After a 4000 kilometre journey from the North Pole, Santa Claus will be taking up residence at ‘A Very Merry Christmas’ in Covent Garden between Tuesday 1st December - Thursday 24th December 2009. Children and adults alike can experience the magic of Christmas and place their wish lists with the jolly man in red. As well as capturing their moment with the great man himself on camera, everyone meeting Santa will receive a special treat as a memento of their time at the grotto.

With an enormous 60 ft Christmas tree, a 32 ft topiary reindeer, a series of fun workshops for kids, story-telling sessions, and traditional choir performances, there is a real sense of old-fashioned nostalgia on the Piazza this Christmas. For the design savvy, there is an exciting installation from light curators United Visual Artists, and for foodies, the chance to stock up on delicious gourmet treats at The Covent Garden Real Food Market. What’s more – anyone looking to find that perfect Christmas present can take advantage of the late night shopping in Covent Garden until 9pm on Thursdays in December (3rd, 10th, 17th).

Santa’s Grotto at Covent Garden is open from Tuesday 1st December - Thursday 24th December 2009. Opening hours are 10am - 7pm Monday - Friday and Sunday, and 9pm - 7pm Saturday. The Grotto is located at 27b, The Market Building, on the Covent Garden Piazza. Tickets cost £7.50. There are slots available to turn up on the day, but if you would like to book a slot in advance, call 020 3047 2090.

Visit http://www.coventgardenlondonuk.com or call 020 3047 2555 for more details. You can also follow Covent Garden on http://www.twitter.com/CoventGardenLDN

UVA
United Visual Artists is a British collective whose work spans permanent architectural installations, live performance and responsive art. Research and development is a core part of their process - enabling them to constantly explore new fields, as well as re-examining more established ones. UVA created last year’s Constellation interactive lighting installation at Covent Garden’s Christmas Delight.

Choir Performances – North Hall

Thursday 3rd December (6pm) – City Choir

Saturday 5th December (3pm) - Elysian Singers

Thursday 10th December (6pm) - The City Chamber Choir

Thursday 17th December (6pm) – Finchley Children’s Music Group

Saturday 19th December (3pm) - London Oriana

Children’s Entertainment – North Hall

Story Telling

6th December – Margaret Bateson Hill, 1pm-3pm

13th December – Josh Guillemin, 1pm-3pm

Kids Workshops

5th December: decorate your own Christmas cakes/gingerbread men, 11am-1pm

12th December: make your own Christmas Puppets, 11am-1pm

20th December – make your own Christmas Costume (masks/crowns/hats) 1pm-3pm

Reindeer Petting - East Piazza

Monday 9th November, 2pm-6pm

Saturday 28th November, 12-5pm

Saturday 5th December, 12-5pm

Saturday 12th December, 12-5pm

Monday 21st December, 12-5pm

The Covent Garden Real Food Market

Every Thursday and Friday from Thursday November 12th, plus a four-day run from Wednesday 16th - Saturday 19th December

Following the huge success of 2007 and 2008, the Covent Garden Real Food Market returned in 2009 as the place where Londoners and visitors can enjoy a delicious, gourmet bite to eat on the Piazza and buy fresh produce to prepare at home.

Back by popular demand and now running two days a week over the Christmas period, The Covent Garden Real Food Market features mouth-watering delights from some of the UK’s finest food producers, including award-winning stilton from Neals Yard, fresh oysters from McManus Brothers and hand-made chocolates from Jonny Chocolate’s Chocolate Bar, making it the Covent Garden Real Food Market the one-stop-food-shop for Christmas.


Visit the giant present on the East Piazza for a tipple of mulled wine. Staff will be serving up this delicious spicy drink (plus hot apple juice for the kids) to visitors until Wednesday 23rd December.

100% PURE NEW ZEALAND AND PETER JACKSON PRESENT ‘YOUR BIG BREAK’

New Zealand will be the star of a new project that is offering aspiring film-makers the chance to get their work in front of Academy Award™-winning director Peter Jackson.

The short film competition, 100% Pure New Zealand Presents Your Big Break, will give the top five entrants time working with the Academy Award-winning team responsible for The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The Your Big Break finalists will shoot and direct their own short films on location in New Zealand, with the assistance of The Lord of the Rings executive producer Barrie Osborne and world class post-production facility Park Road Post. The five finalists will then have their completed films personally viewed and judged by Peter Jackson.

“Your Big Break is asking people to capture the essence of 100% Pure New Zealand and tell the world their story of how they see the youngest country on earth,” says Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive George Hickton.

“The importance of having two film industry legends involved with Your Big Break is immense. Their support will help ensure the project is noticed by the world’s film industry, give it international reach and, we hope, result in some great stories.”

Barrie Osborne, who will be on hand to provide advice during the production period, says he is excited by the prospect of working with young film-makers and returning to New Zealand’s incredibly varied landscapes.

“It’s got awe-inspiring beauty – all the way from the mountain ranges and lakes of the South Island, to the fiords and the ski fields, to the almost sub-tropical areas of the North Island,” he says.

Osborne also encourages would-be film-makers to start working on their submissions: “As producer of The Lord of the Rings, I can tell you New Zealand is an incredible place to shoot in – and anyone who has the opportunity to get their work judged by Peter Jackson has an opportunity of a lifetime.”

Visit http://www.your-big-break.com/ to get advice and insights from Peter Jackson and Barrie Osborne, and download the competition brief. Submissions and voting will open on 9 December, 2009.

To enter the first round of the competition, aspiring directors must submit a screenplay and any supporting content they think will help their selection for the New Zealand shoot.

The screenplay must be for a three-minute short film that captures the spirit of New Zealand. Members of the public can vote for the “People’s Choice” finalist – and four further finalists will be chosen by an expert panel including Barrie Osborne.

Useful links:

Your Big Break website: http://www.your-big-break.com/

On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Your-Big-Break/172160679295

On Twitter: http://twitter.com/YourBigBreakNZ

For inspiration: http://www.newzealand.com/

BEN FOGLE KICKS OFF NATIONWIDE WINTER WALKING FESTIVAL
This Boxing Day, Ben Fogle will be supporting the launch of the UK’s most exciting walking event; The Ramblers Festival of Winter Walks with Nature Valley.

With over 700 walks running all around the country between Boxing Day and January 3rd, anyone can get outdoors and enjoy the crisp winter air by joining a walk that’s close to them. Better still, all the walks are led by experienced walk leaders, and are completely free and open to anyone and everyone. There’ll be plenty of free delicious Nature Valley Snack Bars handed out at lots of the walks too.

TV presenter and keen walker himself, Ben Fogle, is supporting the Festival and is keen to encourage people all over the UK to get outdoors and enjoy the nature around them. Ben comments; “Walking is a perfect way to escape and unwind after a hectic Christmas, and a stroll in the crisp winter air is perfect way to kick away those Christmas cobwebs. With so many wonderful routes all around the country, it really is the ideal time to explore the beautiful winter landscape, and so we’re urging everyone in Britain, whatever their age, stage or level of walking, to get out and join in the Festival of Winter Walks with Nature Valley.”

To find a Festival walk near you, visit http://www.ramblers.org.uk/winterwalks

BOOK CLUB AT THE RADISSON EDWARDIAN BLOOMSBURY STREET HOTEL

Being the season of ‘gift-giving’ the Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel is providing some festive stocking fillers as an added treat for their guests.

This December, the hotel’s ‘Book of the Month’ will be an exclusive choice of three festive classics. Guests are invited to leaf through at their leisure or take away a complimentary copy of either the timeless and fantastical “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, the stunning “The First Noel” by Jan Pienkowski or “The Night Before Christmas” by Clement Moore.

Bloomsbury Street Book Club Background
Set in the heart of Bloomsbury – home to literary legends Virginia Woolf and E.M Forster - the Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel is the first hotel to host its very own book club. Each month guests are invited to enjoy the hotel’s recommended book; leaf through at their leisure, or take away a complimentary copy.

The hotel of choice for London’s Literati – Sarah Waters, Dave Boling and Nick Hornby have recently been seen at the hotel - the 174-bedroom Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street, launched in January 2009, has dedicated an entire wall to one of Bloomsbury’s most famous exports; Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway. The striking art installation, made up of pages from the celebrated novel, dominates the hotel’s spacious reception area whilst the immense Folio Room boasts some of the most innovative technology in the capital.

A tranquil haven from the busy capital the spacious Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel includes:

• 36 Standard double rooms
• 50 Superior Twin & Queen bedrooms
• 85 Deluxe rooms with King Beds
• 3 Luxury Suites

All rooms feature sleek flat screen TVs and complimentary high-speed wireless come as standard.

Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel,
9-13 Bloomsbury Street, London, WC1B 3QD
For reservations please call: +44 (0)20 7636 5601
For more information: www.radissonedwardian.com/bloomsburystreet

EXCITING NEW PRODUCTS FROM GO MODERN
A specialist in contemporary furniture, lighting and home accessories, Go Modern combines great design and fantastic quality with excellent service and value for money, making it a first port of call for style-conscious homeowners.
In the run up to Christmas...
Make space... Having family to stay and extra mouths to feed can make Christmas a stressful time, and this only gets worse when there’s not enough space to accommodate everyone. The key to successful entertaining over this period is to be able make space for everyone when needed, but turn everything back to normal once the guests have gone.
At Go Modern, this can be achieved with sleek extending dining room tables in a variety of finishes and stackable Philippe Starck chairs. Meanwhile, a sophisticated selection of Italian sofa beds put a whole new spin on the concept, combining a genuinely comfortable sleeping solution with a practical and attractive design that can be fully integrated into your living space.
Add colour... What with flat screen TVs, desktops, lap-tops, music systems and games consoles, media rooms are big news in the modern home. It’s an area that Go Modern has paid particular attention to, offering a wide range of tailored shelving solutions and wall units that help homeowners to keep clutter at bay. In keeping with the current trend for colour are Go Modern’s, brightly coloured glass wall units, which appeared at Milan 2009 earlier this year and which help to cheer up the room – especially on a grey winter’s day.
Keep warm... Santa may just have to find another way to fill the Christmas stockings when it comes to Go Modern’s range of flueless fires. Offering the ultimate in design flexibility and the perfect solution for those living in apartments, these require no chimney, flue or ventilation and have no need for wiring, gas or electricity. Helping to keep your home clean and energy efficient, the fires use a green fuel, bio ethanol, which is eco-friendly and generates no harmful gases, sparks or soot. Alongside the indoor range,Go Modern offers an attractive range of outdoor fires - ideal for those of with terrace gardens, who like to use them in winter.
From kids to teens... The kids are home for Christmas, but the range of furniture for kids and teenagers’ bedrooms is often woefully inadequate, providing little in the way of desk space, storage and shelving that is modern, fun and functional. Cue Go Modern and its diverse range of furniture, in bright colours with options for integrated shelving, work areas and desks; or its range of stylish multi-functional beds which feature moveable headboards, ample storage and which can be easily converted into a sofa or chaise during the day.
Go Modern lives up to its name by providing furniture that reflects the modern homeowner’s lifestyle and tastes. In order to keep its prices as lower ‘internet’ prices, Go Modern has only a tiny fraction of its extensive collection on show at its Chelsea Harbour showroom, which is open all week and on Saturdays (making an appointment is recommended). For those ordering online, Go Modern offers a reliable, helpful delivery service and a seven day no quibble return on all of its stock. With over a thousand contemporary products on line, Go Modern is the destination store for all things modern. Either visit their showroom in Lots Road (by appointment), or visit their site: www.gomodern.co.uk

REVEL, RETREAT, RELAX,
A traditional Scottish Hogmanay at Turnberry, A Luxury Collection Resort, Scotland
Turnberry, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scotland, is hosting a very traditional Hogmanay experience. A time to relax and celebrate, all at the same time in the refined environs of the newly renovated Turnberry with fine dining and exquisite accommodation together.

Guests will be welcomed with a champagne reception in The Grand Tea Lounge, with exceptional views across the world-renowned golf courses and beyond to its coastline and the Ailsa Craig. A black tie dinner - a lavish five-course epicurean experience - follows in the Escoffier-inspired 1906. Live music throughout the evening culminates in the traditional Beating of the Retreat and a champagne toast at midnight.

This indulgent break enables guests to entertain and be entertained post-Christmas, ready for the year ahead. Arrival is flexible, either on Wednesday 30 or Thursday 31 December 2009. The Hogmanay experience starts from £738 for two nights based on two people sharing classic accommodation.

A stay at Turnberry can include the enchanting Hogmanay Afternoon Tea, with a choice of over thirty teas served by Turnberry’s own Tea Sommelier, fine bone china and gleaming samovars. The Grand Tea Lounge is now a Grade A member of the Tea Guild and is a sparkling result of the recent renovation programme at Turnberry. The afternoon might be spent indulging in blissful ESPA spa treatments or in more exhilarating outdoor pursuits. Guests may wish to make use of the famous links golf courses, including the Ailsa course, host to this year’s Open Championship. There is also a range of activities for children of all ages, and babysitting services for the day and evening.

More information can be found at http://www.turnberryresort.co.uk/hogmanay and bookings can be made with Turnberry Reservations on 01655 334061 or by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .


For more information on Turnberry, a Luxury Collection Resort Scotland, please visit http://www.luxurycollection.com/turnberry

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR EX-DISPLAY PRINT SALE

Friday 4 December – Sunday 6 December 2009
10.00–17.50
Flett Events Theatre foyer, Natural History Museum, London

This year Christmas has come early as thousands of winning and commended framed and unframed prints from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibitions 1997–2007 go on sale on the Natural History Museum.

The wonderfully wild sale will take place Friday 4 – Sunday 6 December from 10.00–17.50 in the Museum’s Flett Events Theatre and is ideal for anyone struggling for inspiration for those all-important yuletide gifts.

With everything from dazzling landscapes and striking underwater shots to exceptional portraits and creative visions of the world, the sale offers something to satisfy everyone’s Christmas wish list. Back by popular demand, the event takes place once every two years and is a unique opportunity for wildlife, photography and art lovers to own some of the very best images of nature. – on sale at outstanding prices. It is also the first time that prints from the 2005, 2006 and 2007 touring exhibitions have been sold.

Every print tells a story, and the specially selected images have previously toured in exhibitions across the UK and around the world. Prices for these bought-as-seen prints start at £30 and if the festive spirit leads you to buy three, the cheapest will be sold at half price.

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition, owned by the Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine, is the most prestigious event of its kind in the world. Each year the most impressive and original entries are showcased in a visually stunning exhibition that opens at the Natural History Museum before touring across the UK and internationally.

Open to amateur and professional photographers, the 2010 competition launches on 11 January and closes 5 March 2010. For more information about how to enter and details of competition categories, please visit http://www.nhm.ac.uk/wildphoto

Visitor information
Dates: Friday 4 December, Saturday 5 December and Sunday 6 December 2009
Venue: Flett Events Theatre, Natural History Museum
Museum opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10.00–17.50
Visitor enquiries: +44 (0) 20 7942 5000
Nearest tube: South Kensington
Competition website: www.nhm.ac.uk/wildphoto

O SPA London – New Bond Street
New Bond Street Store Opening: 10th December

Opening the doors to its flagship emporium on Thursday 10th December – The New Bond Street store will showcase O SPA London’s spa inspired product ranges and treatments, each designed to sooth, revive and restore the skin and body and enhance inner beauty.

Visitors to the store can experience the ultimate in organic skincare all under one roof. So whether shoppers are looking for organic beauty products or a day of luxurious pampering - O SPA London is the ideal destination.

The second floor treatment area will be the ultimate place to relax and rejuvenate, offering visitors the chance to completely revitalize and take advantage of the tantalizing range of spa treatments.

From an O SPA Balinese massage to a re::vive oxygen facial, from a men’s sports manicure to a full shirodosha™ experience, O SPA London has created a whole range of spa treatments designed to promote the ultimate in well-being.

Using time-proven organic essential oils, extracts of aromatic plants, herbs, earth and sea botanicals and drawing upon ancient practices from cultures across the world, O SPA London elevates the traditional spa ritual into a multi-layered sensorial experience of rejuvenation and relaxation.

From ‘Glow’ facial products to male grooming range ‘Homme’ and ‘Holistics’ to exotic signature aromatherapy blends ‘Aroma’ - O SPA London has a product range to indulge every beauty need whilst alleviating the stresses and strains of contemporary living. The spa inspired product ranges take their influence from the ancient traditions of cultures around the world.

O SPA London
O SPA London is a completely certified organic spa company. Recognised by organic industry experts, O SPA London is accredited by The Soil Association Certification, the UK’s leading certification organisation and internationally recognised seal, guaranteeing the highest organic standards.

O SPA London is dedicated to delivering a therapeutic spa experience with little or no negative impact on the environment. All ingredients are sourced from organic, sustainable sources, such as The Eden Project (the largest biosphere project in the world); organic medicinal co-operative Lisadell House, and on Georgina Koomson's FairTrade women's co-operative in Ghana – with all products free from animal testing.

O SPA London SPA Treatments
Opening the doors to its flagship emporium this November, O SPA London has created a whole range of spa treatments, promoting the ultimate in well-being.

O SPA London Beauty Product Ranges
O SPA London offers an outstanding range of spa inspired beauty products, each taking influence from ancient traditions from cultures across the world. With something for every taste, each range carries a clear message of quality, innovation and multi-layered rituals in order to meet the needs and expectations of a sophisticated clientele, whilst promoting and selling life’s most precious commodity – time.

• GLOW: Facial products
• CUERPO: Body products
• HOMME: Male products
• EXOTICS: Fruit extract products for the more youthful and young at heart market
• HOLISTICS: Traditional Chinese medicine
• DETOX: Internal Detoxification program of herbs and superfoods
• SUPPORT: Internal super nutrients designed to support an active lifestyle
• AROMA: Exotic signature aromatherapy blends to refresh, relax and inspire

Info:
O SPA London
67 New Bond Street
London
W1S 1UA

Opening Hours:
Monday – Wednesday 10am – 6:30pm
Thursday 10am – 8pm
Friday 10am – 6:30pm
Saturday and Sunday 12pm – 6pm
www.opsalondon.com

ISHI – THE UNIQUE CROSS LEGGED SEAT THAT BRINGS THE MOVEMENT OF PILATES AND THE AWARENESS OF YOGA INTO YOUR MEDITATION PRACTICE

Introducing the Ishi seat by Red Zen Design– a revolutionary new product bringing movement, balance and postural awareness to students of Yoga, Pilates, Meditation and anyone sitting cross legged.

Extensive research conducted over the last three years by Red Zen Design revealed that cross legged sitting postures are not as previously dictated, symmetrical or balanced and these incorrect postures are primary to a catalogue of health problems.

A series of studies, whereby participants undertook Osteopathic examination and had imprints taken in a variety of cross legged posses, revealed asymmetrical weight bearing which leads to postural compensations or collapse, inefficient respiration and impaired circulation.

Most participants where unable to hold posture for an extended period of time due to experiencing significant discomfort and the effects of impaired blood flow to the legs. Postural collapse and compensational spinal alignment was commonplace leading to muscular strain and the potential for vertebral joint and disc trauma.

In response to the studies Red Zen Design, drawing upon the expertise of practitioners in the fields of Yoga, Pilates and meditative disciplines, developed the Ishi concept.

Red Zen Design has applied the Ishi concept to create a series of unique designs that actively encourage a naturally balanced cross legged pose, Ishi is the first of these made available for general retail.

The culture of meditation throughout the Ancient world has been inspirational to this project, although this unique design was painstakingly shaped by human form and function; Ishi reflects the simplicity of Zen inspired design seen in Japanese gardens. As a result Ishi's natural form would appear to have been shaped by water.

In everyday use the physical elements of posture, alignment and technique merge with those of mind and spirit, Ishi eases you towards a better practice by allowing the mind to transcend physical awareness.” says Red Zen Design. “In short you feel balanced, safe and comfortable … and so able to release your mind to focus on all or nothing.”

Ishi’s molded fiberglass construction ensures a lightweight, strong support that can be used anywhere. The raised, tilted seat allows for relaxed hip articulation and a natural lordotic curve to form in the Lumbar spine. The ergonomic design distributes pressure evenly at the contact points, whilst the convex base allows the user to discover their own centre of gravity allowing controlled postural correction.

www.redzendesign.com

A WINNING STREAK FOR TOP CLASS BORDEAUX QUAY
Staff at Bordeaux Quay are celebrating a bumper year of award wins culminating in victory at the South West Tourism Excellence Awards, where they scooped the Gold Award for Sustainable Tourism.

The world-class Bristol Harbourside venue, which boasts a restaurant, brasserie, bar, deli, bakery and cookery school, was presented the award in recognition of its success in combining the finest food with ethical credentials. The award is the final addition to a collection of accolades accumulated by Bordeaux Quay over the past year.

Having recently been named Restaurant of the Year 2009 by Bristol Evening Post, as well as top tributes for food and dining experience, Bordeaux Quay has been recognised with many awards including Restaurant magazine’s top 50 restaurants of the year and Taste of the West 2009 awards for deli products.

Bordeaux Quay is also the UK’s first eco-restaurant to achieve a gold rating under the Soil Association's sustainable catering scheme, which guarantees customers get a sustainable meal, with standards governing food additives, animal welfare and the seasonality of the produce chefs use.

The venue will join the 14 other Gold Award winners and go on to represent the region at the National Enjoy England Awards for Excellence in 2010.

Sustainable Development Manager at Bordeaux Quay, Amy Robinson said, “We are so proud to be awarded the Gold Award for Sustainable Tourism. We are dedicated to maintaining a consistent sustainable approach across the whole of the business and this accolade is a huge testament to the passion and determination of our staff, which lie at the heart of our success.”

For further information, visit http://www.bordeaux-quay.co.uk/ or to make reservations for the Restaurant, please call 0117 9431200. To book a table at the Brasserie, please call 0117 9065559.

VISIT DEVON’S GUIDE TO WINTRY WEEKENDS - WASSAILING, WALKING AND THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF RODNEY PEPPÉ -

Devon was made for winter – in fact, now is the perfect time of year for a West Country weekend escape. Wassail away evil spirits before tucking into some apple brew, enjoy blustery walks on the frosted moor, hole up at the pub by a crackling fire, learn how to interior design your home or even solve a murder Sherlock Holmes style.

Check out Visit Devon’s guide to wintry weekends for a slew of cultural attractions, bracing outdoor activities and feasting opportunities to keep the whole family well-fed and happily entertained this winter.

For more information go to http://www.visitdevon.co.uk/site/winter

Get into character or learn a skill…

Sherlock Holmes Weekend on Dartmoor

· Gear up for Guy Richie’s new Sherlock Holmes film, released on 25 December, with a Holmes-themed Dartmoor weekend in the area that provided the inspiration for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of Baskervilles. 100 years on, budding detectives can stay right on the moor at the delectable Prince Hall Hotel (http://www.princehall.co.uk ), take a wild winter walk to the treacherous Grimpen Mire and join a Hound of the Baskervilles Safari to discover the secrets behind the book (http://www.dartmoorsafaris.co.uk ). For your evening entertainment, head off by horse and carriage to Laughter Hole House for a Victorian soiree of dining, high drama and mystery solving with the Baskerville Dining Experience - http://www.baskerville-experience.co.uk/.

Be Your Own Interior Designer at The Hamptons Hotel, 15 – 17 Jan, 19 – 21 Feb, 19 – 21 March 2010

· If you don’t fancy braving the cold this winter then prepare for a fabulous new year’s refurb! This 2-day workshop of lectures and exercises will help you create a design scheme for a room in your own home. Get advice from The Hampton’s owner and professional interior designer, Janine Powell, on how to plan your room’s layout and style, with talks on colour and texture, soft furnishing and decorative lighting, and come away with your own sample board. From £378 per person, or £598 per couple for a 2-day package, including boutique B&B accommodation and a buffet lunch on Sat and Sun - http://www.thehamptonshotel.com/

Learn to cook the West Country way at Asburton Cookery School
· If you want to perfect your pasty or get to grips with game then book yourself in for a weekend course at Ashburton Cookery School. Located in the pretty town of Ashburton on the edge of Dartmoor, the award winning school opened a state-of-the art new premises this winter offering day and weekend courses. Try ‘Taste of the West Country’ for local fayre, get in to ‘Gastro’ or perfect Patisserie’. One day courses from £149. Make a weekend of it and stay on site from £79 for a double room - http://www.ashburtoncookeryschool.co.uk

Enchanting events…

Winter Solstice Woodland Bushcraft – Churston, East Devon, 21 Dec

· Head deep into the beautiful Grove Woodland to celebrate the shortest day of the year by learning traditional bush craft skills. From fire lighting and shelter building, to making wreaths from wild ivy, this workshop promises a fun-filled and unique day out, available to all ages – http://www.countryside-trust.org.uk/

The Wonderful World of Rodney Peppé, Until 11 April 2010
· Celebrate toys galore at this collection of illustrations, toys and models by the artist Rodney Peppé, housed at Torre Abbey in Torquay. This exhibition of humour, imagination and craftsmanship will undoubtedly brighten up any winter’s day. Keep an eye out for Peppé’s kettle pirate ship - http://www.torre-abbey.org.uk/.

Magical Tales for Mid-Winter at Cookworthy Forest, West Devon 19 Dec 2009
· Draw in close around the fire in the Celtic roundhouse, warm your hands, and let your imagination take you on a journey! Join Raventales for a magical mid-winter evening of seasonal stories and songs with enchanting shadow theatre. Wrap up warm; bring a torch and a blanket or cushion to sit on - http://www.forestry.gov.uk/.

Dartmouth Comedy Festival, 3 – 6 February 2010
· For an uproariously entertaining night of slapstick, stand-up, monologues and even comedic poetry and music, head for the Flavel Arts Centre in Dartmouth for a festival of laughter guaranteed to ward off any post-Christmas blues - http://www.theflavel.org.uk

Eat, drink and be merry…

Cider seekers
· Head for the Cider Press Centre (http://www.dartington.org/cider-press-centre to sample Devon’s most famous tipple, or why not cut a path to the Occombe Orchard Wassailing (http://www.occombe.org.uk) near Paignton on 17 January 2010 for a fantastical, kiddy-friendly celebration of the apple harvest. Sip apple juice, make mini toffee apples and follow the lantern-lit musical procession to the orchard to scare away bad spirits.

England’s most isolated Inn

· For something really remote, drive deep within the weather-beaten Moors between Princetown and Moretonhampstead to encounter a lone pub standing isolated high upon Dartmoor. The Warren House Inn (http://www.warrenhouseinn.co.uk) is a traditional Inn with oak beams, classic pub grub, real ales, and a fire that’s said to have been burning since 1845. Its location is truly extraordinary and on a crisp winter’s day you can see for miles.

Go ‘slow’ at a special winter’s farmers’ market, 29 Nov & 20 Dec 2009
· Stock up your winter larder with regional meats, cheeses, fish, fruit, preserves and more at the Slow Food Market in Topsham, outside Exeter. Set up as “an antidote to fast living”, this collection of small producers sell their wares at Matthews Hall, with food writer, fine wine importer and Topsham resident, Marc Millon on hand to assist with ‘Taste’ workshops - http://www.slowfood.org.uk/

Brace yourself for an active winter’s weekend…

Get wild on the rapids of the River Dart
· The River Dart provides the perfect location for a wild whitewater experience. Open to Kayakers from October to March, the River Dart with its steep granite rivers and challenging rapids offers options for all levels of experience. CRS Adventures offers whitewater rafting on six person rafts down the Dart led by a fully qualified and experienced guide. From £35 per person - http://www.crsadventures.com/

Head out on horseback and overnight in a cosy farmhouse, North Devon

· Dean Riding Stables houses a cutesy mid-18th century farmhouse, set 2 miles from the spectacular coast of North Devon, with riding stables onsite. Wrap up warm and hop on a horse or pony (nervous and novice riders welcome) to ride through gorgeous winter woodland, dramatic coastland and moorland tracks - http://www.deanridingstables.co.uk

Walk the windswept beer smuggler route, from Beer Head to Branscombe
· Walk in the footsteps of Jack Rattenbury, the 19th Century Beer smuggler known as ‘Rob Roy of the West’! The striking chalk outcrop of Beer Head is particularly dramatic in winter and holds many stories from prehistoric settlements to World War II. Listen to landscape detective, archaeologist Dr Martin Gillard describe the finds from the 2006 dig (call 0870 042 0092), or just ramble across cliff-top paths with breathtaking coastal views over Lyme Bay and the delightful combes of Branscombe - http://www.eastdevonaonb.org.uk/documents/Beerwalkv3_000.pdf.

Go for a wintry round of golf – Bovey Castle
· Voted 12th Best Hotel in the World by the Sunday Times Travel Magazine’s Bovey Castle is seriously swanky. Pack your Hunter Wellies, your Golf Spikes and your swishest evening attire. Enjoy crisp winter walks through the gorgeous castle estate, and test your golfing prowess on the 18-course championship golf course, designed to rival its sister course at Gleneagles in Turnberry, no less. Special winter package of £140 pp per night Nov – March, including 2 rounds of golf - http://www.boveycastle.com/.

And relax… at a seaside Inn, a grand old Manor, or a working Farm…

A frosted farmhouse – Twistgates Farm Cottages, Devon Upottery, near Honiton
· Deep in the Blackdown Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Twistgates Farm’s 3 self-catering cottages sleep from 2-5 people – a remote haven for the whole family to hunker down in, with a myriad of winter wildlife. Cottages come with wood-burning stoves, local produce for the fridge on request, and endless frosted valleys at your feet. From £235 per week - http://www.twistgatesfarm.co.uk/.

To the manor born – Lewtrenchard Manor, Lewdown, near Okehampton
· A grand winter’s weekend beckons. This elevated Jacobean house is a stylish haven to enjoy elegant gardens, first-rate service and old-school pastimes like falconry lessons; and there are luxuriously fitted bedrooms to sink down in after. From £135 per night based on two sharing, includes breakfast - http://www.lewtrenchard.co.uk/.

Bed down in a cosy pub – The Lamb Inn, Sandford, Crediton

· The Lamb Inn is a real country gem, a pub-lovers pub. Large open fires warm the residents of comfy sofas, whilst diners tuck into hearty fayre and the less traditional watch a film in the pubs own cinema room cum skittle alley. And the best bit, you can stay over in style. Think large luxurious rooms, underfloor heating, flat screen TVs & sumptuous beds. Country pubs don’t come much better. From £75 per room per night - www.lambinnsandford.co.uk <http://www.lambinnsandford.co.uk>

Spa by the sea – Cary Arms, Babbacombe Beach, South Devon
· This boutique inn is the epitome of effortless seaside charm. Set on the stunning Babbacombe coast, it has just 8 rooms, plus 1, 2 and 4-bedroom cottages, all fitted out in contemporary shabby-chic style. If you tire of the incredible sea views, soothing spa treatments and home-cooked food, nip to nearby Torquay for entertainment shopping. From £150 per night based on two sharing, includes breakfast - http://www.caryarms.co.uk/.

50% OFF CHRISTMAS LUNCH AT GILGAMESH!

Tis’ the season for the annual Christmas lunch with colleagues, friends or family. Gilgamesh is offering guests a bespoke 50% off Christmas lunch menu to enjoy, before the season is up.

As we are still in a recession, it’s understandable that everyone is looking after the pennies at present – but this doesn’t mean that standards need to be dropped. Gilgamesh is renowned for offering guests luxurious Pan-Asian delicacies in luxurious surroundings – and this Christmas will be no different.

Guests will be presented with a choice of two menus for £25 a head; a set menu and a vegetarian set menu. For starters, there will be a selection of dishes such as Steamed Prawn & Garlic Chive Dumpling, Duck Spring Roll, Hoisin Sauce and for vegetarians Sweet Potato Tempura Inside Out Sushi Roll and Green Mango & Star Fruit Salad with Red Nahm Jim. For the main course, guests can choose from two dishes from the set menu or two from the vegetarian. For example, Red Chicken Curry with Straw Mushrooms & Thai Basil or for vegetarians; Aubergine and Tofu Red Curry Thai Basil & Lime Leaf.

For desert, Green Tea Brule and White Chocolate Ice Cream. There is also a Sommelier Selection of wine suggested as the perfect accompaniment to this dinner. Try the Red: 2007 Sangiovese, from Negroamaro Sicily, Italy – 70% off at only £18 a bottle.

Throughout December, the huge pan-Asian paradise will be decked out with baubles and tinsel, sparkling lights on the palm trees, Santa Claus style beards on the Sphinxes and a giant Christmas tree, making Gilgamesh the ultimate festive party venue.

Think of Gilgamesh when planning your Christmas lunch, for an amazing meal without the ridiculous price!

GILGAMESH
Camden View
Camden Stables Market
Chalk Farm Road
London NW1 8AH
Tel: 020 7482 5757
http://www.gilgameshbar.com/

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