Mothers Day Inspiration

Gift ideas to help celebrate in style this Mothers Day

With Mothers Day just around the corner, we’ve put together a few delectable delights and experiences that are sure to impress the leading ladies in your life.

Darts Farm New Fizz & Truffles (£49 from dartsfarm.co.uk)
Make mum feel really special with the ultimate pairing of truffles and fizz. This indulgent gift of artisan chocolate truffles, handcrafted at Darts Farm’s in-house chocolatier, Cow & Cacao, paired with a bottle of Devon sparkling rosé from their own Pebblebed Vineyards, packed in a beautiful wooden box, makes the perfect gift for Mother’s Day.

Darts Farm New Fizz & Truffles

Newly opened Greyfriars Hideaway in the heart of Oxford City Centre is offering luxurious stays to celebrate Mother’s Day this year. Its two exclusive-use Listed properties each have breath-taking historical features, stand hidden away in an unrivalled central location and come complete with a menu of optional concierge services too, and to honour mother figures this year, complimentary fresh flowers, fizz and chocolates will be included as standard for all stays throughout March.
Greyfriars Hideaway has good availability throughout March and bookings for its Mother’s Day offer can be made at greyfriarshideawayoxford.com by quoting ‘MOTHER’S DAY’. An exclusive-use three night stay at The Masters Lodgings costs from £2800 on a self-catering basis for up to four people, while an exclusive-use three night stay at Cloisters costs from £4800 on a self-catering basis for up to eight people. The properties can be taken together from £7600 for a three night stay for up to 12 guests. Optional concierge services are charged as taken.

Greyfriars Hideaway

If you’re mothers ideal gift is a foodie looking to explore new and exciting dishes then prepare to tickle the taste buds with a choice of fabulous food kits from Hop & Roll (hopandroll.co.uk).
There’s a variety of kits to choose from, and each has been carefully curated by talented Hop & Roll founder Rosh and celebrate the diverse flavours and spices of Sri Lankan cuisine.
Kits come with the option of including the traditional Hopper pan, and we particularly liked the sound of The Island Life Kit (£54.99), which includes a veritable Sri Lankan feast, Arrack cocktails, curries and pan.

Hop & Roll

A quintessentially British delight, Hush Mayfair (hush.co.uk/afternoontea), in the heart of Mayfair, is offering a brand-new afternoon tea just in time for Mothering Sunday, with three tempting options, from classic and champagne through to gin cocktails.

Hush Mayfair

Available on Sunday 27th March, and then from Monday – Friday weekly from 2pm until 4.30pm, afternoon tea at Hush Mayfair is an elegant affair. Situated in the beautiful Brasserie or captivating Courtyard, indulge in delicate and flavourful finger sandwiches – think honey roast ham and mustard; oak cured salmon with chive crème fraiche; and traditional cucumber and butter on fluffy white bread. Scones are, of course, a must – at Hush Mayfair they are freshly baked and served with lashings of raspberry jam and clotted cream. Suitably sweet treats include honey financiers; zingy mini lemon meringue pies; indulgent cream-filled gold-leaf chocolate eclairs and rainbow macarons.
Tea is courtesy of master blenders Harney & Sons, with a choice of flavours including Jasmine, Gunpowder Green, Rose Puchong, and a classic English Breakfast.

The Traditional Afternoon Tea is priced at £50 for two, whilst for an extra special event opt for the Gin & Jam Tea, priced at £70 for two and including a gorgeous gin cocktail each. Choose from the T N Tea – a perfect pour of Tanqueray Gin, Savoia Bitters, nectarine, gunpowder tea and Fever Tree Soda Water; whilst the Breakfast Negroni is a tantalising blend of Highclere Castle Gin, Belsazar Rose Vermouth, Select Aperitivo, English breakfast tea and orange marmalade.
If you fancy fizz, the Champagne Tea is priced at £80 for two and includes a glass of Canard-Duchêne Cuvée Léonie Brut Champagne.

The Langham, London (palm-court.co.uk) has launched a brand-new afternoon tea collection, as part of a series of teas in Palm Court inspired by the nation’s favourite biscuits. An established member of London’s afternoon tea scene, Palm Court has served up some of the finest cakes and pastries for over a century, putting a modern twist on classic favourites.

The Langham, London

Priced from £65pp, guests can expect a truly decadent spread of delights, with the menu overseen by Michel Roux Jr. and created by Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett. The drink offering is just as impressive as the food, and guests can explore an extensive range of teas with the assistance of the tea sommelier. For an additional £10pp diners can try COPENHAGEN Organic sparkling tea or add a glass of English sparkling wine from Gusbourne for £15pp or a glass of Taittinger Brut Reserve for £21pp.

Raise a glass to the leading lady in your life this Mother’s Day and spoil her with the new “G & Tea” experience at Manetta’s Bar (flemings-mayfair.co.uk/fine-dining-london/manettas-bar), located within the opulent surroundings of luxury boutique hotel, Flemings Mayfair.

Manetta’s Bar

Priced at £45 per person, guests can enjoy an assortment of freshly baked patisseries and fragrant tea blends from East India Tea Company alongside a choice of one of three refreshing and botanical gin tipples, including Whitley Neill Raspberry Gin, Salcombe Gin Rosé and Nicholson London Dry Gin. Or there’s the option to treat her to all three gins for an additional £25.

Beautifully presented on an elegant tiered stand, delight in plain and fruit scones with thick clotted cream and homemade jams, followed by a selection of delectable mini patisseries and macarons whilst the expert bar team take you through the tasting notes of your gin and tonic selection.
The “G & Tea” experience will run from Mother’s Day (Sunday 27th March), continuing every Wednesday – Saturday thereafter from 1pm – 4pm. Book the experience online here.
Whether you’re booking in for Mother’s Day, or treating your leading queen in the coming months, elevate celebrations with Manetta’s indulgent “G & Tea”.

Spring 2022 issue

You may have noticed that we have been a bit quiet lately while we’ve been putting together our latest issue of Travel Dine Relax.

Since we launched the magazine in 2020, we’ve been overwhelmed by the feedback from our readers and we hope that our Spring issue doesn’t disappoint.

Jam packed full of ideas of where to visit, things to do and places to dine along with some inspiring interviews with two talented chefs, there’s something for everyone. So sit back and enjoy the journey.

Toast with your Teacup

Freshly baked scones with lashings of cream and jam, delicate finger sandwiches and delicious cakes and pastries – sounds like just the thing for your leading lady this Mother’s Day. Toast with your teacup and treat her to Patisserie Valerie’s decadent Afternoon Tea experience, available in its cafés across the UK and for nationwide delivery.

Lovingly handcrafted by the skilled master bakers, Madame Valerie’s Afternoon Tea for Two (£25, excluding delivery) features all your favourite patisserie in miniature form, from strawberry and black forest gateaux to chocolate eclairs and fluffy choux buns. The Madame Valerie Slice combining layers of chocolate sponge, salted caramel and chocolate cream is not to be missed! Sweet treats are served alongside plain and fruit scones, clotted cream, strawberry jam and complimentary freshy roasted single origin bean or ground coffee blend, exclusively for Patisserie Valerie. 

For those looking to venture out, the Madame Valerie Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed at its 43 café locations across the UK, from London to Glasgow, Bristol to Belfast and everything in between – priced at £32.95, the in-store afternoon tea experience also includes dainty artisan sandwiches, hand crafted selection of bespoke cakes and eclairs, homemade scones and refillable tea.

Cakes for Delivery

Indulge with Patisserie Valerie’s two stunning creations perfect for the occasion. Opt for the Lemon Vanilla Heart (£34.95), featuring layers of vanilla sponge, fresh cream, lemon and strawberry compote, encased with dark chocolate sticks and topped with fresh lemon buttercream rosettes and strawberry filling, or the Strawberry Gateaux Love Heart (£34.95) with layers of vanilla sponge, fresh cream, and strawberry compote, encased with dark chocolate sticks and topped with fresh cream rosettes and strawberry filling.

Patisserie Valerie’s Mother’s Day range is available to pre-order from 3rd – 20th March with deliveries made on or before Mother’s Day, 27th March. Large cakes are available online for nationwide delivery and via Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat.

patisserie-valerie.co.uk

The Next Generation of Donut

Reviewed & written by Mollie Kent

Urban Legend has launched a new guilt-free donut shop, allowing us all to indulge responsibly!

I got the opportunity to savour what puts the ‘legend’ into this new pop-up and how they have flourished and tapped into an audience of tastebud enthusiasts who enjoy sweet-tasting treats without worrying about unhealthy options. To put this into perspective, one of their donuts has the same amount of calories as a slice of buttered toast.

Sounds too good to be true? It’s all down to science as the team set out to make outrageously good donuts using all-natural ingredients and colours.
The creators at Urban Legend set about turning the tide on sugar and fat, using natural ingredients found in melons, pears, roots and leaves as alternatives to sugar, with donuts steamed. The bold colours are taken from plant and vegetable extracts – purple from beetroot, yellow from safflower etc. Every product is free from artificial preservatives, colours or flavours.

I visited the launch of their shop in BOXPARK Croydon, which was shortly followed by another store at Clapham Junction. These following the successful launch of their first shop in Brighton!
Being located right outside Croydon BOXPARK, this is the perfect stop on date night when you’re craving some guilt-free dessert. I won’t give away all the flavours, but there is something for everyone. Whether that be the fruity ‘Berry Unbelievable’, with ripe blackberries and raspberries and a dark chocolate cookie crumble, which almost looks too pretty to eat. Or the ‘Choc Party’, with all the drizzles and a chocolatey cookie crumb confetti.

Overall, I loved the idea of enjoying a guilt-free treat and expect this will become a favourite with the rest of the Travel Dine Relax office. The donut experts have your sweet hit covered! Grab one iced donut for £1.95, or opt for a box of three (£5.65), six (£9.95), or twelve (£14.95) to share the love with friends, as the perfect accompaniment for get togethers as we come into party season.

urban-legend.com

UK’s First Alcohol-Free Off-Licence Opens in London

Launching just in time for the most indulgent month of the year and running throughout Dry January, Mindful Drinking Festival creator, Club Soda, is opening the UK’s first alcohol-free off-licence just off Regent Street in London’s West End.

The pop-up store, which launched on 13 December, will give customers the chance to discover the wide range of alcohol-free drinks available in the UK and pick up a new favourite tipple to try throughout December, January and beyond. To celebrate the opening day, the off-licence is hosting a Bottle Swap, where the first 50 people who visit the pop-up with an unopened bottle or can of alcoholic drink will be able to swap for a non-alcoholic equivalent, whether that’s a spirit, fizz or even a beer!

Image courtesy of Club Soda

Perfect if you’re planning a hangover-free festive season, to challenge yourself to a Dry January or to give a loved one an alcohol-free Christmas present, the alcohol-free off-licence is for you. The many brands that customers can try in-store include Everleaf, Lyre’s, Thomson and Scott, Big Drop, Lucky Saint, and Adnams Ghost Ship 0.5%. Among the 70+ brands, there’ll be old favourites, new launches, UK and International brands, and several beers on draught.

The shop will also be hosting cocktail making and wine and beer masterclasses with experts such as Camille Vidal from La Maison Wellness, beer writer Emma Inch and wine expert Christine Parkinson.

Laura Willoughby MBE, Club Soda Founder, said: “We believe changing drinking habits starts with making better choices. Connecting everyone with the world of low and no alcohol drinks is essential to helping us all create and sustain lasting change. If you have not dipped into alcohol-free drinks for a while, you will be amazed at what has changed. So we invite everyone to pop along and find a new favourite tipple.”

Club Soda is the UK’s Mindful Drinking Movement. Club Soda support’s individuals to drink more mindfully and live well, empowering people to change their drinking, choose better alcohol-free drinks and connect with other mindful drinkers.

Club Soda is located at 59 Great Portland Street, London W1W 7LJ and
Sunday: 11am-6pm
Monday – Weds: 11am-6pm
Thurs and Friday: 11am-9pm
Saturday: 10am – 7pm

joinclubsoda.com

Burger & Lobster x Tony Singh MBE

Tis the sea-son to indulge, and as we head into colder climes, a winter warming feast fit for a king wouldn’t go amiss – that’s where Burger & Lobster comes in. The surf & turf specialists have teamed up with legendary Scottish chef and restaurateur Tony Singh MBE on a limited-edition sharing Punjabi Spiced Lobster dish, available up to the 31st December, at all nine Burger & Lobster London restaurants.

Tony Singh’s fishing trip with Burger & Lobster chef Ken Tyrrell

As one of the UK’s most celebrated TV chefs, Tony will showcase his culinary prowess coupled with provenance, fusing two whole pot-roasted native lobsters sourced from the UK’s shores, dressed with bold Indian flavours and aromatic spices. Generously serving two people with a side of fluffy steamed rice, elevate your client lunches and evening plans with this ultimate Christmas cracker.

Tony Singh MBE comments: “It’s been a pleasure to work alongside the chefs at Burger & Lobster to develop this winter warming dish. Burger & Lobster’s ethos of sourcing the best lobster, treating them with respect and having fun along the way rings true with traditional Punjabi cultural values as a means of bringing people closer together. It’s a recipe we’re really proud of, and we can’t wait for people to experience it – bring on the good times!”

Burger & Lobster’s Punjabi Lobster Curry is priced at £75 (based on two people sharing), and £1 from each dish will be donated to StreetSmart, a London-based charity working with the hospitality industry to tackle homelessness on our city streets.

With turkey shortages hitting our headlines, this is the perfect year to throw out the turkey, scrap the stuffing and raise a toast to a festive lobster centrepiece!

Looking to get your festive fix at home this year? Burger & Lobster have a range of DIY kits for nationwide delivery.

burgerandlobster.com

Food & Drink Black Friday Offers

If you’re anything like the TDR team, then food and treats to savour at home are top of the list. We look at our top five foodie favourite’s that are sure to get the taste buds tingling without breaking the budget this Black Friday!

Pleesecakes

PLEESECAKES – Up to 30% off
The Pllesecake cheesecake wizards are helping to make Black Friday that bit sweeter with 15% off across nationwide products, including the world’s first scoopable frozen cheesecake, Freezecakes; best-selling Mini Cheesecake Bundles; and Chuffles, the moreish cheesecake truffles – perfect for gifting, and can be stored in the freezer for up to three months (offer excludes limited-edition Baileys Chuffles). Pleesecakes are also offering 30% off their range of large cakes for collection only. Offer runs from 26th – 29th November 2021. Enter code BLACKFRIDAY at the checkout, nationwide delivery. Collection from Pleesecakes, 17 Trowers Way, Holmethorpe, Redhill RH1 2LH. Purchase at https://www.pleesecakes.com

Liberation Cocktails

LIBERATION COCKTAILS – 20% off entire range
Hosting friends and short on time, or looking for the perfect present for a cocktail connoisseur? Liberation Cocktails has you covered with a special 20% off the entire range this Black Friday. Get ready to drink cocktail giftsets, pre-mixed bottles and party kegs for a steal. Usually £99, the Liberation Cocktail party kegs containing 33 servings will be available for just £79.80 across Black Friday weekend, available in Espresso Martini, Strawberry Daiquiri and more delicious flavours.  Offer runs from 26th – 29th November 2021. Enter code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout. Purchase at https://liberationcocktails.com/

Carluccio’s

CARLUCCIO’S – At least 20% off the entire festive range + over 50% off cases of wine
Visit any Carluccio’s store or go online to enjoy a generous 20% off all shop items across the full Carluccio’s range, including gift cards. And that’s not all! This year, some of the Carluccio’s favourites will be available at an even better discount – buono deals to have on your radar include the refreshing Sicilian white wine selection, with a case of six bottles of award-winning Planeta Alastro available at just £39 (RRP £89.70), and the Delizia Gin Limone Hamper – complete with a bottle of Malfy gin con limone, two cocktail glasses and a premium citrus chopping board, Davide Barbero Limoncello Chocolates and Baci al Limone – priced at just £50 (usually £69). Offer runs from 26th – 29th November 2021. Purchase at www.carluccios.com

PAUL Bakery

PAUL BAKERY – 20% off online orders over £35 (delivery + collection)
Leading French artisan bakery, PAUL, is offering 20% off all online orders over £35, available for delivery and collection. Why not plan ahead for Christmas and pre-order a festive yule log, for the ultimate dessert centrepiece? Or, delight in French classics such as a Chocolate & Caramel Layer Cake or a signature Fraisier Cake as well as Nationwide products including a Home Bread Maker Kit with 2kg Flour or a PAUL Coffee & Hot Chocolate Kit. Offer runs from 25th – 28th November 2021. Enter code PAULGIFT20 at checkout. Purchase at https://www.paul-uk.com

SEARCYS

SEARCYS – Share the love with Searcys gift vouchers and Champagne
This Black Friday, treat yourself and your loved ones to one of Searcys memorable experiences, ranging from traditional afternoon tea, lunch, and dinner with breath-taking views, to exclusive Champagne gift sets. Get 10% credit to your gift monetary voucher to spend on dining experiences at Searcys’ iconic restaurants and bars, as well as free UK-wide delivery for Searcys exclusive Champagne gift boxes (starting from 2 bottles). A free Searcys 1847 Club membership (worth £19) is included with every purchase of any Searcys Champagne gift boxes. Offers available on 26th November only. Purchase at https://www.searcys.co.uk/gifts

 

Francesco Mazzei’s Radici launches weekly Giro Pizza Club, from Tuesday 9th November

Radici, the Islington trattoria from acclaimed chef Francesco Mazzei, is launching Giro Pizza Club from Tuesday 9th November. Every Tuesday from 5pm for the fixed price of £15, diners can enjoy as many slices of pizza as they like from a menu of classics and revel in the Italian tradition of ‘Giro Pizza’, a common pastime to gather with friends in a local pizzeria and enjoy rounds of freshly made, delicious pizza.

Image courtesy of Radici

Pizzas will include the newly created Troppo Forte – blue cheese, ‘nduja and honey as well as classics such as Margherita and Tropeana – tuna, red onions. And the value won’t stop there, cheerful drinks menu will include the Negroni “del Mazzei” – Tanqueray Gin, Roslio, Cocchi Americano, Olives (£10) and Il Piccante – Absolut Vodka Citron, Elderflower Cordial, Honey, Cranberry Juice, Fresh Chilli (£10).

The perfect destination for a post-work or post-school mid-week treat, Radici’s Giro Pizza Club is an opportunity for guests to sample the variety of beloved and delicious pizzas on offer.

Every Tuesday from 5pm
radici.uk/event/giro-pizza-club/
Address: 30 Almeida Street, London, N1 1AD

Camparino arrives in London for exclusive residency

Baglioni Hotel London, SW7 – Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 October, and between Tuesday 19 and Sunday 24 October

Bar Camparino, Milan’s timeless icon of Aperitivo culture, is arriving in London for its first-ever UK residency during London Cocktail Month.

The bar will be hosted at the renowned Baglioni Hotel London – a destination for Italian luxury – on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 October, and between Tuesday 19 and Sunday 24 October, celebrating the illustrious history of Camparino and the vibrancy of contemporary Aperitivo culture.

The residency offers the truly unique opportunity to enjoy an authentic CAMPARI Seltz, the signature drink of Camparino and original version of the Campari & Soda, never before seen in the UK. Served in the very same way as in Milan, it uses a recreation of Camparino’s famous 1915 soda machines, the only way to ensure a perfectly cooled, sparkling CAMPARI Seltz with its distinctive foamed head.

Established more than 100 years ago by Davide Campari, son of CAMPARI founder Gaspare, Camparino has ever since been home to the artists, intellectuals and celebrities of the day, cementing itself as a must-see mainstay of Milan.

Visitors to the Camparino residency can expect exceptional cocktails mixed by Camparino’s Head Bartender, Tommaso Cecca, and mixologist Mattia Capezzuoli, that capture the complexity and versatility of the distinctive CAMPARI taste. These include timeless classics and contemporary creations, brought to life by the Italian luxury hospitality experts at Baglioni Hotel London.

The residency arrives as the UK continues to fall in love with Aperitivo, embracing the timeless ritual of ending the day and starting the evening with a refreshing, appetite-whetting drink alongside light bites and good conversation.

Camparino’s limited residency consolidates its status as one of the most influential establishments in the world for lovers of mixology and gastronomic innovation. It is at the heart of Italian Week (15 – 21 October) during London Cocktail Month throughout October.

Those who want to experience Camparino at Baglioni Hotel can visit on 16, 17 and between 19 and 24 October. No reservation required.

The Luxury Collection® and Designer Mercedes Salazar Unveil Homeware Collection

Mercedes Salazar Translates the Seychelles Into Homeware Inspired By North Island, A Luxury Collection Hotel

The Luxury Collection has announced its second collaboration with renowned designer and Global Explorer Mercedes Salazar, unveiling her first homeware collection with the brand. Inspired by her travels to North Island in the Seychelles, one of the newest additions to The Luxury Collection portfolio, Mercedes has created a vibrant, eye-catching collection of pieces for the home. Designed exclusively for The Luxury Collection, the items range from parrot placemats to cockatoo bread baskets and are available for retail beginning July 2021.

Mercedes Salazar x The Luxury Collection: North Island is inspired by the Seychelles’ bold colours and diverse wildlife. Each piece brings to life the authentic island experience, specifically drawing inspiration from the native Aldabra giant turtles, parrots and white-tailed tropicbirds. The hue-driven- collection is centred around the natural surroundings of North Island; bold pinks, blues, greens, and oranges reflect the exotic landscapes, fruits, and flowers on the island. Wicker candlesticks, vases, placemats, and baskets create a cohesive novelty piece for the home, reminiscent and reflective of the “barefoot luxury” of the North Island villas.

“The Luxury Collection’s hotels and resorts are all such unique destinations, and North Island is another example of exceptional harmony between the property and its surroundings,” said Mercedes Salazar. “The island is incredibly rich in biodiversity, and The Luxury Collection is able to showcase the destination’s commitment to preserve and cultivate the nature surrounding the hotel. From the vibrant colours of flora and fauna to the prints inspired by the exotic animals, North Island and its culture have a natural sense of authenticity – which I aimed to reflect in these new homeware pieces.”

Much like The Luxury Collection, Mercedes is appreciative of the natural world and strives to include it in her continual journeys. She has the enviable capacity to absorb immersive aspects of culture, with a true understanding possessed by a Global Explorer,” said Philipp Weghmann, Vice President & Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection. “Her contagious wandering spirit and deep comprehension of what it means to be a world traveller make her an incredible partner to translate these experiences into products that can be enjoyed at home every day.”

Mercedes Salazar x The Luxury Collection: North Island launches this month and will be available for purchase on www.luxurycollectionstore.comwww.mercedessalazar.com, and at select Luxury Collection properties, including North Island, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seychelles. 

Celebrate World Gin Day with a distillery tour with Rabbie’s

Main image: Glasshouses designed by Thomas Heatherwick at Laverstoke Mill

Grab your closest friends and set off for a distillery tasting while letting someone else take care of the driving this World Gin Day (12 June). Eco-tour operator, Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com), offers tours allowing guests to embark on adventurous days out to some of the UK’s well-known gin distilleries in the company of an expert driver-guide.

Rabbie’s mini-coach tours give travellers the space and freedom to travel in comfort and style while benefitting from the knowledge and expertise of a driver-guide. Forget bottomless brunch and an afternoon in the park, hit the road with Rabbie’s for a gin-tasting trip departing from London or Edinburgh. Sample itineraries include:

Bombay Sapphire Gin & Winchester

Mix in a slice of history with your gin and tonic on a relaxing day trip to the home of Bombay Sapphire Gin, Laverstoke Distillery. Setting off from central London, head straight to one of England’s most history-soaked cities, Winchester, for an exploration of its glorious cathedral, ancient mill, cute cafes, and plentiful museums. After wandering the lanes and paths of the ancient city, head to the home of one of the world’s most popular gins – Bombay Sapphire. It’s not just the booze at Laverstoke Mill that’s brilliant – the exhibition and Victorian architecture are just as interesting and stunningly beautiful. Enjoy a tipple while learning the art of gin distilling before making your way back to London. Prices for the one-day tour start from £59 per person.

NB Distillery

The Whiskies & Gins of East Lothian

Set off from Edinburgh and head straight to NB Distillery – a gin producer launched in 2013 with a mission to develop the ‘perfect’ gin. Infused with eight traditional botanicals, sample the 42% ABV London Dry Gin without worrying about the drive home. Head to North Berwick, one of the most beautiful seaside villages in East Lothian, before arriving at Glenkinchie Distillery. Nestled in a peaceful glen, this distillery languished in obscurity for over 150 years before becoming an international brand at the end of the 1980s. Explore the huge stills and sample the malt whiskies while hearing how this distillery became such a success before a short drive through the golden wheat and barley fields back to Edinburgh. Prices for this one-day tour start from £37 per person.

Rabbie’s operates sustainability-focused, eco domestic travel options, ensuring that the places we love are there for future generations to enjoy and advocates’ taking only photos and leaving only footprints’. Rabbie’s tours provide worry-free journeys so guests can enjoy a sustainable staycation without concerns. All listed tours can be arranged privately, meaning guests can travel in just the company of their friends and family with one of Rabbie’s guides.

rabbies.com

Taste East Devon Launch Nine-Day Food and Drink Festival

Saturday 11th September – Sunday 19th September

A passionate community of award-winning venues, producers, chefs and restaurants throughout East Devon have joined forces to create the Taste East Devon Festival; an initiative to celebrate the incredible food and drink on offer in the region. Venues will open their doors to visitors with a series of food and drink events over the nine day festival. Some events will be ticketed, some will be open days.

The festival is a true ‘field to fork’ experience with founding members from Darts Farm, THE PIG-at Combe, River Cottage, Deer Park Country House, East Devon AONB, Mazzard Farm, Jack in the Green, Otter Brewery, Lympstone Manor and the Donkey Sanctuary.

Image courtesy of Taste East Devon

The nine-day festival will launch on Saturday 11th September and will encompass a selection of events for food lovers. From an evening with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall at River Cottage to a Darts Farm River Exe extravaganza cycling trail. Various restaurants in the area will create special menus and experiences throughout the week including a seafood tasting experience at The Salutation Inn and a ‘Totally East Devon’ menu at The Jack and The Green. The Donkey Sanctuary will be hosting a vegetarian afternoon and beer lovers may book a tour and BBQ at Otter Brewery. And for the big finale… this will be held at THE PIG-at Combe.

Taste East Devon Festival Chair and owner of Mazzard Farm holiday cottages, Ruud Jansen Venneboer comments: “East Devon has such a strong food community and is home to some of the most incredible names in the country; Michael Caines and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. We are a world class food destination and it’s time we started shouting about it!

Michael Dart, Director, Darts Farm comments: At Darts Farm we have always championed our amazing local artisan producers and now being able to work with other businesses that share our values to showcase East Devon is an incredible privilege. We are planning a whole host of events, from cooking demos and meet-the makers, to a ‘Mini Food Festival and Farm Feast’, down in our tipis with open wood fires cooking food and live music.

More information can be found over on their social media platforms or by visiting eastdevonexcellence.co.uk/taste