With an MBE and nearly four decades of being one of the UK’s leading men’s designers, Following in the footsteps of Fearne Cotton, Russell Brand and members of the Royal Family, the 63 year-old is the latest to join a ‘row’ of celebrities to pick up a pair of knitting needles to raise funds for Age Concern and Help the Aged.Paul Smith has turned his hand to a charitable cause: knitting little woolly hats for innocent’s Big Knit campaign.

With over half a million woolly warmers received this year, the annual charity event sees members of the public hand-knit woollen hats for innocent Smoothies and Squeezies, and woollen warmers for innocent Veg Pots. For every woolly product sold in Sainsbury’s stores, innocent and Sainsbury’s give 35p to Age Concern and Help the Aged. Going back to basics, the menswear icon has created an array of colourful hats using his trademark striped design.

Paul’s support marks a big year for the Big Knit campaign, as innocent have reformed the former St Winifred’s school choir, re-releasing an all-new charity version of ‘There’s No one Quite like Grandma’ in a bid for Christmas number one. The record is available for download now from iTunes at 79p with all profits from the single* donated to innocent’s Big Knit charities. To view the music video and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, log onto http://www.innocentdrinks.co.uk/bigknitchoir.

*A total of 42p from every download will go directly to Age Concern and Help the Aged

JOIN THE LONDON EVENING STANDARD'S CHRISTMAS CHARITY AUCTION AND BID FOR THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME
Give yourself or your loved ones a Christmas they will never forget with experiences that money can’t buy from the London Evening Standard. Get your picture taken with Daniel Craig, train with Tottenham Hotspur, have dinner cooked for you by Gordon Ramsay in your own home, or eat ice cream in Battersea Park with Sir Bob Geldof. Visit www.standard.co.uk/auction.

The paper’s charity auction will this year be held in aid of London charity Kids Company. The auction launches at midday on Friday 4th December, and finishes at noon on Monday 14th. Kids Company provides practical, emotional and educational support to 14,000 vulnerable children and young people. Many have experienced severe and multiple trauma. Often they live in chronic deprivation, with little or no support, and face the daily struggle of caring for their family as the roles of parent and child are reversed. The charity gives children hope by providing a safe, nurturing environment where support is tailored to the needs of each individual. They do whatever it takes to empower children who have experienced multiple challenges so that they can lead meaningful and happy lives.

Camila Batmanghelidjh, Founder and Director of Kids Company, said, ““My heart trampolined into delight and awe because kind people pulled together to help London’s most vulnerable children.”

The fantastic auction items include:
A picture of you with Daniel Craig taken by Sam Taylor-Wood.
It really is the A-list prize to beat all A-list prizes - a portrait of you with James Bond star Daniel Craig taken by leading artist Sam Taylor-Wood, whose feature film directing debut Nowhere Boy is released later this month.

An art lesson with Tracey Emin.
Tracey Emin, the UK’s most renowned artist, will give a two-hour art master class at the Serpentine Gallery, with Gallery Director Julia Peyton-Jones. Tracey Emin will share her secrets about how to become a great artist, and Julia Peyton-Jones will discuss how art should be exhibited. The whole event will be filmed for posterity.

A pint with Guy Ritchie
The director of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, and the forthcoming Sherlock Holmes (starring Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law), would like to buy you a pint at his Mayfair pub, the Punchbowl.

Watch Test cricket at Lord’s the Channel 5 way
Cricket fans are in for an all-day treat, with this chance for two people to join Channel 5’s Simon “the Analyst” Hughes in the media centre at Lord’s for the Test against Bangladesh on May 29 2010. See all the action, meet the Channel 5 crew, and witness the behind-the-scenes banter of a live sports broadcast.

Arrive at work in a Rolls… driven by Rowan Atkinson
As well as being one of the great of British comedy, Rowan Atkinson is a serious car buff, and he is offering to drive one lucky reader and three of their friends to work in his own Rolls Royce.

A chance for a child to be the England Rugby team mascot
Imagine your heart swelling with parental and patriotic pride as your child walks out with the England Rugby team for their match on St George’s Day. You’ll get four tickets in total to the game, and the mascot will receive a replica kit, a signed London Wasps rugby ball, and be officially welcomed to the match over the PA system.

Train with Spurs
A must for fans of the North London team, the winner will get the chance to join Harry Redknapp’s boys for a day at Tottenham Hotspur’s training ground. Test your fitness against the likes of Robbie Keane, Michael Warner and Sebastien Bassong, and find out what life’s really like for a top athlete.

See lambs born at Sting and Trudie Styler’s country seat
Pop god Sting and his film producer wife Trudie Styler will open their house in Wiltshire for you and up to ten - yes, ten - friends for a visit during lambing season.

Working Title could make you and/or your child a star
Imagine if your friends could spot you behind Bridget Jones, or see your son or daughter in Billy Elliot’s ballet scenes. One lucky bidder and a friend or child will get walk-on parts in a forthcoming film from Working Title. The prize includes two tickets to the premiere and after-party.

Dinner for 12 cooked by Gordon Ramsay
It’s hard enough getting a table at the best restaurants in Gordon Ramsay’s empire, so getting him to cook dinner in your home for up to 12 guests counts as a once-in-a-lifetime coup. The leading chef and “restaurantrepreneur”, star of the F Word and Hell’s Kitchen, will prepare a meal, give cooking tips, and probably give a swearing masterclass too!

A guided tour of the Roald Dahl museum with his Dahl-ing grand-daughter
Gorgeous supermodel Sophie Dahl will be the guide for up to five children on a tour next spring of the museum dedicated to her brilliant granddad Roald, who gave the world Fantastic Mr Fox, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and James and the Giant Peach. Prize includes tea in Café Twit.

Spend the day with Richard Branson
He’s Britain’s best-loved businessman, who has rolled the Virgin brand out across music, airlines, trains, space tourism and his own charity, Virgin Unite. Now a lucky reader can shadow Sir Richard Branson for a day, as he does deals, meets with the famous and powerful, and visits the charity Kids Company, the beneficiary of our auction.

A round of golf with our City editor, Chris Blackhurst
The newly redesigned West Course golf course at Wentworth, owned by uber-businessman Richard Caring and home of the BMW WGA Championship, isn’t due to re-open until May 2010, but you and three friends can get in early for a round hosted by our City editor Chris Blackhurst. Includes lunch in the clubhouse restaurant.

Dinner for six cooked by Pierre Koffman
When legendary chef Pierre Koffman came out of retirement to open a pop-up restaurant on top of Selfridges, it was the gastronomic event of the Noughties. Now the former patron of Michelin-starred Le Tante Clair in Mayfair will cook a lavish three-course dinner for up to six people in your home - truly, a meal to remember.

Essential artworks from the original young guns of British art
With their matching suits, their edgy, self-referential art works, and their conceptual Spitalfields lifestyle Gilbert and George were a sensation long before the YBAs. This is your chance to bid for two signed volumes of their picture books, a framed limited-edition poster (number one of 100) of their artwork Playgroup, and a mystery item…

Access all areas of Top Shop at London Fashion week
London Fashion Week at Somerset House is now the central date in the fashion calendar, and Top shop is the hub of London’s high street for girls who want to look catwalk-cool - so the chance to go backstage at, and have front show seats for, Top Shop’s LFW show is a prize to die for. Plus the chance to meet Top Shop supremo Sir Philip Green.

Go behind the scenes at Michelin-starred Locanda Locatelli
For sheer excitement, few places can beat the kitchen of a Michelin-starred restaurant, and this prize gives two people the chance to experience life in Giorgio Locatelli’s kitchen at full pelt. During the day you’ll observe, cook and learn, and in the evening you can relax over a gourmet meal cooked by Giorgio himself.

Meet Wossy, his guests, and his house band
Friday night is Jonathan Ross night, and one lucky bidder will get the chance to meet the maestro of chat and comedy, plus his star guests, in the green room before his show. You will also have your photo taken with Ross, and receive signed stand-up DVDs by Michael McIntyre, Lee Evans, Alan Carr and Dara O’Briain.

Trip down the red carpet in a Marchesa gown
Courtesy of the Weinstein Company, one reader can select a gorgeous designer gown from Marchesa’s Notte collection, and wear it on the red carpet at the London premiere of A Single Man, starring Colin Firth and Julianne Moore, on Feb 1 2010. You’ll get two tickets to the premiere and to the glamorous post-screening party.

Meet the man behind Live Aid
Bob Geldof will be your companion on a springtime stroll around Battersea Park, complete with a go on the swings - if you’re up for it - and a Mr Whippy ice cream. It’s a rare opportunity to chat to a modern icon, one to one.

An 'invisible artwork' by Britain’s leading microsculptor
Artist Willard Wigan’s wonderful, tiny sculptures - most of which fit into the eye of a needle - are collected by the likes of Elton John and Mike Tyson, and sell for up to £80,000. This figure of the scales of justice is perched on a pinhead, and comes with a purpose-built, wall-mounted, magnifying display cabinet.

Tea with the Duchess of York
As well as her insider’s insight into the Royal Family as the devoted mother of Prince Andrew’s daughters Eugenie and Beatrice, Sarah Ferguson has been many other things: film-maker, children’s author, campaigner, icon. This is a chance to take tea with a real pillar of British society. Date and venue to be confirmed.

An exclusive trip to the Louis Vuitton headquarters in France
With a history dating back to 1854, the French fashion and luggage design house Louis Vuitton is a legendary brand and a byword for luxury, its interlocked LV logo recognizable all over the world. You will enjoy an exclusive trip to the home of Louis Vuitton at Asniere near Paris, touring the house, workshops and LV’s museum of travel.

A room in your house designed by Nina Campbell
Nina Campbell has been famous worldwide for over 30 years as an interior designer, with celebrities and even royals amongst her clients. Her interiors are described as “luxurious yet comfortable, practical but elegant”. Nina herself will come to your home and design a room in your house over a three-hour consultation, and present you with a gift from her collection.

The ultimate work experience package with the leading lights of the fashion world
An absolutely fabulous starter-pack for those hoping to make it in the world of fashion: you will spend a week each at Net-a-Porter.com in London, in the Versace press office in Milan, with designer Roland Mouret at his RM studio in London, with fashion photographer Tim Walker, with designer Antonio Berardi in Milan and with the Evening Standard fashion team.

Dinner with the Evening Standard editor
As editor of the London Evening Standard, this great city’s greatest newspaper, Geordie Greig knows all there is to know about the capital’s social, political and artistic scene. One lucky reader will get the chance to pick his brains over dinner at his favourite restaurant, the gourmet’s favourite E&O in Notting Hill.

Log on to www.standard.co.uk for further information or details can be found in the London Evening Standard.

HAAGEN-DAZS IS OFFERING 25 CHANCES TO WIN A YEAR’S SUPPLY OF ICE CREAM ON ITS FACEBOOK PAGE.

Haagen-Dazs is inviting you to share your favourite Melt Together Moment – any stories, thoughts, pictures or expressions of what ‘Melt Together’ means to you.

Just upload your entry and then get your friends to vote for you. The top 25 most voted entries will then receive a year’s supply.

10 runners up will receive tickets to a Richard Hawley gig and copy of his new album. Richard’s song ‘Open up your door’ features on the new Haagen-Dazs television adverts.

www.facebook.com/haagendazs

THE UK’S LEADING FLOORCARE BRAND VAX URGES YOU TO GET A LiFE THIS CHRISTMAS.

LiFE unplugged by Vax.

Beautifully designed. Ergonomically pleasing. Reassuringly expensive. LiFE unplugged is the present you will want to keep yourself.

LiFE unplugged
A revolution in home cleaning, LiFE is the UK’s most advanced cordless upright. Designed with advanced Lithium ion technology, its battery maintains consistent strong power until it is completely drained, with none of the "slow-fade" of power and suction that you expect from conventional cordless cleaning products. Offering all the performance of a full size upright on both hard floors and carpets, LiFE has WindTunnelTM technology to lift and trap dirt, so that it stays in your vacuum cleaner and not on your floor.

LiFE unplugged is available at RRP £199.99. Included is a market leading 6-year guarantee supported by a UK-based helpline, with trained Customer Service Advisors available to help 7 days a week.

For further information or for stockist details visit the website at vax.co.uk or call the Vax helpline on 0844 412 8455.

GLOBAL COOL IS ASKING ITS FACEBOOK FANS TO SHOW THEM HOW YOU ‘TURN UP THE STYLE, AND TURN DOWN THE HEAT’ TO STAY WARM INDOORS THIS WINTER.

As part of its 18 Degrees of inspiration campaign they’re looking for great pics of your most stylish winter knits to wear at home this winter, so you can keep your heating under 18°C. Share your winter style with them and get your Facebook friends to vote, and you could win a £500 voucher to spend with leading online clothing store, ASOS.com

http://www.facebook.com/globalcool?v=app_196338348952&ref=ts

http://www.facebook.com/globalcool

PLACES TO GO DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR BREAK

Strada
www.strada.co.uk/christmas

• In addition to the core menu, the authentic Italian restaurant is offering two three-course set menus for Christmas parties
• Each begin with a full sharing platter, the Antipasto Massimo - cured Italian meats, fresh ciabatta bread, roasted tomatoes and peppers
• For a main course, specially selected pizza, pasta and risotto choices are available, in addition to meat dishes such as Sella d’Agnello - tenderly roasted lamb rump with dauphinoise potatoes, wilted spinach and rosemary jus
• Desserts include the decadent Fondente al Cacao, a melting chocolate fondant pudding, as well as Torta della Nonnaa, a warm lemon cream tart, with roasted pine nuts and vanilla ice cream
• Strada is also offering a 3 course menu for New Years Eve, including dishes such as grilled veal cutlet, Italian sausage, mushroom & white wine risotto and grilled tuna steak with Castlevetrano olives
• Many Strada restaurants are also open on Christmas Day, with treats such as whole lemon sole, fillet steak with melting gorgonzola or for the traditionalists, turkey with all the trimmings. The 3 course Christmas day menu is available for £40 per person (£15 for children). Visit www.strada.co.uk/christmas for details of Christmas Day openings.

Café Rouge
www.caferouge.co.uk/christmas

• Café Rouge is offering a two-course and three-course set menu for Christmas Parties
• The delicious selection of dishes include seasonal specialities such as a creamy butternut squash soup with melted Gruyére crouton and crispy Duck confit with braised red cabbage and ruby plum sauce. And for a traditional feast, you’ll even find roast turkey with all the trimmings.
• There are desserts such as a classic Crème Brulee and the festive Pudding de Noel - a sticky toffee and date pudding with Armagnac sauce.
• Plus, when dining from the Christmas party set menu, everyone in your group will receive a £5 Café Rouge gift voucher to spend in the New Year.
• Café Rouge also has everything you’ll need to party in style this New Year’s Eve. On offer is a great three course set menu offering a great selection of classic French dishes - from sirloin steak and frites to sea bass fillets with pastis sauce
• Many Café Rouge restaurants are open on Christmas Day, so the whole family can enjoy a delicious four-course meal. To make your day extra special, the menu includes smoked salmon blinis on arrival plus coffee and mince pies to finish. Visit www.caferouge.co.uk/christmas for details of Christmas Day openings.

Bella Italia
www.bellaitalia.co.uk/christmas

• Celebrate Christmas the Italian way with a choice of two Christmas party menus
• Speciality dishes include a ricotta and parmesan soufflé as well as an Italian twist on the traditional roast turkey dinner, Pollo Di Natale; chicken breast stuffed with sage, onion and cranberries and served with all the trimmings
• There are also winter warmers such as creamy mushroom and rosemary soup with toasted focaccia and lamb shank in a sun-dried tomato and roasted garlic gravy, served with herb mash potato and green beans.
• For dessert, you can treat yourself to a baked apple and cinnamon crumble with crème Inglese
• As it's the season for giving, each party guest will also receive a £5 Bella Italia voucher, to spend in the New Year
• For Christmas Day openings, visit www.bellaitalia.co.uk/christmas

BALANCÉ FROM FISH HOEK: A STYLISH NEW WAY TO ENJOY WINE

The Fish Hoek Balancé glass is a stylish and elegant new wine tumbler. Handmade from English lead crystal, the contemporary design is the result of collaboration between South African wine brand, Fish Hoek, and renowned glassmaker, Dartington Crystal. Balancé, like Fish Hoek wines, is stunning in its simplicity.

The stemless Balancé tumbler boasts a unique rounded base, which encourages the wine to breathe as it is swirled around the glass. The name Balancé was chosen to reflect the dancing movement made by the glass - Balancé is a waltzing ballet step, a graceful, rocking, alternation of balance. Etched onto the base of the glass, Fish Hoek’s striking fish symbol appears to swim as the glass moves.

A stylish addition to any dining table, Fish Hoek Balancé glasses are available now, exclusively at www.fishhoekwine.com. They are, quite simply, the perfect way to enjoy delicious Fish Hoek wines whatever the occasion.

Made with grapes from high-quality vineyards in South Africa’s Swartland region, Fish Hoek wines are created with a passion for simple excellence by award-winning winemaker, Bruce Jack. With six single grape varietal wines in the range, there's a Fish Hoek for every palate and occasion; from the rich, full-bodied Shiraz, full of ripe blackberries and subtle spicy notes, to the fresh and fruity Sauvignon Blanc with hints of lime, fig and gooseberry.

If you fancy yourself as a budding wine connoisseur, you can log on to www.fishhoekwine.com to become a wine critic and win! Enter your thoughts on any of the Fish Hoek wines and you could win an exclusive at-home wine tasting tutorial for two. Bruce Jack, Fish Hoek’s award-winning winemaker, will judge the reviews and decide who will win the top prize of a private wine tasting tutorial for two, a pair of limited edition Balancé glasses and a case of Fish Hoek wines. Bruce will also pick ten runner up reviewers who will each receive a case of Fish Hoek wines and a pair of Balancé glasses.

Always drink responsibly http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/

PATRÓN SILVER REINDEER 11-13 December 2009

Pablo Flack and David Waddington return with a series of winter feasts from Patron Tequila and Bistrotheque

Giving the critics what they want: highly acclaimed Bistrotheque, Flash and Reindeer Restaurant duo - Pablo Flack and David Waddington return this winter with the coolest offering to hit London this year; a deconstructed festive ice explosion complete with giant fir tree, baby grand piano and theatrical lighting for Christmas at the Patrón Silver Reindeer. The super duo are celebrating the season in style by laying on a series of Feasts for the discerning palette and with limited places it's likely to become a hot ticket. Located in a unique studio space in N7, the gastronomic feasts will engage guests in a theatre of an eclectic English seasonal menu and cocktails, both infused the ultra-premium spirit, Patrón Tequila for a limited period of three days only 11 – 13 December.

“The Patron Silver Reindeer's not for life, just one weekend before Christmas”

The elaborately colourful seasonal feast will include three courses, featuring traditional period English dishes with a modern edge. Tailored to perfection with innovative touches and hints of ultra-premium spirit, head chef Tom Collins is pulling out all the stops to making this a truly indulgent extravaganza. Of the project he comments, ’Guests will experience references from a seasonal English feast, with an abundance of luxury, opulence and dishes delicately infused with Patrón Tequila.’

As with any of the Bistrotheque pair’s ventures, Patrón Silver Reindeer will be set within a fabulously unique setting – the Big Sky Studios, London, N7 – a fashion photography space located off the beaten track near Kings Cross. Patrón Silver Reindeer will be a monochrome style winter wonderland with serious style created by talented rising star Gary Card.

Exquisite cocktails mixed with the versatile and luxury Patrón Tequila will be paired to each course by mixologist and Tequila aficionado, David Waddington – co-founder of the famed Bistrotheque.

Pablo Flack, Bistrotheque co-founder comments, “The whole Bistrotheque team is very excited about the Patron Silver Reindeer and to have Gary Card work with us will ensure this is not only a feast for the table but a feast for the eyes. We love bringing people together to eat & drink in a setting they wouldn't perhaps expect and we'll also enjoy showing them some innovative ways to enjoy Patron Tequila. Is that the sound of the Reindeer I can hear...?'

Lunchtime or evening sittings for the feast can be booked directly from Bistrotheque on 020 8983 7900. Further information is available on http://www.patronsilverreindeer.com/

PARTY LIKE A STAR THIS NEW YEAR’S EVE… AT BORDEAUX QUAY

With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about booking that all important venue and making sure you mark the arrival of 2010 in style.

Whether you’re looking for a party for you and your friends or a romantic evening for two, Bristol Harbourside’s Bordeaux Quay offers all the ingredients for a truly unforgettable event with its New Years Eve party.

If you like to wine and dine, the first floor restaurant has a sumptuous New Year’s Eve menu, and offers the perfect blend of exquisite food and festive atmosphere to guarantee you a really special evening.

Combining the beautiful flavours of classic dishes and traditions of European cooking with the best local ingredients from the South West, there’s plenty here to satisfy your palate: from scrumptious starters such as Cornish crab, smoked salmon & citrus salad with dill flat bread to delectable desserts such as vanilla poached pear with crème fraîche ice cream.

Why not relax and indulge in this festive feast whilst overlooking the twinkling lights of the Bristol’s Harbourside and joining the party downstairs later on for a dance or two?

If you prefer a more lively New Year’s Eve, come straight to the party in the brasserie. Doors open at 8pm and from 9pm DJ's Platonics will be on the decks to get the party going with an eclectic mix of tunes and remixes from the 70’s to the 00’s. They will be followed by the Craig Crofton Quartet who’ll take to the stage to treat guests to an exciting mix of groove based Jazz and Funk and see the party into the New Year. DJ's Platonics then return to the stage to keep you partying until 2am.

Tickets are available for dinner and dancing at £65 or for the party downstairs for £15 (£20 on the door) and they are already selling fast. Book now to avoid disappointment.

For further information, visit http://www.bordeaux-quay.co.uk/

THE EBURY WILL BE OPEN ON CHRISTMAS DAY

This year, the Sloane Square brasserie The Ebury will be serving lunch on Christmas Day. While the rest of the country are going mad cooking all day long, this welcoming restaurant is encouraging Londoners to have the pressure taken out of the most special day of the year by allowing others to cook.

The Ebury, a chic, warm brasserie situated just off Sloane Square has been decked with sprigs of holly, wreathes interspersed with twinkling lights, creating the perfect festive atmosphere. It will be serving a custom designed menu with a fusion of traditional Christmas dishes and fine British and European fare. Guests can choose from four options per course and the four course dinner, including a glass of Champagne on arrival is only £45 per person.

Choose from starters such as Crab Cakes with Corn Risotto drizzled with Oregano Oil or Cep & Leek Tart with a Side Salad of Roasted Hazelnuts & William Pears. Moving to mains, there is the classic festive dish of Traditional Turkey: Roast Breast, Confit Leg, Stuffing, Chipolatas, Roast Potatoes, with Cranberry Sauce & Seasonal Vegetables or modern delicacies such as Roast Halibut Shellfish Ravioli & Bisque with Braised Fennel and Fillet of Beef with Fondant Potato, Swiss Chard & Field Mushrooms in a Red Wine Sauce.

To follow these delicious dishes are four tantilising desserts including; Christmas Pudding with a jug of Brandy sauce & Winter Warmer Ice Cream and Chocolate Truffle Cake with White Chocolate Ice Cream. Dinner is then sealed off with petit fours for the table.

Their range of Christmas Cocktails can complete the day ˆ try The White Christmas which is made with Stolli Vanilla Vodka, infused with melted Belgium White Chocolate, Cocoa Nut Liqueur and dusted with White Chocolate Shavings.

The Ebury is a decadent and cosy brasserie: perfect for relaxed Christmas Day celebrations with loved ones.

The Ebury
11 Pimlico Road
London
SW1W 8NA
Tel: 0207 730 6784
http://www.theebury.co.uk/

Always drink responsibly http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/

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.