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”.

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

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

 

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. 

Food and Drink ideas for Fathers Day

It’s that time of year again when we start thinking of ideas to treat the father figures in our lives. While food and drink fans are relatively easy to buy for, finding them something new to try can often be a challenge. We looked at some of our favourites that are sure to tick the boxes of even the pickiest food and drink fanatic and definitely have you in the good books!

Image courtesy of Dark Arts Coffee

One for Coffee fans

Dark Arts Coffee are fuelling the community of tired dads, one bag of coffee at a time. Their limited-edition Father’s Day offering, Father Yod, is a washed pink bourbon from Sebastian Gomez’s farm Finca La Divisa. Pink Bourbon is a relatively new varietal that’s a hybrid between red and yellow bourbon. This varietal is not easy to cultivate, requiring a lot of maintenance and meticulous attention to detail. From whole beans to ground coffee suitable for any at-home set-up, it’s a great way to give dads the gift of a delicious, freshly brewed cup of coffee this Father’s Day.

Father’s Day Coffee: £14, darkartscoffee.co.uk

Image courtesy of Shop Cuvée

One for Beer Enthusiasts

Shop Cuvée has carefully put together the ultimate Beer Survival Pack, providing a unique selection of beers from the best breweries around the world. It’s a perfect way to introduce Dads to new styles of beer or interesting takes on the classics. The Beer Survival Pack comes with six beers personally selected by the Shop Cuvée team and includes the likes of VillagesBoxcar and Mikkeller. What’s more, this perfect bundle of beer will feature exclusive launches as well as beers not featured on the website.

Beer Survival Pack: £19.99 for six cans shopcuvee.com

Image courtesy of Harrison Ovens

Braai Brothers

Harrison Ovens, the luxury British Charcoal oven company, known for its exceptional, handmade, high performing, professional ovens, is the ultimate bit of kit for the dad who has it all. Their latest oven is perfect for the impending summer bbq season and is guaranteed to impress the neighbours and take pride in place in the garden. Made to complement their professional oven range, the Harrison at Home collection makes achieving restaurant-quality cooking possible at home, easily and quickly. 

Each Harrison Atom is made to order at the Harrison Oven’s workshop in Kent. RRP: £3,500 + VAT, optional cabinet on wheels is an additional £850 + VAT. harrisonovens.com

Tool Time

And no, we don’t mean the DIY kind! ‘Kings of the grill’ will love this decent selection of BBQ utensils from Libertine – the UK’s National Burger Award winners. The ultimate tools to make outdoor cooking as stress-free as can be. BURGER SMASHER (£25)  HELL’S HANDLE GRILL SCRAPER (£24.50)

Image courtesy of Tarquin’s Gin

G&T Aficionados

Multi award-winning Tarquin’s Cornish Dry Gin has been Amazon’s best-selling gin for three years running, handcrafted in small batches using 12 meticulously chosen botanicals to create its unique, fresh flavour. Tarquin’s Cornish Dry Gin: £35 for 70cl shop.tarquinsgin.com

The Meat Feast

If Dad loves a BBQ or just a general meaty feast, Farmison & Co have created their best quality meat boxes. Supplying delicious dry-aged, hand-cut meat, including heritage breeds, and only ever sourcing from responsible and sustainable British farms. The BBQ collection features a selection of carefully curated BBQ boxes and pantry essentials: 

  • The Flavours of the world BBQ box | £40 | Serves 6+
  • The Great British BBQ box | £35 | Serves 6+
  • The Weekend Staycation Box | £37.50 | Serves 2+
  • The Family Staycation box | £59.50 | Serves 4+ 
Image courtesy of Huelva

The Continental Connoiseur

For Father’s Day, treat dad to Iberica’s very own, award-winning JP Domecq 100% Iberico Bellota Ham from Huelva with a complimentary carving knife for £650. The authentic Spanish restaurant and deli are one of the only places in the UK where you can find this rare Iberico Ham, where the pigs have been fed with acorns and pasture until they reach 50 kilos weight, resulting in the highest quality meat. 

Considered one of the best ham producers in Spain, Juan Pedro Domecq has won 3 Gold Stars at the Great Taste Awards for the 6th time this year and the third Golden Fork at the Guild of Fine Foods. The making of this 100% Iberico bellota ham is artisanal, with an average curing age of 42 months in drying cellars in the Sierra de Huelva area. 

A Sensory Journey – Aman launches fine fragrance

With a global constellation that spans across 20 countries, Aman has offered its guests an opportunity to seek transformative experiences at its hotels and resorts in breathtaking locations since 1988. Inspired by these destinations – from desert to jungle, island to city – and the Earth’s apothecary, in 2018 Aman Skincare was born and following its success, the arrival of wellness supplement brand, SVA, in September this year. Building on this approach and inspirited by the heartfelt memories shared by Aman guests, today Aman launches Fine Fragrance; a range of sophisticated scents, each echoing the distinct character of Aman’s unique destinations.

Aman Fine Fragrance Collection.jpg

The inaugural Aman Fine Fragrance collection launches with five 50ml eau de parfums which provide a sensory journey to awaken Aman memories through one of the most powerful senses. Created by master per- fumer Jacques Chabert, the collection launches with five gender-neutral scents that not only evoke emotion through their ability to transport but provide an engaging pathway to welcome new individuals to the Aman brand.

Vladislav Doronin, Chairman and CEO of Aman comments, “The Spirit of Aman is an emotion that can be felt at each of our hotels and resorts. The otherworldly locations, the unique experiences and the connection with the landscape play a role in this feeling that is difficult to put into words. In launching Aman Fine Fragrance, I feel that we have answered the call of our most devoted guests who have personally expressed their desire for such a range, and I hope that in turn, we can evoke contented memories of time well spent in our destinations.”

The creator of the collection, Jacques Chabert was born in Grasse, the historic capital of perfumery, and has created many complex and exquisite fragrances in his 50-years’ experience in the industry. A true master of the art, Aman’s collaboration with Mr Chabert was a natural choice, with a shared passion for transporting clients to another place. Having travelled to France to meet with the perfumer at his laboratory, Mr Doronin played an integral role in the artistic process. Their meeting was the start of a quest to create a range of scents based on iconic Aman destinations.

Aman Fine Fragrance, ZUAC

Design & Aesthetics

To honour and strengthen the notion of memory recall, each fragrance bottle visually reflects its associated Aman destination through the subtle use of colour; its own specially selected tone is inspired by the resort’s local environment, surrounding nature and culturally significant hues. The iconic perfume bottle silhouette complements the Aman Skincare family of bottles and jars and honours their origin; designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, who shares Aman’s view of nature and design – respecting surroundings instead of overlooking them.

Handcrafted in Japan from Paulownia wood, the fragrances are enclosed in a box, with each scent stored behind its own uniquely patterned laser-cut lid. The Paulownia tree is one of the fastest-growing trees and hence a
sustainable choice, with the ornately designed case also fully re-usable. The outer packaging takes further in- spiration from traditional Japanese design principles of wrapping. Using an exquisitely textured Takeo paper made in Japan, each Paulownia box is carefully hand-wrapped before the label is added as a finishing touch.

Aman Fine Fragrance, VAYU

The Collection

VAYU
Inspired by Amanpuri, Thailand
A reminder of sun-warmed skin and the freshness of summer. Crashing waves, sweetened blossom and the drifting succulence of citrus. Referring to the ancient Sanskrit word for ‘wind’, Vayu is inspired by a sense of escape, and the fragrant frangipani and tuberose, and pristine white sands of Amanpuri.
Scent profile:
Top note: Bergamot, Lemongrass, Coconut Body note: Tuberose, Jasmine, Aquatic notes Base note: Musks, Sandalwood

AYOM
Inspired by Amanjiwo, Indonesia
Deep, dramatic and complex. A fragrance inspired by rarity and the unknown. A hidden energy. Rising above the floral depths of the jungle. Derived from the Indonesian meaning of ‘sheltered’, Ayom defines a memory of warmth and intimacy in a far-off place.
Scent profile:
Top note: Bergamot, Cardamom, Elemi Body note: Ginger, Juniper, Jasmine Base note: Oakmoss, Cedarwood, Musk

UMBR
Inspired by Aman Venice, Italy
Venetian opulence, past. A rich and layered fragrance, combining the depth of oak and leather with precious moments of spice. Inspired by the grand 16th century Palazzo of Aman Venice.
Umbr is shrouded by a hidden history of luxury and refinement – the Latin term for ‘shadow’.
Scent profile:
Top note: Black pepper, Rose, Safran
Body note: Nargamota Cypriol, Orange blossom, Geranium Base note: Amber, Leather, Sandalwood

ZUAC
Inspired by Amanjena, Morocco
Warm ochre combines with drifting spice. A fragrance inspired by the colours of the Red City and its ancient Medina. Derived from a Berber word used to describe ‘a mixture of colours’, Zuac is rooted in the Moorish architecture of Marrakech and its surrounding warm desert landscapes.
Scent profile:
Top note: Pink Pepper, Bergamot, Tangerine
Body note: Clove buds, Bay St Thomas, Saffron, Leather Base note: Frankincense, Labdanum, Vetyver, Patchouli

ALTA
Inspired by Aman New York (Opening spring 2021), USA
Moved by mountains. Guided by the strength of the summit. A bold city scent to empower and protect.
Alta, meaning ‘high’ in Latin, is inspired by the rich architectural history of New York and the imposing cityscape. Scent profile:
Top note: Juniper berries, Saffron, Cardamom, Caraway
Body note: Cedarwood, Geranium, Cypriol, Orris, Leathery notes
Base note: Labdanum, Musks, Patchouli, Vetyver, Sandalwood

Free from phthalates, artificial colourants, parabens and formaldehyde, Aman Fine Fragrance stays true to values upheld across Aman’s wellness brands. Looking to the future, the scents are inspired by both existing and forthcoming resorts and hotels, with ALTA influenced by Aman New York and serving as an early insight into what will be Aman’s second urban location. Available online via the Aman Shop and in the resort boutiques, the five-scents are ready to order now, with two-further scents set to launch in Spring 2021.

shop.aman.com

Scented gifts for travellers and gym fans

Solid Cologne is a solid wax-based cologne/aftershave. It is made with natural wax and skin friendly cologne, which is applied directly on to the skin. Solid Cologne was created for those who travel. It’s made from bees wax and it doesn’t need to be put into a clear bag whilst going through airport security. This means it’s impossible to spill and you won’t use as much as only a little wax will go a long way in keeping you smelling great.

Image courtesy of Solid Cologne UK

The cologne comes in a small tin, which fits perfectly inside a pocket or bag. All the colognes have the highest quality of natural ingredients including Beeswax, Shea butter & Jojoba oil. which all support and protect the skin.

The concentrated wax fragrances are portable, natural and moisturising. It’s easy to apply and hand. Discreetly packaged the application is fast and easy. Whip it out in the office, on the bus or in a crowded club/bar and smell amazing instantly. 

The scents are subtle but refreshing. The blend of various notes within the solid colognes will stay on the skin which allows the fragrance to evolve throughout the day while interacting with your body temperature.

The Solid Cologne Alexander is a sweet, rich and sophisticated scent. The cologne begins with fresh grapefruit, leading to the heart of aromatic bay leaf and jasmine. The woody base includes patchouli, oak moss and ambergris. A truly unforgettable cologne.

Alexander costs £17.99 from solidcologne.co.uk

The perfect Xmas gift for coffee lovers – Festive gift guide news alert

Membership to Penningtons unique Coffee Club costs less than £10 per month and will delight coffee afficionados this Christmas.

A coffee club has been hailed as the perfect gift for hard-to-buy-for friends and relatives this Christmas. Every month subscribers can savour a different blend of hand roasted coffee every month. It’s also the perfect choice for coffee connoisseurs that are looking to savour flavours from around the globe.

Image courtesy of Penningtons Coffee Roasters

The membership to the club costs from £8.25 a month and the coffee club is run by award winning Penningtons, a Lake District-based family business. The Pennington family has its roots in Kendal and the English Lake District, dating back to 1709.

Penningtons is an independent, family-owned and family-run business, boasting a team with over 50 years’ experience supplying beverages to the hospitality industry. The business hand roasts specially selected, ethically sourced coffee beans from around the world to craft the finest coffees. 

The company has also won critical acclaim for its Fine Lakeland Blend and extensive selection of bagged and loose leaf teas. It is a member of the Guild of Fine Food and the Speciality Coffee Association.

Penningtons has twice won the Family Business of the Year award. The business won the ‘One to Watch’ at the UK Family Business Awards 2020 in addition to being voted People’s Choice Retailer of the Year at the North West Family Business Awards 2020.

penningtonscoffee.co.uk

Konditor Opens New Cake Store in Bank

Specialist cake company, Konditor, is continuing to spread joy through cake with the opening of its sixth branch in Bank. To celebrate, Konditor are offering a soft launch from 14 June until the official open date of 20 June.

Having created over 8 million moments of joy in their 25-year reign as London’s favourite cake makers, Konditor is bringing its delicious cakes, bakes and treats to the City.

Located at number 9 Bow Lane, the new Konditor store will be serving its scrumptious cakes, brownies and tarts – including classics like its famous Curly Whirly Cake and Salted Caramel Brownies. With a seating area fit for ten cake lovers, the store, with its rebranded Konditor look, is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the City and enjoy the cakes that London knows and loves.

Having recently launched its Corporate Cake Club, whereby companies can organise personalised cakes for employees their birthdays, the new store is perfectly placed for picking up office treats. 

Konditor.co.uk