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ITV1's Dancing on Ice Judge and Sadler's Wells' The Snowman open Westfield London First Ice RinkITV1’S DANCING-ON-ICE JUDGE ROBIN COUSINS AND SADLER’S WELLS’ THE SNOWMAN OPEN WESTFIELD LONDON’S FIRST ICE RINK

ITV1’s Dancing-on-Ice judge and 1980 Olympic Gold medalist figure skater, Robin Cousins, took the first skate on Westfield London’s very first ice rink. Joined by The Snowman from The Sadler’s Wells theatre production, the skating pro’s wooed Westfield London’s shoppers as crowds watched the skating duos officially open one of London’s must-do winter experiences.

This Christmas, Westfield London’s indoor ice rink takes over the Atrium from 13th November 2010 until 3rd January 2011. With 30x15 metres of real ice and the capacity for 150 skaters at a time, visitors can take time out from their shopping or make a night of it by sampling the culinary delights from a choice of over 50 places to dine followed by hours of skating fun under Westfield London’s stunning glass roof and dazzling Christmas lights.

With over 100,000 skaters expected to take to the ice, make sure you book your Ice Rink and Grotto tickets in advance online from 18 October at http://uk.westfield.com/london. Ticket prices range from £9.50 - £10.50 for Adults and £6.50 - £7.50 for children and concession holders. Small online booking fee applies to advanced bookings for the Ice Rink and Grotto.

EYE-SKATING ADDS SPARKLE TO LONDON’S MOST ICONIC LANDMARK

London Eye announces first onsite ice rink offering one-of-a-kind views

Eyeskate like an Olympian

The UK’s finest championship skaters take to the ice to celebrate the launch of the London Eye’s Christmas ice rink

The Merlin Entertainments London Eye will this weekend celebrate the launch of its first ever onsite Christmas ice rink, with Great Britain’s finest skaters performing festive routines to wow the South Bank’s crowds. Eyeskate opens to the public on Saturday 20th November and offers visitors the chance to skate in front of the iconic London Eye.

To mark the launch of Eyeskate and celebrate the opening of one of London’s newest festive landmarks, Olympic skaters David King and Stacey Kemp will be performing their favourite routines at the London Eye. The figure skating duo are not only five times UK champions, but also represented Great Britain in this year’s World Championships and the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.

For some more local inspiration, also performing will be 17 year old Laura Fenton from Romford, along with brother and sister skating couple from Whetstone, Sophie and Curtis Bushell, who are just six and seven respectively. Performances will take place from 8 - 8.30pm on Sunday 21st November and are free for visitors to enjoy; encouraging everyone to get their skates on and have a go!

This is just one of several events that the London Eye has planned to celebrate the Christmas ice rink, which also marks the attraction’s 10th anniversary having first opened on the South Bank in 2000 and since welcomed an incredible 39 million visitors.

Ice skating will be available daily from Saturday 20th November until Wednesday 5th January between 10am and 9pm at the London Eye and all tickets include the London Eye’s spectacular 4D experience, inside the ticket office. Skating is the perfect addition to one of the many Christmas flights on offer at the London Eye ranging from a Mulled Wine flight to a luxurious Champagne Flight or even a Mistletoe Cupid’s Capsule for those more romantic types.

Pre-bookings for this year’s unmissable festive experience are already open to London Eye guests, with tickets available from the website (www.londoneye.com). All Christmas experiences can be purchased online at www.londoneye.com and will receive a 10% discount when bought online.

Happy Eye-skating from the London Eye!

Eyeskate tickets can be booked separately to a London Eye Flight
2 Gift vouchers can be purchased online, but do not receive a 10% discount.

NORWAY’S MY NORTHERN LIGHTS BACK WITH MORE MAGIC THIS YEAR

Includes exclusive prize-draw to win Norwegian designer gear
www.visitnorway.co.uk/mynorthernlights

Create stunning animated northern lights digital drawings with dramatic new sound and backdrop options on Norway’s latest “My Northern Lights” microsite, www.visitnorway.co.uk/mynorthernlights.
On the new version site, you can choose from four colour pallets to paint the sky with your own beautiful aurora. This year there are three stunning new interchangeable backdrops, from a snow-covered mountain summit at Ersfjord in Troms, to a sparkling Tromsø cityscape and spectacular fjord surrounded by mountains in the Loften Islands. Also select from three new ambient soundtracks.
You can also enter a new prize draw by telling us your three top winter activities. Fashionable Norwegian gear is up for grabs from hip brand Moods of Norway and outdoor clothing experts Bergans of Norway. Runners-up prizes include ‘surprise’ goody bags from Visit Norway.
Immerse yourself in some of the thrilling Norwegian winter experiences seen by millions of viewers of the ITV adventure show “71 Degrees North”, including husky sledding, snowmobile safaris, nature safaris, king crabs and snowshoeing. And after dark, relax in a hot tub under the stars, stay at the Ice Hotel, take a reindeer sleigh ride and dine in a Sami lavvu tent (teepee), take an Aurora photo workshop or experiencing the thrilling nightlife in Tromsø.

Stephanie Hill and Alain Charmoille, whose music is featured on the site, have a strong affinity to Norway as they visited after having won the Norway Your Way social media competition.

Catherine Foster, Country Manager Tourism, Visit Norway UK, commented: “The My Northern Lights site is back by popular demand! Last year 214,000 people visited the launch site and 1.6 million pages were viewed. Our visitors told us that they would like more information and a greater degree of personalisation. We’ve listened and added a bit of extra sparkle to make the whole experience even more enjoyable and informative.”

All northern lights drawings can be shared via email, Facebook and Twitter, and a plethora of Norway northern lights related information can be found on the My Northern Lights blog at www.visitnorwayblog.co.uk. Follow @visitnorway (http://twitter.com/visitnorway) on Twitter or “Like”

Visit Norway on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/visitnorway.co.uk) for regular updates.

SOUTHBANK GOES DIGITAL: HP EPRINT BRINGS THE WORLD OF TRON: LEGACY TO LONDON

From Friday 26th November, London’s Southbank will become a spectacular digital universe, as HP ePrint technology brings the world of Disney’s Tron: Legacy to the Queen Elizabeth Hall – creating one of the capital’s most exciting cultural attractions ahead of the film’s European premiere on 5th December.

In a global first, the hotly-anticipated film, a 3D hi-tech adventure set in a digital world that’s unlike anything ever captured on the big screen, together with HP ePrint groundbreaking technology will enable fans to explore a real-life version of the universe of Tron: Legacy, which will launch in cinemas across the UK from 17th December.

The HP ePrint Tron Legacy Experience, executed by creative agency, Guided Collective, taking over the Southbank for a week, will host a series of free activities that will invoke the spirit of the movie and showcase HP innovation, providing new Tron-related encounters that will surprise and delight audiences.

Activity to include:

A spectacular light show each day. The iconic Queen Elizabeth Hall will become the backdrop for an ambitious and visually arresting architectural mapping display which will see the exterior walls of the building become animated and appear to be alive

Tron yourself with HP ePrint. Love the movie? Want to be part of the Tron world? Step into Flynn’s Arcade and have an image taken of yourself to the backdrop of the iconic movie poster. By using your smart phone or getting one of the roving HP ePrint team to take your picture you can pick up your freshly printed image from the latest HP e-All-in-One printers as a pre-Christmas gift.

A reconstruction of Flynn’s Arcade – the portal to travel from the real world to the digital. Experience the landscape that the film’s main protagonist, Kevin Flynn, has created. Play videogames, ride a replica of the famous Light Cycle vehicle from the film (TBC), learn about the Tron phenomenon, watch material from the upcoming Tron: Legacy release and try the new HP ePrint experience.

There will be more Tron surprises revealed throughout the course of the week-long experience. For more information please visit www.disney.co.uk/tron <http://www.disney.co.uk/tron> or subscribe to the www.twitter.com/HPHitPrint_UK <http://www.twitter.com/HPHitPrint_UK> Twitter feed.

The HP ePrint Tron Legacy Experience, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank, SE1 8XX
From Friday 26th November until Thursday 2nd December, 1pm to 9pm
External light show to commence 4pm each evening

TECHNOGYM OPENS NEW STORE IN NEW YORK
Over twenty five years ago Technogym founder and President Nerio Alessandri designed the first piece of Technogym equipment. Since then, the company has grown to become one of the world’s leading manufacturers of state-of-the-art fitness equipment, renowned globally for its advanced design and technology. The choice of champions of sports professionals and the only non-Chinese supplier of fitness equipment to the Beijing Olympics, Technogym marries Italian design with top-of-the-range performance.

The group has also supported the last four Olympic Games, is the official supplier to the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics and countless other prestigious international sporting partnerships such as the Ferrari F1 Team, Luna Rossa and Alinghi sailing teams and AC Milan and Chelsea football clubs.

Used by interior designers and developers from Candy & Candy to Taylor Howes Design and featuring in hotels and private gyms including the Mandarin Oriental, The Haymarket Hotel and the Kelly Hoppen-designed Stephen Price studio, Technogym is the only manufacturer in the world to offer such a comprehensive range of biomechanically advanced professional fitness equipment.

The complete Technogym home wellness collection is available for the first time to purchase online via the sophisticated new online shop. The UK e-commerce website launched in 2008, introduces the refined, Italian designed fitness equipment to the world of the online consumer. The clear and easy-to-navigate online shop gives full details, and displays a range of images of all Technogym home products. It can be viewed simply by entering the Technogym.co.uk website and then clicking on the ‘online shop’ tab at the top of the page.
Subscribers to the Technogym Wellness Club have access to reserved areas of the website and exclusive training services. Being a member of the club means you'll always be informed about Technogym Home Fitness world and company events, and you'll be regularly updated on current promotions via e-mail.
Technogym: www.technogym.com / 0800 316 2496

COULSON MACLEOD HELPS JAMIE OLIVER WITH HIS BIG NIGHT OUT THURSDAY 11TH NOVEMBER 2010

St Paul's Cathedral was the awe-inspiring backdrop to this years annual fundraising event, A Big Night Out With Jamie, and Coulson Macleod was asked to design a bespoke piece of typographic art just for the event.

Coulson Macleod's bespoke 'Pukka Print' was auctioned off in the Silent Auction, raising £1,100 for the charity. The print was sold to David Ellender, Global CEO of Freemantle Media, the world's largest and most successful creators, producers, and distributors of the biggest TV shows in history, such as The X Factor, Britain's Got Talent, American Idol, and
MasterChef.

Each Silent Auction lot was displayed on electronic keypads (the Coulson Macleod entry is pictured) at every table, and then shown on huge screens throughout the evening.

Now in its sixth year, the event was a night to remember for the celebrities, Jamie Oliver supporters, and private donors that attended.
Jamie co-hosted along with celebrity entertainer Ben Shephard. The Fifteen chefs and apprentices created a scrumptious four-course menu, designed by Jamie, and Diana Vickers performed an amazing set.

This years 'A Big Night Out With Jamie' in aid of Fifteen's pioneering Chef Apprentice Programme raised over £200,000, which will be reinvested so Fifteen can continue to offer young people, often in need of a break in life, the experience of learning to work in the restaurant business.

If you missed last year’s event, you can view a snapshot at
http://www.youtube.com/fifteentv

ORMONDE JAYNE OPENS ITS FLAGSHIP STORE IN SLOANE SQUARE

Ormonde Jayne celebrates its tenth and most exciting year with today’s launch of the new flagship boutique in world famous Sloane Square, London.

Ormonde Jayne’s third and newest address in London is 192 Pavillion Road (site of the old General Trading Company) and like the first boutique in Old Bond Street, it neighbours with Tiffany’s, Cartier & Links of London.

Designed by Caulder Moore, the smoked glass & antique gold shagreen walls give the store Ormonde Jayne’s trademark sophisticated decadent look.
Linda Pilkington, creator & owner

“When I first saw the “to lease” sign on Pavillion Road, I knew it would be the perfect location for Ormonde Jayne and I have always loved Sloane Square. Our original business plan was to start looking by the end of 2011, but I operate on instinct! As we are an independent company without outside investors, we have the luxury of making quick decisions. Following the success of our debut in Harrods earlier this year, it felt like the next logical move. Sloane Square is an international address in the heart and soul of London & we are thrilled to be opening today”.

Other design features include the generously sized new Portraits consulting table. The complimentary Perfume Portrait service is an innovative way to find your perfect scent and Ormonde Jayne can now host small groups of people. Clients having their Portrait taken with our trained and knowledgeable staff are invited to smell 21 raw ingredients taken from the seven different perfume groups – a blindfold will sharpen your sense of smell but is optional! Likes & dislikes are noted and then we will offer customers one or two scents to spray. The idea behind Perfume Portraits is to let your personal taste be guided by your mind’s limitless scope to decipher the countless aromas around you and then letting those positive sensations guide you to your signature scent.

If booked in advance, our staff can arrange for Champagne and truffles to be served after a Portrait to celebrate a birthday or special occasion.

Ormonde Jayne flagship store in Sloane Square will be open seven days a week.

Newly launched items

Navidad Christmas Candle – £60
a limited edition candle with festive notes of amber & cardomom
tonka and mandarin presented with a gold lid housed in a handmade gold box.

Gold Crème – £56
a scented pot of gold for shimmering décolletage and shoulders in
Orris Noir or Ta’if

Gold Dust - £400 (exclusive to Harrods)
scented with Ta’if, this dusting powder contains 24 carat gold
for a sparkle that won’t fade.

Ormonde Jayne Perfumery in Sloane Square
192 Pavillion Road
London
SW1X 0BJ
Tel +44 207 730 1381
Monday – Saturday 10am – 6pm
Sunday 11am – 5pm

Ormonde Jayne Perfumery in The Royal Arcade, Old Bond Street,
Ormonde Jayne Perfumery in Harrods, Ground Floor, Knightsbridge.

SOFITEL LONDON ST JAMES UNVEILS THE MOST EXCLUSIVE CHRISTMAS TREE WITH BACCARAT AND LOUIS XIII
... AND A SHIMMERING SPA TREATMENT

This Christmas, the luxury five star hotel Sofitel London St James has teamed up with two of France’s most exclusive luxury brands, Baccarat, the world finest crystal house, and Louis XIII, Grand-Champagne Cognac, to unveil its Noël celebrations.

At the centre of the collaboration is a unique five metre-high Christmas tree adorned with 200 miniature bottles of Louis XIII, the world’s premier luxury cognac. Each crystal bottle, handmade by Baccarat, is created by a minimum of five expert craftsmen and finished with 24 carat gold.
At the top of the tree, custom-built in grade steel, Baccarat displays its Zenith Midnight Chandelier for the first time in the UK. To mirror the unique smoky midnight blue denim finished chandelier, the frame is covered in matching denim material giving a trendy-chic and innovative flair to the tree.

This one-off most unusual Christmas tree will be unveiled in the lobby of Sofitel London St James on November 30th. With the decorations costing more than £35,000, it is probably London’s most expensive Christmas tree. In the course of the evening, the switch of the Christmas tree lights will be mastered by the famous Head Chef, Michel Roux Jnr.

From December 1st, guests and visitors are invited to take up a series of exclusive offers. For those who feel like splashing out this Christmas, the hotel’s award winning spa, So SPA by Sofitel, offers for £2,900 the ultimate spa package where the guest receive a unique piece of jewelry from Baccarat, the Psydelic Crystal necklace, and indulge in a Zenith Signature treatment with Baccarat. Without doubt the most luxurious and expensive spa treatment. This rejuvenating treatment, taking its inspiration from the crystal of Baccarat, is done with rock crystal for a soothing and euphoric experience.
So SPA by Sofitel also offers an affordable alternative at £190 with a sensual, easy to wear, Baccarat Galet necklace and the Zenith Signature treatment with Baccarat.

Pursuing the Christmas tree theme and till early January 2011, rare pieces of Baccarat jewelry are on display throughout the hotel’s public areas, along with an impressive imagery exhibition from the Louis XIII archive.In view of the elaborate shimmering display, Mathieu Bruno, Bar Manager at the St James Bar, has captivated the essence of the festive period and created the Shim Merry Quintet for £29; a signature cocktail presented in a frozen shooter, accompanied by a double shot of Rémy Martin X.O. A delicious trio of miniature desserts made of truffle and chocolate macaroon, chestnut mousse and Coeur de Cognac ice cream complement the drinks, encapsulating on one plate five distinctive flavours to ignite your senses.

Discover Sofitel on www.sofitel.com Discover A|Club at Sofitel, the new worldwide Accor loyalty program on www.a-club.com

SPOKEN INK DRIVES REVIVAL OF THE SHORT STORY
Leading site for short audio launches free downloads for National Short Story Week

Spoken Ink, the home of short audio, is offering a free short story download every day from 22 to 28 November to celebrate National Short Story Week and to celebrate the launch of its new-look site and constantly expanding library.

Lovers of literature can log onto www.spokenink.co.uk each day to download the selected story. Featured writers include classics by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle; Roald Dahl; Virginia Woolf; Adam Marek; M.R. James; Saki; and the multiple award-winning Lionel Shriver.

All of the world’s leading authors have, at one time or another, written short stories, but it is their novels for which they are feted. The short story rose to exalted heights during the 19th and 20th centuries when it flourished in the US and UK thanks to the explosion of journals and magazines, particularly the railway publications. Celebrated writers including Oscar Wilde and Mark Twain regularly toured the world reciting their short stories to crowds hungry for the latest craze in literature whilst Charles Dickens wrote his iconic tomes as series’ for regular publication. Now the iPod and Kindle are powering a new revival.

Launched in December 2009 by the 24 year old writer Ed Caldecott, Spoken Ink is passionate about the short story. Caldecott is a firm believer that our 24/7 lifestyles are better suited to short bursts of brilliant literature and is dedicated to sharing the power of short audio that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere – on the train or tube, in the hairdresser’s or Caldecott’s preference, in the bath.

Other authors on the site include Stephen Fry, Ian McEwan, Peter Carey, Angela Carter, Lee Child, Margaret Atwood, Mick Jackson, Hassan Blasim, Michele Roberts, Haruki Murakami, Alan Bennett, Julian Barnes, Richmal Crompton, P. G. Wodehouse, Vikram Chandra as well as exceptional new writers. The stories are read by outstanding actors such as Martin Jarvis, Stephen Fry, Timothy West, Prunella Scales, Julie Christie, Pierce Brosnan, Harriet Walter, Judi Dench and Hugh Laurie.

Multiple award-winning author Lionel Shriver is an advocate of the short story and comments “Neatly, a short-story audio lasts roughly as long as the average commuter's train ride. Give Spoken Ink a year and iPods will be full of them.”

For further information on Spoken Ink visit www.spokenink.co.uk

THE NEW OXO TOWER BAR – JUST OPEN
Set to become an instant classic, the new OXO Tower Bar launches today. Situated on the 8th floor of the landmark riverside building and between the OXO Tower Restaurant and Brasserie, the new Bar has spectacular views over London and St. Paul’s, creating an incredible atmosphere, further enhanced by Shaun Clarkson’s timeless interior and an original and definitive cocktail list by Ian Goodman and his team.

With the OXO Tower being such an iconic building, the interior of the new bar retains the feel of a classic cruise liner, whilst at the same time; Shaun Clarkson introduces some strikingly modern touches. The main feature is the stunning, long white curved corian bar, with the back bar in chrome mosaic lit with LEDs, adding sparkle to the atmospheric setting. Mustard yellow tub chairs and dark green bar stools add colour, while the best seats in the house, with uninterrupted views of the river are the three curved booths, seating six each.

To launch the new space, Bar Manager Ian Goodman and his team have put together an inspired new cocktail offering. Encompassing both traditional and new styles, the OXO cocktail list features over 40 drinks with a particular nod to artisan and epicurean drinks. House-made ingredients are scattered through the list, including a almond and a raspberry ‘ripple’ syrup, house lime cordial, sloe and damson gins, (macerating for Spring 2011) and OXO’s own brandied cherries as hallmarks. Some of the lucky customers will even find their drinks made in one of Ian’s vintage art deco silver cocktail shakers, a part of his growing collection which is proudly displayed on the bar.

History of the riverside inspires the traditional drinks on the list such as the Pleasure Boat, an elaborate Tiki style tropical cocktail (Elements 8 barrel infused spiced rum & house almond syrup, shaken with fresh pineapple, passion fruit, fresh lime, falernum and aromatic bitters), while the Press Gang updates ‘Old Grog’, a popular maritime tipple, (Woods Navy strength rum, Kings Ginger liqueur, lime, falernum, fresh raspberry, ginger beer and bitters). On the contemporary side: A most unusual Cucumber Sour (Hendricks gin and fresh cucumber muddled with celery bitters, lemon, gum syrup and light anise, topped with fennel and celery foam) and Little Carmine (Campari and Beefeater London dry gin shaken with rhubarb liqueur and fresh orange juice).

The food offering, with a new bar menu from Brasserie head chef, Deon Jansen, offers a quick, casual alternative to dining in the main Restaurant or Brasserie. Diners can enjoy a shared plate of Grilled Squid, buttered samphire, romesco sauce, a great steak sandwich or healthy salads such as Warm goats cheese, roasted pumpkin salad, candied walnuts. Bar snacks including Paprika spiced chips, Smoked Anchovies and Truffle Honey Mini Chorizo and sharing dishes including Spanish charcuterie, manchego, quince, pickles, make perfect accompaniments to the drinks in the evening.

OXO Tower Bar
OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie, OXO Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, South Bank SE1 9PH
Tel. 020 7803 3888 www.harveynichols.com
<http://www.harveynichols.com/>

OPUS ONE LAUNCHES ITS NEW WINTER MENU
Experience the decadent, bold flavours in Manchester’s opulent foodie destination, Opus One, located in the award-winnin Radisson Edwardian Hotel, Manchester. Opus One offers guests something a little different with its seasonal menu changes, something that is favoured by Head Chef Neil Armstrong, to accommodate the abundant seasonal and local produce, which is key to this restaurant’s menu offering.

Opus One is at the forefront of British fare in Manchester; bringing a modern twist to classic British dishes. Not only that but Opus One is ‘Top Diner Rated’ on the UK’s leading restaurant reservation site, Top Table.

Starters of Seared Pigeon Breast (£7.25), served with pancetta crackling, parsnip flavours and micro herbs; Grilled Fillet of Turbot (£9.75) with confit of suckling pig and taste of Cheshire apple or a starter of Local Rabbit and Roof top Herb Broth (£8.25), served with rosemary and kale gnocchi, will definitely leave you wanting more.

To follow is a selection of mains that each offer an array of bold flavours - dishes include Fillet of Cheshire Beef (£24.95), accompanied with purple potato and olive galette and bourguignon garnish, and Rose Veal Cutlet (£23.50), served with pressed local air dried ham fritter and fried quails eggs. The explosive flavours continue with the Pan-Fried Local Pheasant (£16.50) with game turnover and chestnut mushroom marmalade. Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike can enjoy the rich flavours of the Tortellini of Cauliflower (£16) with curried cardamom cream and essence of cumin oil. All dishes are served with herbs sourced from the hotel’s rooftop garden.

The desserts menu offers diners decadent delights including a White Chocolate and Olive Oil Parfait (£6.50), which is served with a chocolate tart and raspberry shortbread. If you are looking for something fruity the Apple Fritter (£6.50) is ideal, served with a green apple mousse, Scrumpy cider jelly and ginger and apple flapjack. Sheer decadence can be found in the mouth-watering Vanilla Crème Brulee (£6.50) served with a side of pistachio cake, lemon curd and dark chocolate ice cream.

Opus One restaurant is stand-alone restaurant situated within the 5* Radisson Edwardian Manchester, Free Trade Hall Hotel. For more information visit www.radissonedwardian.com/manchester <http://www.radissonedwardian.com/manchester> .

THE NOTTING HILL BRASSERIE OPENS NO.92 BAR
This winter will see the arrival of a stylish and sophisticated champagne and cocktail bar to Notting Hill. Opening next door to iconic restaurant, The Notting Hill Brasserie, No. 92 will offer both classic and contemporary drinks in truly elegant surroundings.

Both No. 92 and the Notting Hill Brasserie are owned by successful operators, First Restaurant Group. The bar will have a separate entrance from the street but guests will also be able to access it from The Notting Hill Brasserie, which has been enlarged, with the restaurant now extended into the old bar area, offering more tables for the large number of diners who regularly visit it.

From the moment visitors enter No. 92 they will be impressed with the luxurious décor and amusing, quirky touches that make the bar so exceptional. The room has glossy wooden floorboards with distinctive black and white diamond-shaped mosaic tiling around the bar. Plush velvet love seats and creamy beige armchairs are dotted throughout the room and antique mirrors and low lighting create an ambience of relaxed opulence.

The art-deco style bar at one end of the room is a major feature in the room, having a glass front and expansive silver top. There is also an entire wall covered in sketches and caricatures all featuring noses, creating an interesting talking point.

Working with leading bartending consultancy Fluid Movement, a delectable cocktail menu has been devised, with delicious drinks themed around centuries of blending. Guests can enjoy early Georgian creations like the Fish House Punch – first made in 1732 - with Cognac, peach, lemon juice and black tea and the Spiced Whiskey Flip containing Whiskey, syrup, whole egg, chocolate and liquorice bitters – created in 1695. The menu continues on a liquid journey through the Victorian era and the Jazz age before arriving in the present day, with modern blends such as King Billy’s Punch with gin, organic cider, earl grey syrup and cardamom bitters and the Cavitation Tonic Martini including nitrogen cavitation infused gin, red cinchona, dry vermouth and orange bitters. No. 92 will also have an extensive Champagne menu on offer, available by the bottle or by the glass.

A range of dishes will also be available courtesy of a refined bar menu. Guests can snack on Cannellone of Crab with Prawn and Shellfish Veloute, Warm Tart of Crottin de Chavignol & Beetroot and Foie Gras & Chicken Liver Parfait with Brioche. For a lighter bite dishes like Olives and Caper Berries will be on offer, alongside Triple Cooked Chips with Aioli.

No. 92 is definitely a reason to move to Notting Hill.

No. 92
92 Kensington Park Road
London
W11 2PN

Website: www.nottinghillbrasserie.com/bar.htm <http://www.nottinghillbrasserie.com/bar>
Tel: 020 7229 4481
Opening Hours: Midday-Midnight, seven days a week

THREE COURSES IN 45 MINUTES OR LUNCH IS ON THE HOUSE -MICHELIN STARRED ROUSSILLON LAUNCHES ITS GOURMET EXPRESS LUNCH MENU

16 St Barnabas Street, London SW1W 8PE, Tel: 020 7730 5550
From Monday, 15th of November 2010 Michelin starred restaurant Roussillon launches its brand new, weekly changing 45 minute, gourmet express lunch menu. This delightful combination of affordable decadence will feature three tempting courses, ½ a bottle of red or white wine, canapés, amuse and a palate cleanser all for £35 per head. The diner even has an egg timer on the table to make sure 45 minutes is 45 minutes.

If the lunch is not served in 45 minutes from the moment the order is sent to the kitchen then it’s on the house.

Nestling in a pretty street in the heart of Pimlico, Roussillon recently appointed 23-year-old Dan Gill as its brand new Head Chef. After launching his complete menu offering for the restaurant Dan has devised the ultimate lunch menu. Dan’s express lunch menu kicks off with a mixture of assorted canapés to enjoy with a glass of something from the lunchtime list of wines included in the price. Next up, a mouth watering pre-starter followed by to the choice of Coddled egg and pumpkin textures, blue cheese and red onion jam; Crispy salmon & pork popcorn, apple and celeriac or Mushroom cappuccino, mushroom assiette, coffee jelly with cep veloute to start.

Dan’s main courses for the 45 minute gourmet lunch menu feature Pan roasted Scottish cod and mussels, cauliflower couscous and a la plancha, taste and textures of the sea; Slow roasted fillet of pork and braised cheek, toasted pine nut puree, artichoke a la Grecque, black olives and rocket or Truffle risotto with Autumn truffle. Following a delectable palate cleanser, puddings feature the likes of Roussillon Earl Grey tea soufflé, lemon jelly, milk sorbet and granola digestive biscuit; Louis XV1 fresh blackcurrant mousse and jelly, blackcurrant mousse with chocolate sorbet.

With its stunning location, exceptional service and incredible, Michelin starred cooking, Roussillon has created one of the most generous lunch offerings available across the whole country. All this in just 45 minutes is almost too good to be true but in this particular case if it is not true the diner eats for free.

To book a lunchtime table at Roussillon to experience this brand new offering and give the staff a run for your money please contact reservations on 020 7730 5550. Bookings for the 45-minute gourmet express lunch are subject to a daily limit of 6 tables of no more than four people each and must be made 24 hours in advance and customers need to mention the offer when booking

SOHO’S FLORIDITA ANNOUNCES NEW HEAD CHEF, RICHARD SAWYER
Floridita, the 1930s-style restaurant in the heart of the West End, has announced a new head chef, Richard Sawyer, who will be taking the reins of the popular Latinamerican inspired supper club from December.

Sawyer has an extensive background in the restaurant world, having trained at Stone’s Chop House (previously part of the Savoy Group), and The Connaught. He received his first Michelin star while head chef at Le Talbooth, before moving to the Capital’s premier French restaurant, The Greenhouse. Working with Irish restaurateur Oliver Peyton, Sawyer has dedicated himself to opening several restaurants, including The Atlantic, One Whitehall Place, Somerset House and River Walk at the iconic OXO Tower. Prior to Floridita, Sawyer held the position of executive chef at Rules Restaurant. His career also took him to the Fort Belle Hotel in Jamaica, where he honed a wealth of techniques that facilitated his blending of traditional British cuisine with exotic ingredients.

With a focus on seasonal produce, Sawyer’s menu at Floridita will spotlight traditional Cuban and Latin American favourites. For those who appreciate premium steak, Floridita will be introducing a new steak tasting menu which showcases the finest prime cuts of aged steaks.

In addition to the delicious dishes, The Floridita bar showcases the most impressive selection of rums in Europe, with Richard Woods, the king of mixologists creating some of the finest cocktails in town. The list features traditional cocktails from the early-1930s menu as well as more contemporary creations such as the pineapple and sage mojito and marmalade gimlet and a collection of seasonally changing drinks.

The Floridita stage is pivotal to the full experience. Diners and drinkers can enjoy an array of live entertainment each night of the week; the resident Floridita All-Stars combine exotic Latin rhythms with funk and soul each weekend evening. Acts such as Los Guayaberos, who recall the legendary music group Buena Vista Social Club and cover their global hit “Candela”, help to underline Floridita’s authentic feel and expertise. The entertainment programme establishes the venue as central London’s premier supper club.

Spaces for entertaining within Floridita abound: Bar Constante is a private members’ area appointed with a ’30s-style steel cocktail cabinet, which seats 42 guests and accommodates 60 for a cocktail and canapé reception. The Havana Lounge has space for 68 guests for dinner (up to 90 for a standing cocktail and canapé reception), while The Salon Rojo seats 20 and has capacity for 30 standing. All offer great views of the stage and dance floor while providing guests with a more exclusive space.

The decor at Floridita fosters a glamorous atmosphere with deep reds, antique earthy tones in the bar area, luxurious white leather and an abundance of crystal chandeliers. This Latin-inspired supper club combines an iconic, vibrant restaurant with a buzzy cocktail bar, making it the perfect choice for any occasion.

ORA THAI RESTAURANT LAUNCHES 25TH NOVEMBER
ORA <http://www.ora-restaurant.co.uk/> restaurant to open on November 25th
Launching on 25th November, new restaurant ORA <http://www.ora-restaurant.co.uk/> lies tucked away from the chaos of Oxford Street and will bring authentic Thai cuisine to the West End. The menu will include Thai favourites alongside lesser-known specialties such as taub yeng (grilled foie gras served with homemade dip and a mixed herb salad). The restaurant will have 90 covers with both banquette seating and a large centrepiece table that seats 20 sociably. A 30-seat lounge bar within the restaurant will offer a relaxing space for pre-dinner cocktails. And for those looking for a more virtuous experience, expert barmen will also be creating a healthy drink of the day. The design of the venue will be sleek and modern, combining flashes of hot pink against a soft grey background, with hanging glass light installations and striking candelabras setting the mood.

www.ora-restaurant.co.uk <http://www.ora-restaurant.co.uk/>

TEA FOR TEN AND TEN FOR TEA- TEN MANCHESTER STREET INTRODUCES DECADENT AFTERNOON TEA

Ten Manchester Street, Marylebone’s discreet 45 bedroom boutique hotel has introduced an array of decadent afternoon teas in time for the festive period.
One of London’s best kept secrets, the cosy lounge is a hidden sanctuary for those seeking to while away the afternoon with a sumptuous selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Devonshire clotted cream, preserves, cakes and tea of choice from £17.50 per person.
Those seeking something slightly naughtier can opt for a Martini cocktail or glass of Champagne to accompany their afternoon tea from £25 per person, whilst those keen to keep the winter chills at bay can select the Liqueur Afternoon Tea offering an accompanying digestif from a range of warming liqueurs.
Manchester Street’s stylish dedicated Cigar terrace is the setting for the hotel’s unique Cigar Afternoon Tea, an indulgent afternoon tea followed by a choice of cigar from the hotels’ custom made Hunters & Frankau humidor, featuring a world renowned range of hand rolled Havana’s.
Guests who prefer to linger a little longer can opt for a bottle of champagne with afternoon tea for two from £75, whilst Laurent Perrier Rose Brut N.V Champagne, Dom Perignon 2000, Louis Roederer Cristal Vintage 2002 are also available for champagne connoisseurs keen to make the most of their delectable day.
For further information visit www.tenmanchesterstreethotel.com
Notes to editors
Afternoon tea available daily from 2pm-6pm
About Ten Manchester St

  1. Ten Manchester Street, London’s newest addition to the boutique luxury hotel market is managed by the award winning Bespoke Hotel Group. Ten opened in Marylebone on 12th October 2009.
  2. Sharp sophisticated interiors are displayed throughout the 45 bedroom hotel and an elegant understated reception desk and classic art deco chair by Christopher Guy greets guests on the ground floor.
  3. Private, discreet and contemporary emphasizes the ethos around Ten Manchester Street providing a central London location that attracts a discerning clientele for both business and leisure.
  4. Rates for a superior double room start from £169, deluxe double room terrace side from £219, executive double from £269, junior suites from £319 and a Grand suite from £509.

ENOUGH SPACE FOR GRANNY AND A CHRISTMAS TREE!
Last Minute availability to escape this festive season with Amazing Retreats

Exclusive –use properties from just £47 per person per night
www.amazingretreats.com
<http://www.amazingretreats.com>

Getting everyone together for Christmas or New Year with enough space to enjoy the occasion, and room for each generation to do their own thing can seem like a tall order. Amazing Retreats has a portfolio of unique properties available this Christmas that fulfill and exceed expectations:

Plas Cilybebyll in South Wales
Sleeps 18 in the main house and 4 in the separate Bakehouse. Plas Cilybebyll comes complete with a luxurious indoor swimming pool, three acres of grounds and hard tennis courts, with open fire places and a superbly equipped kitchen in which to rustle up festive fare.
The Mill, Bedfordshire
Sleeps 18 in 9 bedrooms in contemporary luxury. With a fully-stocked recreation room, underfloor heating, surround sound and set in 6 acres of riverside gardens with the perfect village on the doorstep including two pubs in walking distance and Wharton Golf Course in view of the house.

Morley Hall, Norfolk
Sleeps 10 in 5 bedrooms. A three storey Elizabethan moated house on its own garden island. Fireplaces and Aga as standard but also complete with Wi-fi, Nintendo Wii, DVD and Sky. Walking, golf and horse-riding nearby and close to the Norfolk Broads and North Norfolk Coast.

Beaucastle, Worcestershire
Sleeps 14 in 7 bedrooms. A fairy tale Arts & Crafts castle with views from the Tower across Worcestershire. Complete with Aga, Games Room with full-size billiard table and Library. For technophiles there are 2 large flat screen TVs, Blu Ray DVD, Sky and Nintendo Wii. Set in 12 acres of gardens with views of the Worcestershire countryside.

Happisburgh Manor, Norfolk
Sleeps 14 in 7 bedrooms, a house bursting with features and backed up by large flatscreen TV, DVD player and Nintendo Wii. Arts & Crafts seaside villa with sandy beaches and the Norfolk Broads on the doorstep. Archeologists recently discovered flint tools nearby giving new evidence of human life in Europe 250,000 years earlier than previous research.
Ackergill Tower, Scotland
Sleeps 48 in 25 bedrooms. A fully-staffed fifteenth century castle by the sea. An idyllic, private setting with a private beach and a huge range of outdoor activities on the doorstep from shooting and fishing to golf and archery.

For more information and to book the perfect Christmas or New Year get away, visit www.amazingretreats.com <http://www.amazingretreats.com> /christmas <http://www.amazingretreats.com/christmas> or call 01494 682682.

Please Note: All information is supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Please check with individual organizations for the latest information about all events, products, promotions, or news items. Inclusion in a news item does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Recipes have not been tested by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site.</

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