HÄAGEN-DAZS LEICESTER SQUARE TO HOST EXCLUSIVE MENU SAMPLING EVENTS FOR ITS FACEBOOK FANS

Häagen-Dazs Leicester Square announces that it will be offering free menu tastings exclusively for lovers of their ice cream who join the official Häagen-Dazs Leicester Square page on social networking site Facebook.

Starting from this month, the luxury ice cream brand will post invitations on the new page every time a new product or flavour is launched at its flagship shop. On a limited, first-come, first-served basis five fans will have the opportunity to attend an indulgent ice cream feast with a friend and sample the new flavours and creations.

The new Facebook page aims to encourage conversation between lovers of Häagen-Dazs, Leicester Square visitors and ice cream enthusiasts in general.

Michelle Foo, Brand Manager for Häagen-Dazs Shops, says: “We noticed that there were a few Häagen-Dazs Leicester Square appreciation groups created by Facebook users and wanted to create an official page where we can engage with our fans directly. We hope fans will enjoy the page and the menu sampling opportunities and we look forward to their feedback.”

The launch of the Facebook page coincides with that of the new Menu and Summer Mini Menu at the Leicester Square shop, which, with Limited Edition Cherries & Cream at its heart, is perfect for fruit lovers and sunny London afternoons.

Decidedly indulgent Cherries & Cream is a real summer treat – sweet and juicy black cherry pieces are enveloped in the rich velvet of creamy cherry ice cream. The new flavour can also be enjoyed in the new Fruit Journey, which follows the successful launch of Chocolate Journey last year. Fruit Journey is a delicious and refreshing quarto of Cherries & Cream, Strawberries & Cream and Raspberry and Mango sorbet. Each scoop is served in an individually prepared mini verrine and layered with an assortment of patisserie and fresh fruit.

In addition, two new core flavours join the shop’s already impressive ice cream list this week – Raspberry & Summer Berries Ice Cream Smoothie and Caramel Biscuit & Cream, and by popular demand this summer sees the return of Mango & Passionfruit, a former Limited Edition flavour.

Caramel Biscuit & Cream is a sophisticated combination of crisp pieces of sweet caramel biscuit and temptingly rich and creamy caramel ice cream. Fruit lovers can choose the new Raspberry & Summer Berries Ice Cream Smoothie, an innovative and exciting blend of mixed berry sorbet with raspberries and gorgeously creamy summer berries ice cream, which is set to join the ranks of the top-selling fruit ice creams at Leicester Square. The top three best-selling fruity flavours are currently:

1. Strawberries & Cream
2. Raspberry sorbet
3. Mango sorbet

The new Summer Menu treats will be offered to Facebook fans in the first exclusive menu sampling event in May. The new Häagen-Dazs Leicester Square fan page can be accessed via the following link: http://tinyurl.com/c8fa3t.

PETITION LAUNCHED TO BAN SUN BEDS FOR UNDER 18s

Recently St. Tropez, the UK’s leading self tan brand, announced the launch of a new beauty industry lobbying group, which is campaigning for stricter regulations on sun beds in the UK.

The group’s first activity has been to launch an online petition at: www.st-tropezskinsmart.org. The petition requires 10,000 signatures and will then be presented to Parliament, alongside a mandate for change.

The All Parliamentary Parliament Lobbying Group*, which is being spearheaded by Sian James MP, is calling to ban all unmanned coin operated sun beds in the UK, prevent any under 18 year old from using sun beds and introduce health and safety regulations for all sun bed shops, gyms and salons.

This announcement came on the day that the Health and Safety Executive announced new health and safety recommendations for more controlled sun bed use in the UK.

Skin cancer is now the number one form of cancer amongst young women, and the concentrated harmful rays from sun beds have been cited as the reason for this increase. UK women in their 20s are diagnosed with malignant melanoma at a rate of almost one a day, twice as common as breast cancer.**

People of any age are currently able to use sun beds and recently there have been a rising number of reports of suffering burns after using unsupervised coin-operated sun beds, allowing for 20minutes of UV for around £4.

St. Tropez is committed to creating positive professional changes to the sun bed industry and to educating people in the importance of protecting their skin. As the main alternative to sun exposure, St. Tropez products offer the healthy glow sought by people, without the potentially deadly consequences of exposing skin to high levels of UV.

Michelle Feeney, CEO St. Tropez commented: “Skin cancer causes a staggering 1,800 deaths a year. St. Tropez is committed to ensuring that sun bed usage is regulated, and is actively involved in campaigning to reduce these figures. Our self-tan products offer the healthy glow of the sun, without the potential health risk. And that is why we are leading this campaign for change and are committed to taking an active educational stance on responsible safe sun. By urging people to sign the petition so we can bring real and positive changes.”

Sian James MP added: “”I welcome the news that St. Tropez has launched this petition, and I would urge everyone to consider signing it. I am committed to campaigning for real change on how sun beds are used and regulated.”

* The remit of the beauty industry lobbying group is to create a series of enforceable health and safety regulations within the wider beauty industry, including salons offering body piercing, nails and lazer treatments.

**Research findings from Cancer Research

CELEBRITIES STRIKE A POSE FOR CANCER CHARITY FASHION CAMPAIGN
Ten famous faces have joined forces to launch this year’s Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC) UK range by appearing on a unique virtual catwalk and national poster campaign.

Supporting FTBC this year are Leah Wood, Sarah Ferguson, Jade Jagger, Bryan Ferry, Abigail Clancy, Sara Cox, Gerry DeVeaux, June Sarpong, Duncan James and Mark Foster. They can be seen strutting their stuff on www.millionmodelcatwalk.com, in a bid to inspire women everywhere to get in style this summer and raise £1 million to help fight breast cancer. The variety of celebrities this year aims to appeal to women of all ages to encourage them to do something fun and fashionable to support FTBC.

www.millionmodelcatwalk.com offers women the exciting opportunity to create an online version of themselves by uploading their photo, choosing an outfit from the FTBC range and making their catwalk debut alongside the ten celebrities supporting the campaign. The website also features top fashion advice and the inside scoop on Spring/Summer trends from international style guru Gerry DeVeaux, exclusive celebrity footage and behind-the-scenes celebrity gossip from the fashion shoot, and the complete FTBC product range which features an instant ‘click to buy’ mechanic linking through directly to retailer websites.

Inspired by the iconic target logo, launched this year in black and white, the new FTBC range features on-trend designs from Marks & Spencer, River Island, Warehouse, Topshop, Coast, my-wardrobe.com, Laura Ashley and sustainable design company, Goodone. Fashionistas can simply click to buy their favourite FTBC item, each carrying a 30% donation to Breakthrough Breast Cancer to help the charity with its life-saving research, campaigning and education work.

Many of the celebrities supporting FTBC have a strong personal connection to breast cancer. Gerry DeVeaux, Jade Jagger, June Sarpong, Leah Wood and Abigail Clancy have close relatives or friends who have battled the disease. All the celebrities and photographer Robert Astley Sparke have given their time for free to help raise £1 million for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Women can support FTBC by logging onto www.millionmodelcatwalk.com or by hitting the high-street and buying their favourite item from Marks & Spencer, River Island, Warehouse, Topshop, Coast, my-wardrobe.com and Laura Ashley.

THE REAL FOOD FESTIVAL 2009 WILL TAKE PLACE ON 8-10 MAY AT LONDON’S EARLS COURT
The trade day is Friday May 8th, from 10am – 4pm. Advance tickets: the first ticket is £18, subsequent tickets are £9.90 each. Tickets on the door are £25.

The evening of the 8th, and the 9th and 10th of May are open to the public. Evening tickets for May 8th cost £8.00 in advance or £12 on the door. Day tickets for May 9th and 10th cost £14.90 in advance and £18.00 on the door. Tickets can be bought online at www.realfoodfestival.co.uk or by calling 0844 412 4642

Over 500 small producers that have been hand-picked by the Real Food selection committee and subsidised to take part will come together to showcase delicious food & drink produced ethically, fairly and sustainably in the UK and around the world.

Driven by a passion for food that is fresh and grown or reared on healthy soil, free from chemical pesticides, fertilisers and new-fangled additives so that it is packed with flavour and essential nutrients, the Real Food Festival brings together food champions, artisan producers and food lovers in a single fabulous event.

With a focus on buying locally, sustainability, fair and ethical production and healthy food, the Real Food Festival 2009 is leading the debate on the quality and sustainability of food production.

It will once again top the food event calendar as the must-attend event of the year. Celebrating its second anniversary, the Real Food Festival is packed with events for the whole family, including some very friendly livestock. It’s about reconnecting us back to where our food comes from and it's also a chance to challenge your preconceptions about the food that you eat; to taste food as it really should be and to meet the people who grow, nurture and produce it. The Real Food Festival will clearly demonstrate how choosing food that is fresh, in season and produced with care not only tastes fantastic but it won't blow your budget either.

Highlights of this year’s show will include a Real Food Market, master chefs in action, hands-on workshops and passionate debate about the future of our food. Chefs include Raymond Blanc, Willie Harcourt-Cooze, Giorgio Locatelli and Fergus Henderson and speakers on the debates include Zac Goldsmith, Patrick Holden, Professor Tim Lang, Henrietta Green, Paul Kelly from Asda and Henry Dimbleby.

Real Food Festival, Earls Court Exhibition Centre, Warwick Road, London SW5 9TA

LIVERPOOL ONE – A YEAR IN PICTURES EXHIBITION

It has been almost a year since the £1bn Liverpool ONE development, Europe’s largest urban and retail led city centre regeneration project, opened its streets to the public for the first time.

And what a year it’s been!

The 29 May 2008 saw 200,000 people walk the streets of Liverpool ONE for the very first time. Since then millions of shoppers have followed suit.

Liverpool ONE has welcomed a host of new names to its shopping portfolio, from Pull & Bear (the first store of its kind to open in the UK) to Cath Kidston, and is anchored by two of the biggest names in retail; John Lewis and Debenhams. New and exciting retailers fill every inch of the 42-acre development from South John Street to Paradise Street and into Peter’s Lane and Keys Court.

The Leisure Terrace, with its stunning view across Chavasse Park, passed the new Hilton and One Park West, and down to the historic docks, has opened a plethora of some of the best loved restaurants including Wagamammas, Zeligs and Yo Sushi!

The Odeon Cinema, with its 14-screens, has showcased everything from James Bond to the new Wolverine movie, and made headlines as one of the UK’s busiest cinemas.

We have welcomed The Queen and the Princess Royal. Celebrities and VIPs have flocked to shop and enjoy Liverpool ONE, from Tim Cahill to Gok Wan!

It’s been a year to remember and we want you to share your memories and pictures with us. To celebrate the first anniversary of the opening of Liverpool ONE we are asking you for your memory, your favourite image of Liverpool ONE.

Whether it is a photo of you and your loved ones enjoying your time in Liverpool ONE or an artistic shot of the development as the cranes filled the skyline, we want to see it.

All entries will be reviewed and showcased on the Liverpool ONE website picture gallery. A selection of the judges’ favourites will form a special ‘Liverpool ONE: A Year in Pictures’ exhibition, which will be unveiled in Liverpool ONE on Friday 29 May as part of the 1st anniversary celebrations.

Anniversary celebrations will centre on Chavasse Park at the heart of Liverpool ONE on Friday 29 May. Entertainment will include al fresco dining on Chavasse Park with musical entertainment throughout the evening and a whole host of family fun.

All entries to be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Deadline for entries is Friday 15 May

Photos to be sent was high res jpegs with contacts details

For more details please visit www.liverpool-one.com/ayearinpictures

Terms:

There is no limit to the number of entries per person

Deadline for entries is Friday 15 May

Your image must be at least 300dpi

Please supply us with your full name, email address and a contact number or we won’t be able to use your entry in the exhibition

Your submission must be your original image and must not breech any copyright laws.

ENGLISH HERITAGE EVENT INFORMATION 9-10 MAY/23-25 MAY/26-31 MAY

9 - 10 May

VICTORIAN BEACH LIFE AT AUDLEY END
Audley End House and Gardens, Essex
Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 May, 11am - 5pm
Take a trip to the Victorian beach at Audley End. Enjoy traditional seaside activities, Victorian style, with Punch and Judy, beach games, ice creams and plenty of sandy fun for all. Don't forget your bucket and spade!
Prices: Adults £10.70 / Concessions £9.10 / Children £5.40 / Family Ticket £26.80
English Heritage Members: Free

ART DECO FAIR
Eltham Palace, London
Saturday 9 May, 12pm - 5pm & Sunday 10 May, 10am - 5pm
Returning for another year due to popular demand, our much-loved Art Deco Fair gives you the opportunity to buy original 1930s objects in the magnificent Art Deco surroundings of Eltham Palace. Browse everything Art Deco, from jewellery to furniture.
Prices: Adults £8.30 / Concessions £7.10 / Children £4.20 / Family Ticket £20.80
English Heritage Members: Free

23 - 25 May

WWII WEEKEND
Dover Castle, Kent
Saturday 23 - Monday 25 May (Bank Holiday), 10am - 5pm
To mark the 65th anniversary of D-Day, join us at Dover Castle for our WWII Weekend. Experience the living history encampments and find out what life was really like from English, German and French soldiers. Throughout the day watch skirmishes, practice your drill with Sergeant de Forges, and take instruction from a WWII nurse to learn how to dress a wound.
Booking recommended, call 0870 333 1183
Prices: Adults £10.00 / Concessions £8.00 / Children £5.00 / Family Ticket £25.00
English Heritage Members: Free

THE ENGLISH VILLAGE GREEN
Audley End House and Gardens, Essex
Saturday 23 - Monday 25 May (Bank Holiday), 11am - 5pm
The English Village Green comes to life at Audley End with fun activities for the whole family. Try your hand at a traditional coconut shy or hoopla. Meet Mr Alexander and enjoy magic shows at his travelling theatre or take part in games and races with prizes given by none other than Queen Victoria herself!
Prices: Adults £10.70 / Concessions £9.10 / Children £5.40 / Family Ticket £26.80
English Heritage Members: Free

WARTIME WEEKEND
Scarborough Castle, North Yorkshire
Saturday 23 - Monday 25 May (Bank Holiday), 11am - 5pm
The Northern World War II Association brings over 100 soldiers and civilians for our spectacular 1940s Wartime Weekend in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War. With two explosive battle re-enactments each day, children's activities, 1940s music, sing alongs and demonstrations on the ABC of UXB, visitors should prepare to be amazed!
Booking recommended, call 0870 333 1183
Prices: Adults £6.00 / Concessions £5.00 / Children £4.00 / Family Ticket £16.00
English Heritage Members: Adults £2.00 / Concessions £1.50 / Children £1.00 / Family Ticket £5.00

TUDOR TRAIL FOR CHILDREN
Eltham Palace, London
Sunday 24 & Monday 25 May (Bank Holiday), 11am - 5pm
Try and find Henry VIII and his six wives in this trail around the gardens of Eltham Palace. Fun for all the family!
Prices: Adults £8.30 / Concessions £7.10 / Children £4.20 / Family Ticket £20.80
English Heritage Members: Free

MEDIEVAL COURTLY PLEASURES AND PURSUITS
Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
Sunday 24 & Monday 25 May (Bank Holiday), 11am - 5pm
Get caught up in the buzz of activity at Bolsover Castle as you enter the genteel yet cut-throat world of the medieval court. Observe as costumed ladies and nobles demonstrate the refined pursuits of singing, dancing and storytelling. Equally, the darker side of medieval life will be on display as you watch medieval knights being armed for combat, before clashing in a Tournament of Foot and demonstrating the skills of war.
Prices: Adults £7.00 / Concessions £6.00 / Children £3.50 / Family Ticket £17.50
English Heritage Members: Free

WARTIME WEEKEND
Pendennis Castle, Cornwall
Sunday 24 & Monday 25 May (Bank Holiday), 11am - 5pm
To mark the 65th anniversary of D-Day, join us at Pendennis Castle for this special trip down memory lane. Learn more about life as a soldier and civilian by visiting the living history encampments, vehicle displays and home front kitchen. Enjoy music from the fantastic 1940s singer Tricia Dibb, and join in with Newquay Jive Club's dancing demonstrations. The highlight of each day will be an awe inspiring parachute drop by the Royal Artillery Parachute Display team and a fantastic aerial display by a WW2 aircraft. A truly memorable day out for the whole family.
Booking recommended, call 0870 333 1183
Prices: Adults £8.50 / Concessions £6.50 / Children £4.50 / Family Ticket £21.50
English Heritage Members: Adults £3.00 / Concessions £2.00 / Children £1.50 / Family Ticket £7.50

ROMAN WARRIORS & SOLDIERS
Birdoswald Roman Fort, Cumbria
Sunday 24 & Monday 25 May (Bank Holiday), 11am - 5pm
Come face to face with Roman soldiers from the time of the invasion of Britain to the end of Roman rule. Witness the drill and tactics of these soldiers. Plus, marvel at the skill and horsemanship of a fast paced duo of cavalry soldiers from this epic period in history.
Booking recommended, call 0870 333 1183
Prices: Adults £5.70 / Concessions £4.50 / Children £3.50
English Heritage Members: Free

CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL
Kenilworth Castle & Elizabethan Garden, Warwickshire
Sunday 24 - Friday 29 May (Bank Holiday), 11am - 5pm
This half term join us for an action-packed, fun-filled festival especially for kids. Learn what it takes to become a knight of the realm, take part in our circus skills workshops, enjoy puppet shows, falconry displays, have your face painted, follow the treasure trail, play games and have a whale of a time making sand castles at our Victorian beach!
Prices: Adults £8.50 / Concessions £7.50 / Children £5.00 / Family Ticket £22.00
English Heritage Members: Adults £2.00 / Concessions £1.00 / Children £1.00 / Family Ticket £5.00
This event is supported by Ecclesistical.
N.B The castle car park will open at 09.30am with a charge of £2 to park for all visitors. There will be a free Park & Ride service running from 10am - 6pm. Visitors are advised to park in the Kenilworth town centre car parks and catch the free shuttle bus from the clock tower bus stop. Buses will run every 10-15 minutes.

THE MAKING OF ENGLAND. AGINCOURT 1415
Kelmarsh Hall, Northampton
Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th May,*
Once more unto the breach! Brand new for the Festival of History 2009, stand firm alongside Henry V's knights and archers to re-live the epic Battle of Agincourt, when the flower of French chivalry met their match and a prince finally proved himself a King.
*Please call the site on 01604 686543 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk <http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/> to confirm event times and prices.

23 - 31 May

FAIRY TRAIL FOR CHILDREN
Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, South Yorkshire
Saturday 23 - Sunday 31 May, 10am - 5.30pm
Concealed within these enchanting gardens are the mini model Victorian fairies who promise a fun sticker to those who can find them.
Prices: Adults £8.30 / Concessions £7.10 / Children £4.20
English Heritage Members: Free
N.B Includes admission to the hall and gardens

TUDOR TRAIL FOR CHILDREN
Framlingham Castle, Suffolk
Saturday 23 - Sunday 31 May, 11am - 5pm
Take part in traditional games at the castle and see if you can spot King Henry and all six of his wives hidden within the walls.
Prices: Adults £5.70 / Concessions £4.80 / Children £2.90 / Family Ticket £14.30
English Heritage Members: Free

Time Travellers Go. Hobby Horses
Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
Tuesday 26 - Friday 29 May, 11am - 4pm
Travel back to the time when Bolsover Castle was brimming with wannabe horse masters. Join us and try your hand at some of the training exercises on our trusty hobby-horse steeds. See if you can make the grade and join the elite ranks of famous equestrians associated with the castle!
Prices: Adults £7.00 / Concessions £6.00 / Children £3.50* / Family Ticket £17.50
English Heritage Members: Free* (*+£1 for every child over five, members and non members)

Time Travellers Go. Secrets & Spies
Scarborough Castle, North Yorkshire
Tuesday 26 - Sunday 31 May, 11am - 5pm
Calling all super sleuths, secret agents, and private eyes! Make the most of the spring half-term by joining our brand new hands-on history club just for children. This week the Time Travellers will take a journey back to the 1940s. Sharpen your detective skills with our hands on spy training and discover techniques used by real spies and agents during the Second World War.
Prices: Adults £4.50 / Concessions £3.80 / Children £2.30* / Family Ticket £11.30
English Heritage Members: Free* (*+£1 for every child over five, members and non members)

SPY QUEST FOR CHILDREN
Pendennis Castle, Cornwall
Tuesday 26 - Sunday 31 May, 10am - 5pm (4pm on Saturday)
Follow the clues around the castle, try to crack codes and ciphers to win your secret prize.
Prices: Adults £5.70 / Concessions £4.80 / Children £2.90 / Family Ticket £14.30
English Heritage Members: Free

VICTORIAN BEACH LIFE
Audley End House and Gardens, Essex
Wednesday 27 - Sunday 31 May, 11am - 5pm
Take a trip to the Victorian beach at Audley End. Enjoy traditional seaside activities, Victorian style, with Punch and Judy, beach games, ice creams and plenty of sandy fun for all. Why not bring a picnic and soak up the atmosphere as the Merrie Month of May concludes. Just don't forget your bucket and spade!
Prices: Adults £10.70 / Concessions £9.10 / Children £5.40 / Family Ticket £26.80
English Heritage Members: Free

MEDIEVAL CLASH OF KNIGHTS
Beeston Castle, Cheshire
Saturday 30 & Sunday 31 May, 12pm - 5pm
Brave, bold and noble knights from the Harlech Medieval Society demonstrate the reality of medieval combat with a series of thrilling living history displays that will bring the pageantry of medieval England to life.
Prices: Adults £5.50 / Concessions £4.50 / Children £3.00
English Heritage Members: Free
(Car parking charge applies)

ROARY THE RACING CAR BECOMES THE OFFICIAL AMBASSADOR OF THE CHILDREN’S TRUST
First Event of the Year Launches Called ‘Dad’s Day Out’
For the second year running, Roary the Racing Car has become the official ambassador of The Children’s Trust. To kick off 2009, the producers of the programme, Chapman Entertainment, in conjunction with The Children’s Trust, Petrolhead Nirvana and Club Scuderia will be launching a great action-packed experience called ‘Dad’s Day Out’ on Saturday 16th May at Dunsfold Aerodrome, Cranleigh - the location of BBC2’s Top Gear.

Dad’s Day Out will provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for dad’s throughout the country to ride in Italian supercars provided by Petrolhead Nirvana and Club Scuderia, including Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Maseratis. There will also be Ferrari Simulators, a Giant Scalectric set, double decker buses, fire engine rides and a static vehicle exhibition.

This spectacular day’s event will not only provide entertainment for all the family, but it will help raise funds for The Children’s Trust, a national charity which provides care, education and therapy to children with multiple disabilities and complex health needs, and rehabilitation services to children with an acquired brain injury.

BAFTA Nominated, Roary the Racing Car, and his mechanic, Big Chris (voiced by Peter Kay) will also be entertaining young visitors at Dad’s Day Out in a dedicated play area including a small racing track laid out with pedal cars. This will enable budding young racing drivers to cut their teeth early and meet Roary and Big Chris in person. Children will also get the opportunity to watch Roary the Racing car on television, as well as enter colouring competitions and receive goodie bag giveaways and refreshments.

Roary the Racing Car was originated by Dave Jenkins and designed and developed by Keith Chapman, originator of Fifi and the Flowertots and Bob The Builder. The show was launched in 2007 and has now been sold to over 110 territories worldwide with race fever gripping the imagination of boys and girls globally.

Roary the Racing Car is shown daily on Five’s Milkshake! and Nick Jr. and provides children aged two to six years with an exciting introduction to the world of motorsport, through a strong storyline, fantastic songs and great humour packed into ten-minute shows. Some top names from the world of sport and entertainment are also involved including racing legend, Sir Stirling Moss, who narrates the series.

Melissa Brown, Director of Marketing for Chapman Entertainment, the company responsible for Roary the Racing Car comments: “The Children’s Trust is a great charity and Dad’s Day Out is a fantastic family event which we are very excited to be a part of. Roary is a great vehicle for getting kids excited about cars from an early age and there will be a lot of motoring fun and games for children and parents alike to enjoy.”

To book tickets, which includes a special family rate, or for further information, please visit: www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/dadsdayout, or call Anna on 01737 364324.

For more information on Roary The Racing Car, please log onto www.roarytheracingcar.com.

 

LE BOUCHON BRETON LAUNCHES LA FETE DE ST TROPEZ ON THE TERRACE TO CELEBRATE THE START OF SUMMER.

The month of May has finally arrived, the weather is looking good and in true Gallic style, it’s fiesta time at Le Bouchon Breton with the launch of La Fete de St Tropez, a celebration of the culinary delights of Le Sud de France and ideal for alfresco dining on the handsome terrace overlooking the hustle and bustle of Spitalfields Market.

The Breton chefs have devised an exceptional range of tempting hot fish and shellfish sharing platters all served with deliciously moreish buttery sauces, crusty bread and ice cold local rose, creating the ultimate and very reasonable “lunch or dinner complete”.

Les Plateaux Tropeziens at Le Bouchon Breton

Plateau Rainier III £68 (for 2 People) A superb warm selection of Grilled Rouget, Sardines, Sea bass, Clam Palourdes, Mussels, Prawns, Calamari, Razor clams and a Whole Lobster flambéd with a shot of Vodka and served with Sauce Vierge, Sauce Choron, Sauce Dieppoise, bread on the side and a bottle of Chateau St Magerite Rose Cru Classe de Provence
Plateau Croisette £45 (for 2 People) A delicious warm selection of Grilled Rouget, Sea bass, Clam Palourdes, Mussels, Prawns, Calamari, flambéd with a shot of Vodka and served with Sauce Vierge, Sauce Choron, Sauce Dieppoise, bread on the side and ½ a bottle of Chateau St Magerite Rose Cru Classe de Provence

Plateau du Vieux Port £40 (for 2 People) A delicious warm selection of Grilled Rouget, Sardines, Clam Palourdes, Mussels, Prawns, Calamari, flambéd with a shot of Vodka and served with Sauce Vierge, Sauce Choron, Sauce Dieppoise, bread on the side and ½ a bottle of Chateau St Magerite Rose Cru Classe de Provence

Alternatively there is a brand new Provencal inspired set menu, available at lunch and dinner, which once again focuses on the subtle yet heady flavours, fine ingredients and simplicity of southern French cooking. With three delicious courses including a vegetarian option and ½ a bottle of Chateau St Magerite Rose for just £30 it’s certainly not going to break the bank.

Le Menu de la Fete de Saint Tropez at Le Bouchon Breton
Tarte Provencal de tomates et de sardines grillees
Provencal tart of tomatoes and grilled sardines sprinkled with capers,
red onion and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
..................................................
Gambas au beurre Persille, huile de chorizo et crouton a l’ail
Whole gambas in a parsley butter flavoured with chorizo oil and garlic croutons
served with wild rocket leaves
..................................................
Crème vanilla, coulis au fruit rouge
Vanilla cream pots with red fruit coulis

Le Bouchon Breton
1st Floor
8 Horner Square
Old Spitalfields Market
London
E1 6EW

T: 08000 191 704
http://www.lebouchon.co.uk/

SECOND FLOOR RESTAURANT AND BAR, BRISTOL
Harvey Nichols, Philadelphia Street, Quakers Friars, BS1 3BZ
Situated in the Quakers Friars quarter of the Cabot Circus development in the heart of Bristol, the Second Floor Restaurant and Bar occupies the top floor of the new Harvey Nichols store. Open for all day dining, from 10am to 11pm, from weekend brunch to post-shopping cocktails and dinner, the space also houses the famous Foodmarket and Wine Shop.

A striking modern interior, created by French architect and designer Christian Biecher focuses on the use of textures and takes inspiration from the Bristol music scene. In the Restaurant, soft and shimmery gold dominates – on the textured walls and luminous leather banquettes while rich, caramel brown leather chairs and white lacquered tables provide a contrast. By day, floor to ceiling windows bathe the room in light giving it a warm, lustrous glow and a great sense of calm and comfort. In the evening, the atmosphere is more glamorous.

It is a fantastic space to showcase the talents of Second Floor Restaurant’s Head Chef Louise McCrimmon. Having previously worked with the Harvey Nichols group in the Leeds restaurant, Louise is the perfect choice to launch the concept of destination in store dining in Bristol. McCrimmon’s style is based on classic techniques, pure flavours, great textures and indulgent ingredients. Louise enjoys working with new and seasonal produce and her frequently changing menus reflect this passion.

To start, choose from Poached organic salmon, pea shoot salad, herb emulsion; Golden Cross goats cheese, poached pear and hazelnut salad, Manuka honey dressing and Seared pigeon, beetroot purée, apple and celery salad, walnut dressing.

Main courses include Roast breast of free range chicken, cauliflower purée, velouté sauce, Oloroso and raisin reduction; Slow cooked shoulder of rare breed pork (Oxford Sandy Black), sweet potato rösti, Savoy cabbage, pickled apple and Whole grilled Brixham lemon sole, watercress butter, fennel and citrus salad.

Desserts include Rhubarb crème brûlée tart, toffee ice cream; Valrhona chocolate fondant, butternut ice cream and Lemon trio – lemon and pine nut parfait, lemon, pistachio and olive oil cake, lemon curd.

The wine list is equally impressive, with 750 carefully selected Old and New World bins. Furthermore, a selection of wines from the list is also available to buy from the Harvey Nichols Wine Shop.

The Second Floor Bar is a more intimate space. Clad in silver and with a glowing onyx long bar it is perfect for a post-shopping cocktail or an aperitif before dinner. Signature cocktails include ‘Double B’ Bellini (Absolut pear vodka, crushed pears and melon liqueur, stirred with Harvey Nichols Brut), Cabot Collins (Beefeater London gin, lemon and honey syrup shaken with St. Germain elderflower liqueur and crushed peach. Served long, topped with soda water) and Brimstone & Treacle (Crushed orange pieces poured with Havana Club especial rum & fig liqueur. Shaken with fresh cloudy apple juice, angostura and thick brown sugar syrup. Served short).
Harvey Nichols Philadelphia Street, Quakers Friars Bristol BS1 3BZ Reservations :0117 916 8698 or online
Website:www.harveynichols.com

FLYING HIGH ON THE ISLE OF SKYE
The ‘Almighty Flight’ and the ‘Fresh and Fruity Flight’ might sound like new and interesting ways to take to the skies but they are actually two of the latest additions to the menu at Kinloch Lodge on the Isle of Skye.

Following the success of their state of the art wine pairing programme in 2008, Kinloch has now added beer and whisky to the menu. Guests are able to choose from optional wine, whisky and beer flights all carefully selected to compliment each course. The drinks are then served along with explanatory cards providing guests with tasting notes and information on the beverage.

The hotel, owned by world renowned food writer Claire Macdonald and her husband Godfrey, is one of only 7 restaurants in Scotland to receive Michelin's red grape award for their wine list. Claire and Godfrey’s son in law Tom Eveling created the wine list and implemented the flights in 2008. A self taught wine enthusiast, Tom worked closely with Kinloch’s head chef, Marcello Tully, to extend their selection of flights to include beer and whisky.

Tom comments “The beer and whisky flights have been launched to great enthusiasm from guests who enjoy how the flavours of the drinks complement the food. Wine has long been paired with food but beer and whisky can work just as well. For example the Crab mousse with Drumfearn mussels tastes particularly good when enjoyed with a bottle of Innis and Gunn Blonde”

Options available include the Frozen Flight, the Mighty Flight and the Meaty Flight. The Frozen Flight is a whisky flight designed for puddings, served straight from the freezer and consists of a 25ml measure of Dalwhinnie 15 year old and a 25ml measure of Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 year old.

Tom continues “When the whisky is served frozen you experience the changing flavours as it warms in your mouth, an exhilarating and very enjoyable experience. I am very partial to the Frozen Flight with Kinloch’s bread & butter pudding, rum marinated raisins and vanilla ice cream”

Kinloch has recently been shortlisted as a finalist for Hotel of the Year in the CIS Excellence Awards 2009 and won a trio of awards at the Scottish Hotel Awards, including Breakfast of the year, Romantic Hotel of the Year and Rising Star Chef of the Year.

www.kinloch-lodge.co.uk

NATIONAL AUDIT INTO AGEING
UK women are trapped in a state of flux about how old they think they look versus their true age, according to a national audit to mark the launch of RoC® Retin-Ox™ Wrinkle Filler. The audit, which reveals how women continuously change their mind about how well they believe they are ageing, has led a leading psychologist to refer this as ‘ageing dysmorphia’.

The mind’s eye
When asked if they think they look their age, more than half (55%) of the women said they looked younger than their years, but the irony is, when asked if they would like to look younger, 70% agree they would:

• More than a third (38%) would like to look up to five years younger
• More than a fifth (22%) up to ten years younger
• And, one in ten (10%) wish they looked more than ten years younger

True reflections
However, the reality of ageing sets in when women look in the mirror with more than half (55%) surprised to find their reflection indicates they look older than they thought they did in their mind’s eye.

Competitive ageing
The emotional rollercoaster picks up pace when women compare how they have aged in relation to others. More than half (53%) believe their partner looks younger than them however, nearly three quarters (70%) think they are ageing better than other women of a similar age.
Leading psychologist Anjula Mutanda comments, “This new audit clearly shows women are experiencing something I like to call ageing dysmorphia. Every woman at some point scrutinises how well they think they are ageing, which throws up a mixture of feelings; it is as much about what is going on in their mind and their self perception - which may sometimes be self-critical, distorted and negative - as it is about the actual lines on their face. What is clear, is ageing is an emotional minefield, with the audit also highlighting that the majority of women feel pressurised to stay looking young.”

Scientifically Proven
The anxiety women feel is further compounded by their confusion about the best ways to tackle the signs of ageing. The audit reveals 85% of women do not know what the main ingredient is in their anti-ageing product, despite this often being essential for achieving the results that many women want.

Leading dermatologist Dr. Susan Mayou comments, “I recommend my patients invest in a good anti-ageing moisturiser and tell them to look at the ingredient list as well as the price tag, to discover if it’s worth the investment. If the desired, long term effect is to tackle wrinkles, women should use a product containing pure Retinol, as clinical trials show this delivers excellent results over time. However, we all like to see instant results too and Hyaluronic Acid, a moisturiser also found naturally in skin achieves this.”

RoC® Retin-Ox™ Wrinkle Filler

With almost two fifths (39%) of UK women revealing in the audit that they will keep relying on anti-ageing products to keep them looking young, it is evident there is a demand for an anti-ageing product that helps smooth the appearance of wrinkles.

RoC® Retin-Ox™ Wrinkle Filler is a solution for women who want an anti-wrinkle product that gives immediate results that last day after day

Head of RoC® Research & Development Dr. Nathalie Issachar comments, “We listen to what women want and this latest audit shows that effective anti-ageing creams are important so they can feel good as soon as they look in the mirror – that is why RoC® Retin-Ox™ Wrinkle Filler contains Hyaluronic Acid. However, we also know women want to keep reducing their wrinkles day after day so they can be confident ensuring they continue to look the best they can – this is why RoC® Retin-Ox™ Wrinkle Filler contains pure Retinol.”

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