encona Thai Chilli and Garlic Sauce for a delicious noodle salad. Still have plenty of poultry? Stir turkey, leftover root veg and chickpeas into chopped tomatoes and stock, add a generous dollop of Encona Moroccan Harissa Marinade, simmer and serve with couscous for a delicious tagine.

Sausage meat can also be given a spicy lift by mixing with Encona West Indian Original Hot Pepper Sauce, thyme and Worcestershire Sauce before crafting into sausage rolls. Feeling brave? Upgrade to Encona West Indian Extra Hot Pepper Sauce; made to a traditional Caribbean recipe using a super fiery blend of Scotch Bonnets and Jolokia Peppers.

For those adventurous chefs out there, each sauce can also be enjoyed in a variety of ways: with grilled meat, prawns and fish, drizzled over salads, used as a marinade or even as a dipping sauce.

This festive season liven up your leftovers with the spicy flavours of Encona!

Encona is available at all major multiples, cash & carries and independent stores.

RRP:  
Encona African Peri-Peri Sauce (142ml) - £1.49 RRP
Encona West Indian Original Hot Pepper Sauce (142ml) - £1.49 RRP
 Encona Thai Chilli and Garlic Sauce (142ml) - £1.49 RRP
Encona West Indian Extra Hot Pepper Sauce (142ml) - £1.49 RRP
Encona Thai Mild Sweet Chilli Sauce (285ml) - £1.99 RRP

For the full recipes, please go to the Encona website:
Encona Thai Style Prawn and Rice Salad: http://www.enconasauces.co.uk/recipes/far-east/encona-thai-style-prawn-and-rice-salad/
Encona Thai Chilli Garlic Chicken and Noodles: http://www.enconasauces.co.uk/recipes/far-east/encona-thai-chilli-garlic-chicken-and-noodles/
Encona Sausage Rolls: 
http://www.enconasauces.co.uk/recipes/caribbean/encona-sausage-rolls/

Property Moose launches property gift giving platform in time for Christmas

Property crowdfunding specialists, Property Moose, has launched a product to provide people the chance to gift their loved ones a slice of property this Christmas.

With 37 per cent of people in the UK previously receiving Christmas gifts that they did not want or use[1], property offers the ideal alternative for those looking for a gift for the future.

This year, families are expected to spend an average of £796 celebrating Christmas, with £596 of this spent on presents alone.

However, a survey revealed that a substantial amount of money spent at Christmas was wasted; in fact, UK adults have previously squandered £2.4 billion on uneaten, discarded food and unwanted gifts.

A gift usually considered out of reach, property can offer the ideal alternative for a loved one who already has everything or as an ideal investment opportunity for friends or that budding property mogul. In addition, property investment through Property Moose enables the receiver to take full control of the investment, with a tangible gift that returns a monthly income and potential the benefit of capital growth.

Andrew Gardiner, founder of Property Moose comments, “We believe investing in property can be a great gift alternative for loved ones this Christmas – instead of giving someone an unwanted gift, why not give them the chance to invest in their future with a share of a property investment?”

Property Moose’s simple online platform can also take the stress out of shopping. With a selection of properties available to invest in, all properties are specifically chosen by the expert Property Moose team, to ensure each one has prime letting opportunities as well as potential forecasted growth.

With gifts available from £25, investors can spread their capital across individual properties, allowing them to create a diverse portfolio more easily. By doing so, parents can help invest in their child’s future which could later help them with expenses such as university fees.

“Christmas is just around the corner and British shoppers have already begun the spending frenzy; especially with the recent shopping days including Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Now is the time to consider where you’re spending your money to ensure you buy a present that not only excites on Christmas Day, but offers someone a gift that could keep on giving,” adds Andrew Gardiner.

Property Moose have asked that we include this Risk warning: Investing in property involves risks, including illiquidity (the inability to sell assets quickly or without substantial loss in value), lack of dividends, loss of investment and dilution, and it should be done only as part of a diversified portfolio. There is no secondary market available meaning that these securities are illiquid. Your capital is at risk. Past performance and forecasts are not indicative of future performance.

For more information, please visit www.propertymoose.co.uk

Something for every woman with Marie Meili's latest collection

Marie Meili’s Autumn Winter 15 collection takes on a mix of flattering and fitting lingerie that brings femininity to the forefront for the season ahead.

The new collection boasts soft silks in sophisticated balcony styles and impressive deep plunges for that ‘wow’ factor.

Styles include charming lace; vibrant purples, pinks and dramatic reds bring confidence, comfort and glamour this season.
Turn your back in style with racer back straps finished with girly bows to get you ready for the party season

For practical purposes you can always rely on the core t-shirt bras. Choose from styles lined with lace, patterned in polka or floral prints to give a flirty feel.

Curves

For busts bigger than most, Marie Meili continues to provide a range of styles with a ‘feel good, look good’ factor in the form of ranges like Aurora, lace t-shirt and wire bras, light control briefs, hipster and brief pants.

Sizes range from 36C to 40F

Active Wear

Look stylish while working out with Marie Meilli’s Active Wear. Medium impact, quick dry fabric and seamless knits allow for comfort, while the neon colours and leopard print that encourage a fun work out.

Sports bras available in XS-XXL
Sports underwear available in S-L

Marie Meili pride themselves on providing a wide range of products for the following lifestyle needs including lingerie, swimwear, shapewear, activewear, nursing bras and the curves range of lingerie, swimwear and shapewear for fuller figures. Marie Meili is a brand with something for everyone.

Whether looking for seduction or fun, practical solutions or sheer indulgence, Marie Meili is the brand that will deliver all you need an more. Main stockists included ASOS, House Of Fraser and Amazon.

(EDITOR: They are available via our Christmas shop to the right of this page.)