Category Archives: Lifestyle

Celebrate World Gin Day with Gordon Castle Scotland

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Scotland is known best for its whisky, but recently I have had the pleasure of discovering a few of the country’s best gins…

Gordon Castle Estate, Walled Garden and the Gordon Castle Scotland brand are the results of eight years’ hard work by Angus and Zara Gordon Lennox since they took over the running of Gordon Castle Estate, Fochabers in 2008. Completed as one of Scotland’s largest houses in the 1770s by the Duke of Gordon, Gordon Castle is the spiritual home of the House of Gordon, one of Scotland’s oldest families.

Gordon Castle Gin

The estate is found in the Spey valley, in the heart of whisky country, with a stretch of the Spey River running through the estate, which boasts some of the best salmon fishing in the world. The Walled Garden at Gordon Castle has a long history, with evidence it existing in a guise since the 17th century. At over eight acres, The Walled Garden at Gordon Castle is one of the largest in the country and, once restored, will be the largest fully productive walled garden in Scotland. This historical place acts as the inspiration behind the luxury brand and since its launch in June 2014 now produces over 200 lifestyle products, luxury beauty products and premium gin, all inspired by the fruits, herbs and plants grown in the garden.

Gordon Castle Gin

Gordon Castle Gin is an award-winning premium gin handcrafted using botanicals grown in its very own Scottish Walled Garden, bringing you an air of history and provenance in every sip. Gordon Castle Gin is a crisp, elegant and refreshing gin with a lovely clean palate. Subtle notes of lavender linger in the back of the nose and within the mouth. The garden flavours give the spirit a clean and refreshing character.

Gordon Castle Gin

The thing I look forward to most about Fridays is getting home to a cold gin and tonic. This weekend, to celebrate World Gin Day (9th June), I will be raising a toast to this wonderful spirit with Gordon Castle botanical gin. The cocktail recipes with this unique spirit are endless, but this gin is particularly well paired with mint, lemon, lime and plenty ice. The two main tasting notes you may notice in the gin are lavender and garden mint, so if you have easy access to a lavender bush you can use this summery scent as a garnish if you wish.

You can taste this delicious gin for yourself at Gordon Castle Gin bar at the Taste of London Festival in Regent’s Park from the 13th-17th June.

This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Gordon Castle Scotland. Find out more information and buy a bottle of gin (£34.25 for 70cl) here.

Things to do in Amsterdam

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Amsterdam is a lovely destination year round, but from mid-March to mid-May the tulips are in bloom, making it the perfect Springtime getaway. Amsterdam airport is one of the busiest and most efficient in Europe, so it is quick and easy to reach the city from any major city. Hop on a flight after work on Thursday and enjoy three whole days in The Netherland’s capital.

Pulitzer Amsterdam

To Stay

The Pulitzer Amsterdam – This stylish hotel opened its doors in the summer of 2016, after an extensive renovation of the 25 connecting Golden Age canal houses which make up the property. The bold colour design and thoughtful touches make it a wonderful place to stay for a special weekend in Amsterdam.

The Hoxton Hotel, Amsterdam – The Hoxton brand is setting trends in every city it settles in. Affordable and fashionable this photogenic retreat is the perfect (centrally located) hotel for your romantic getaway.

Amsterdam food

To Eat

Choux – Choux was once a pop-up establishment but due to popularity opened in it’s permanent home at Spring House in 2015. The kitchen particularly excel with vegetarian dishes.

Guts & Glory – Every three months the Guts & Glory team pick a new theme for their rotating menu. I tried an inventive 3-course Dutch-inspired menu of delicious delicacies prepared and presented with care. A great restaurant for an affordable and exciting culinary adventure.

Bak Restaurant – Located in a cool industrial building, in the recently re-developed “Westelijk HavengebiedBak” area, Bak initially gained a loyal following as a pop-up before opening it’s permanent site a few years ago. With the constantly changing menu chef Benny Blisto showcases his favourite seasonal ingredients, the dishes are bold in flavour and appearance. There is also a range of great natural wines to accompany your meal.

Van Stapele – Pick up a snack at Van Stapele, the historic shop which only sells one thing… double chocolate cookies with an oozing white chocolate centre. Delicious!

Jansz – The pretty in pink dining room at Jansz is easy to fall in love with but it is certainly not style over substance at this eatery.  The classy restaurant is found in the Pulitzer Hotel, the service is friendly and efficient and the menu is filled with irresistible classic dishes. Don’t miss the meatball starter!

Breda – This modern eatery showcases seasonal ingredients and contemporary cooking techniques. Choose from the 3, 4 or 5 course menus and a mystery series of delicious food will be delivered to you at your table.

Amsterdam coffee

To Drink

Lot Sixty One – This boutique rustic cafe is located in Amsterdam West. The coffee is roasted daily and has a lovely rich taste. Sit and relax in the industrial-chic cafe while enjoying a warming coffee.

Bocca – Bocca was the first major speciality coffee company in Amsterdam, and with a big brand new flagship cafe there has never been a better time to visit. Bocca roast their own beans, supply a number of cafes and make a great range of espresso and drip coffees in their cafe.

Tales & Spirits – Sit at the bar in Tales & Spirits, one of the world’s 50 best bars. This dark and cosy bar is always full of cocktail fans. If you like a strong drink order the ‘Bartender’s Ketchup’ cocktail or let the master mixologists make you up something delicious off-menu.

Toki – Coffee Fans should not miss Toki (the word for your local hangout). The small but chic cafe has a team of expert baristas on hand to make you the perfect flat white. If you are hungry there is a delectable display of cakes and pastries.

Scandinavian Embassy – If you find yourself in the de Pijp district this small cafe is the best place to stop for speciality coffee. As the name suggests Scandinavian Embassy use a fine selection of Nordic and Swedish beans, and they also have the best cinnamon buns in town.

Amsterdam

To Do

Rijksmuseum – After an extensive 10 year renovation and restoration this magnificent museum has reopened, and should be the first stop on any cultural itinerary for Amsterdam. The huge historic building is dedicated to Dutch art from the Middle Ages to the current day. Most lovely perhaps are the Rembrandt and Vermeer paintings found in the Gallery of Honour. (Try to visit the museum on a weekday, as the weekends get very busy).

Canal Boat Tour – Some hotels have their own boats for private tours, otherwise you can book the Canal Cruise Ticket online and have instant access to the canal boat tour of your choice when you arrive in the city.

Amsterdam

To Shop

Indianaweg 10 – A retro emporium selling handpicked vintage clothing, charming homeware and quirky accessories. Indianaweg 10 is found in the trendy de Pijp area where there are a number of great shops and cafes.

Gather Shop – An aesthetically pleasing shop, with a carefully curated range of homeware, accessories and books arranged in a simple and clean way. The store Gather Shop is a great place to pick up a one-off gift.

Wildernis – A plant lovers dream shop, Wildernis stocks all kinds of pretty indoor and outdoor plants and accessories from watering cans to gardening tools, books to greeting cards.

Sukha – This beautiful shop on Haarlemmerstraat sells a range of natural, eco-friendly products such as handmade wool scarves and cardigans. The products are sourced from around the world, but you can also browse their Atelier Sukha label, sustainably made in Nepal and India.

Restored – Restored focuses on representing talented designers and small labels and offering them a platform to bring their products and visions to a wider audience. In the shop you can find are beautiful garments, accessories, and desirable books and magazines.

The Florist, Bristol

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It seems that the restaurant scene in Bristol is evolving faster than anywhere else in Britain. This week, The Florist opened on Park Street and is a pretty place to enjoy expertly mixed floral cocktails and delicious, comforting food.

The Florist

I visited the Florist last weekend for the opening party events. The restaurant is modest from the street, aside from a stunning floral mural painted on the exterior brick wall. Inside an abundance of whimsical flowers decorate every corner and artwork by local Bristolians Gemma Compton and Jodie Thomas hang on the walls. On the first floor one area is completely taken over by climbing ivy… sure to be a hit with the instagramming community.

The FloristThe Florist

We were greeted by smiling staff, who seemed as excited as the guests to be involved in Bristol’s hottest new restaurant opening. Beautiful Bloody Mary’s were being made, adorned with Tabasco, celery sticks, sprigs of rosemary and wedges of lemon. Before long I had also tried other drinks from the floristry-inspired menu… the aromatic ‘Oak Moss Gin Old Fashioned’ and the ‘Violet Daisy’ (a subtle and fragrant concoction) – both drinks were as tasty as they looked.

The Florist

It took a while to explore all the different rooms at The Florist… I’m sure locals will delight in finding their own favourite space, whether it’s for a quiet business meeting, evening cocktails or a fun weekend brunch. I particularly loved the top floor dining room, with its glass roof and amazing views over the city.

The Florist

After a quick cinemagraph masterclass in the bar we headed up for lunch. The menu at The Florist features Deli boards and nibbles for sharing along with more substantial main courses and hot pots that showcase seasonal produce. On Sundays they offer a hearty roast… which I was lucky enough to sample when I visited. The irresistible scent from the kitchen made me even hungrier and I watched enviously as other diners received their plates of happiness. Soon it was our turn… generous dishes of roast beef and pork belly arrived steaming hot and glistening with gravy. The meats were delicious, organic, high quality and cooked to perfection. Accompanying the meat were fluffy light Yorkshire puddings, sweet glazed carrots, crispy roast potatoes and colourful broccoli and red cabbage. Along with the main courses we tried a few of the sides which included wonderfully garlicky spinach and indulgent cauliflower cheese. I’m usually not much of a fan of roasts outside my family home, but have to admit that The Florist ticked every box with their decadent Sunday offering.

The Florist

Before heading home to London there was just enough time to taste the desserts… vegan-suitable Elderflower meringue and caramelised peaches was a light and summery choice, while the Baked white chocolate cheesecake with ginger biscuit was a more greedy option.

The Florist

As Spring approaches and the daffodils arrive it seems fitting that Bristol welcomes The Florist to its restaurant scene. I was impressed with this creative space… with thoughtful details throughout. And after trying the food and drinks can assure you that this is one eatery that is definitely not style over substance.

More information and book a table here: theflorist.uk.com

Address: 69 Park St, Bristol BS1 5PB. Follow The Florist on Instagram here.

This is a sponsored post in collaboration with The Florist.