Now Open: Mr Fogg's City Tavern

Mr Fogg's City Tavern, the brand-new bar and restaurant in Broadgate Circle near Liverpool Street, is now open.

As guests enter the venue, they are met with a warm and welcoming interior with a ceiling bedecked in everything from bunting, Victorian boxing gloves, a rocking chair, tankards, wooden hot air balloons and flags collected from Phileas' travels around the world. 

The wood-paneled tavern features characterful portraits of Fogg's varied friends and tables made from glass display cabinets, showcasing prized collectibles. Adjoining the Tavern is the sumptuous Saloon, akin to the traditional tavern reception room for games playing and conducting business, with luxuriously upholstered sofas and low seating. This will lead to The Snug, another classic addition to Victorian pubs, a slightly separated area that offers a transitional space between Tavern and Saloon

The cocktail menu features punches, for one, two or four to share, alongside 'Matron's Tipples' that provide a modern take on classic cocktails. Highlights include:

Mexican Berry Biff £14 / £26 / £50

Citrusy / Vibrant / Fruity

Patrón Silver tequila, Martini Fiero vermouth, raspberry shrub, cranberry juice and fresh lime juice

Blue Bull Negroni £14.5

Boozy / Aromatic / Complex

Blue butterfly pea flower-infused Bombay Sapphire gin, Martini Riserva Speciale Ambrato vermouth, Luxardo Bitter Bianco aperitif and Nardini Acqua di Cedro liqueur mist

The Gilded Portfolio £15

Boozy / Aromatic / Complex

Hennessy V.S. cognac, Martini Riserva Speciale Rubino vermouth, Cointreau Noir orange liqueur, Guinness reduction syrup and Ardbeg 10yr Scotch whisky mist

The food menu features elevated classic tavern options such as the homemade chicken & leek pie served with creamy mash potato and red wine onion gravy, vegan shepherd's pie with tenderstem broccoli and vegan gravy and ribeye steak sandwich with melted blue cheese, caramelised onions, and American mustard on a sourdough bloomer. 

Every Saturday, Mr Fogg's City Tavern will host the Live Music Brunch featuring Midnight Rye Society. Guest are treated to a savoury main course and a sweet dessert course with 90 minutes of free-flowing prosecco or punch for £48. 

Savoury dishes include Eggs Benedict with crispy bacon on an English muffin lathered with homemade Hollandaise sauce or Fogg's Famous Fry-up featuring pork sausage, bacon rashers, fried egg, roasted cherry vine tomatoes, portobello mushroom, black pudding, Heinz baked beans, and a hash brown. Sweet dishes range from homemade pancakes with maple syrup, fruit, and coconut yogurt to The Tropical Mess featuring cinnamon meringue, coconut rum cream, mango, pineapple, and shaved toasted coconut.

Later in 2024, the downstairs area The Luggage Room will be opened to the public featuring experiential and immersive aspects that Mr Fogg's venues are known for.

www.mr-foggs.com/mr-foggs-city-tavern

IG: @MrFoggsGB

Mr Fogg's City Tavern 

37 Broadgate Circle,

Liverpool Street,

London EC2M 2QS

Opening Times:

Monday & Tuesday: 12pm - 9pm

Wednesday – Saturday: 12pm - 12am

Sunday: Closed

FACTFILE: Mr Fogg's are well-loved for their unique, eclectic and immersive hospitality concepts across London including Mayfair based Mr Fogg's Residence, modelled on the actual home of Jules Verne's character Phileas Fogg, Mr Fogg's Apothecary, just opposite Claridge's, Mr Fogg's Tavern, a Victorian-inspired pub in Covent Garden, and Mr Fogg's Gin Parlour, which serves over 300 different gins. 

2018 saw the arrival of three new Mr Fogg's concepts, Mr Fogg's House of Botanicals, a Fitzrovia-based floral oasis, Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration, just minutes away from Charing Cross station as well as the newly launched Mr Fogg's Pawnbrokers and Mr Fogg's Hat Tavern & Gin Club in Soho.

Free Etching on Classic Mathmos Astro Lava Lamps

Yes, if you order your Astro Lava Lamp before 5pm on Friday the 9th of February you can have a special message etched on a new Classic Mathmos Astro lava lamp.

And if your order is for delivery to someone within the UK, Matmos will arrange for it to be delivered on or before the 13th Feb in time for Valentine's Day.

The free personalisation is for this week only. A spokesperson said: "We can etch on the full range of Mathmos Astros, polished, vinyl, copper, black or platinum vinyl. Etching is usually £10."

"It's a lovely way to personalise a gift or put your own stamp on a Mathmos classic."

To learn about the personalisation service please visit here:- https://shorturl.at/hELQ9

To learn about ordering lamps please visit here:- https://shorturl.at/hksC7

Now Swizzels has 70 reasons for you to love Love Hearts

70 years ago the Korean War was being waged, smog was a problem in London and other major industrialised cities, Anne Frank's Diary was published in English, Queen Elizabeth II was on the throne, Singin' in the Rain was released and Swizzels introduced Love Hearts.

And this year, the UK’s most favourite sweet maker, Swizzels, is celebrating the Love Hearts 70th Anniversary, offering up a whole range of sweet treats in time for Valentine’s Day to help share the love.

Whatever your age, whatever your budget, Swizzels’ range of Love Hearts treats is all about spreading love and positivity, making it the perfect gift to show someone you care.

Be they your, beau, beloved, darling, dearest, inamorata or inamorato, your paramour, Romeo or your Juliet, your swain or your sweetheart, you can shower them with Love and with Love Hearts. And the range is vegan-friendly too, so that's one less thing to worry about.

Love Hearts gift drums, jam-packed full of Love Hearts mini rolls, making for a most special gift, now sold at B&M stores at a RRP of £2.50.

Giant Love Hearts rolls, RRP 45p per roll

Originals Love Hearts hanging bags, RRP £1.25

Love Hearts multipacks, including giant rolls

Love Hearts clip strips

All of the above are available nationwide from major supermarkets and convenience stores.

For those seeking a personalised touch, fans can create their own Giant Love Hearts rolls for just £1.49 on the Swizzels website, here https://www.swizzels.com/shop/personalised-giant-love-hearts.

https://swizzels.com

Swizzel's are running a pretty unique competition to celebrate the 70th Anniversary where you can win your very own personalised 500 mini rolls of Love Hearts, featuring your own message on the sweets and on the wrapper. Enter here:- https://swizzels.com/lovehearts-70years.

A Minty Treat for your sweet? Ask for Peppersmiths

Everyone who I know loves mints. So why not give the sweet soul in your life some really neat minty treats, courtesy of Peppersmiths?

The only products Peppersmith makes are 100% naturally tasty, feel good treats. 

Peppersmith Mints, Gum and Pastilles are bursting with 100% natural flavours and thoughtfully sourced ingredients that are also actively good for you. 

So not only are you giving the love of your life some delicious treats, you are giving them something that's good for them, too? (If that doesn't earn you extra points...)

Peppersmith Taster Pack £16.99 from www.peppersmith.co.uk

You'll both be able to pucker up with Peppersmith!

From Lemon Mints and Strawberry Pastilles to refreshing Peppermint Mints and Gum, the natural flavours include peppermint and spearmint oils, eucalyptus, Sicilian lemons and delicious strawberries, giving you banging flavours, freshening up your breath and caring for your dental health all in one!

https://peppersmith.co.uk/collections/bestsellers/products/taster-pack-12-x-15g-mixed-pocket-packs-2

This Valentine's Day, Meet MOTH's Canned Cocktail Bundle

This Valentine's, meet MOTH. New for 2024, MOTH's Valentine's bundle (£20 at mothdrinks.com) is perfect for every and any Valentine's celebration.

Wrapped in romantic hues of pink, each Valentine's bundle is filled with six ready-to-serve cocktails, Margarita, Espresso Martini,  Piña Colada and French 75, plus a special pack of MOTH playing cards so you can start a love game. 

Or play each other the nice way. The bundle can even be personalised with an old-fashioned love note, if you're looking to impress.

Margarita (125ml) 14.9% ABV

Fresh, sharp, salty and full of zing, we think you'll like it. Loves takeout night. Or the party where everyone's invited. With smooth, award-winning Tequila Enemigo. Classic triple sec. And a refreshing sting of lime – salud! Shows off in a chilled martini glass with a chilli salted rim. 

Espresso Martini (125ml) 14.9% ABV

Count on this to open your eyes. Smooth, bitter, balanced. With Wood Brothers vodka and chocolatey rich cold brew. Shake it, pour it and finish with a gentle squeeze of the can for a layer of creamy foam. Goes with sweet things, like a lover. Shows off with a coupe icy enough to write your name on and coffee bean garnish. 

Piña Colada (200ml) 10% ABV

Smooth pineapple and silky coconut as light as air. With our bespoke Duppy Share rum of unparalleled Caribbean warmth. Think pink skies in Puerto Rico. Get cheeky with a cherry on top. And sing that song from 1979 – if you like? Shows off with a highball and ice.

French 75 (200ml) 10% ABV

This one loves a soirée. Zesty, dancy and a little bit fancy. Wears a sequin beret. Pairs with a platter. Can keep a secret. Made with Tarquin's Cornish Gin. 

Every MOTH serve is presented in a fully recyclable can and created with award-winning spirits. Every ingredient is the best of the best, every sip is delicious, and the cocktails can be enjoyed anywhere. All you have to do is have the ice on standby, take a can from the fridge and serve. No faff and no mixing required: just the best blends and good friends. 

MOTH's Valentine's bundle is available at www.mothdrinks.com for £20. 

Speciality Brands Expands Rum Portfolio With Takamaka from the Seychelles

Most people aren't aware that the Seychelles produces rum. But it's the job of Speciality Blends to challenge this lack of knowledge. 

Tags: Rum

Because premium spirits distributor Specialty Brands is adding Seychelles' Takamaka to its already highly impressive stellar rum portfolio. 

Taking over from Highball Brands, the company will be exclusively responsible for all UK commercial and marketing activities for the rum starting form next month, 1st March 2024, to be precise.

Founded over two decades ago by brothers Bernard and Richard d'Offay, Takamaka aims to put Seychelles on the UK rum map. 

Joining the likes of iconic brands including Hampden, Black Tot, Clairin and Renegade, Takamaka will expand Speciality Brands' portfolio with its two award-winning ranges. 

The Seychelles Series offers easy-drinking,approachable rums, ideal for use in cocktails, whilst the St André Series blends Takamaka's creole soul with innovative rum-making technique and is aimed at seasoned and experienced rum aficionados.

Remarks Bernard d'Offay, Co-founder and Export Director: “We're really incredibly excited about this next stage in our development and we can't thank Highball enough for everything they have done in terms of building the brand. Fabrice and the team have allowed us to achieve great presence at some of the UK's greatest bars and restaurants and we wish them every future success.

"As we join Speciality Brands, their category expertise, market reach and the scale of opportunities  they present to Takamaka will be key in the next step of our journey. We're looking forward to driving Seychelles rum and achieving our full potential in the UK with their knowledgeable and passionate team.”

Chris Seale, Managing Director of Speciality Brands, says: “The breadth of our rum portfolio is unique in the UK and we are thrilled to be strengthening it with the addition of Takamaka. 

"We are extremely passionate about high-quality spirits with compelling stories. Takamaka's fresh approach to rum presents an exciting new challenge for our team. We can't wait to get stuck in and spread the word about Seychelles rum in the UK”. 

Fabrice Limon, Founder of Highball Brands commented: “We wish Chris and the Speciality Brands team all the best in continuing and building on the success Highball Brands has had over the last six years with Takamaka. 

"Launching the brand here in the UK and growing it into one of the most recognised brands, loved and used up and down the country and in some of the UK's and worlds best bars, we couldn't be prouder of what we achieved. It's been a genuine pleasure working with the brothers Ben and Richard D'Offay and I personally wish them all the success and happiness.“

To discover the Takamaka range and for any trade queries, please contact the Speciality Brands sales team: sales@specialitybrands.com or visit specialitybrands.com

This Valentine's Day say "no" to wine, Champagne or Prosecco. But say "yes" to Sandford Orchards' Devon Rosé Cider & Katja Rosé

Spring, including the day for lovers and sweethearts the world over, Valentine's Day, heralds the premium cider-drinking months and award-winning Sandford Orchards has two perfectly pink options to quench your thirst for authentic cider: Devon Rosé  and Katja Rosé.

Devon Rosé Cider (ABV 4%, 500ml bottles RRP £2.85.

Devon Rosé is an elegantly clean and fresh rosé cider, bursting with the fruitiness of Pinot Noir red wine grapes. It is a delicious, medium sweet cider made from Browns, Katja and Jane apple varieties which are fermented with grape skins to give the cider a fabulous depth of flavour and a beautiful blush colouring. 

It can be enjoyed on its own or as the ideal accompaniment for a goat cheese tart or Devon high tea.

Katja Rosé (ABV 8%, 750ml bottles RRP £11.00.

Katja Rosé is a sumptuous sparkling skin-contact rosé cider, crafted from the dessert apple Katja  produced using the Martinotti method and fermented with Rondo grapes. It is a fresh and fruity cider which tastes of sun ripened cherries and peaches, with hints of apple blossom and candyfloss, balanced with tannins from the wineskins. 

he addition of the Rondo grapes bestows wine notes and an unmistakable rosé finish to the cider. Katja Rosé is a delight in its own right but also the perfect accompaniment to lighter fare such as high tea or a salad niçoise.

Founded in 2002, independent, family-owned Sandford Orchards is based in Crediton, Mid Devon in the oldest working cider mill in the UK.

For further information on Sandford Orchards, or to place your order, please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk, follow Sandford Orchards on Twitter/X, Facebook and Instagram. 

Artisan Bean to Bar Chocolate Easter Eggs from Darts Farm

Darts Farm's in-house chocolatier, Cow & Cacao, handcrafts incredible artisanal treats using cacao beans sourced from small scale growers in the world's best growing regions. 

They are, justifiably, in our opinion, proud to be one of the very few UK producers who take the time and effort to craft chocolate from bean to bar. Here are some of our favourites from their Easter Range.

Cow & Cacao Chocolate Quail Eggs filled with Salted Caramel & Hazelnut Praline £17.99 (available from www.dartsfarm.co.uk) To us this sounds like chocolate heaven in the form of an egg!

A dozen handcrafted egg shaped truffles, crafted with single origin bean-to-bar chocolate and filled with salted caramel and hazelnut praline.

Cow & Cacao Dark Chocolate Single Origin Egg - £14 (available in store from Darts Farm)

Darts Farm's single origin eggs are handmade using their Madagascan bean-to-bar chocolate, which their in-house chocolatiers craft on the farm, using sustainably sourced cacao beans and their 6-stage process.

For further information on Darts Farm and their in-house chocolatier, Cow & Cacao, please visit www.dartsfarm.co.uk and follow Darts Farm on Facebook and Instagram.  

Chefs for Foodies Exciting Collaboration in Perfect Time for Chinese New Year

The truly innovative and revolutionary recipe box company Chefs for Foodies has created PantryMe, a brand new platform to bring Freshasia products to the market just in time for Chinese New Year (Saturday 10th of February). 

The new food recipes are paired with a dedicated and engaging how-to video featuring culinary genius and MasterChef finalist Omar Foster cooking genuine ingredients for mouthwatering Asian inspired dishes. 

PantryMe, an online platform is bringing the rich traditions of Chinese dumplings and dim sum to the UK food market. 

PantryMe enhances your home dining experience, indulging in a selection of your favourite dumplings, expertly curated recipe kits, and authentic Chinese sauces. 

The Chicken Gyoza Tantanmen Ramen Bowl is an umami-rich dish featuring FreshAsia's chicken gyoza. It comes with all the flavourful ingredients to create a Tantanmen ramen bowl, including a chicken-based stock and oat milk for a silky finish, ramen noodles, radishes, spring onions and carrots. Follow along with the video masterclass for step-by-step guidance. 

The other option is the Dim Sum Feast. This includes a selection of succulent gyozas and char sui bao buns, accompanied by absolutely delectable sides: coconut rice, spring onion pancakes, and a deliciously tangy salad. This box is perfect for sharing with friends and family for a unique night in.

Omar Foster, food box creator and Masterchef finalist said, “It's really very easy to create restaurant quality food at home if you follow this fun and creative recipe. With this box there's now no need to go out to celebrate the Chinese new year.”

Perfect for those wanting to dive into traditional Chinese cuisine, PantryMe captures cultural authenticity with their diverse product range. Complete your dining experience by adding chopsticks and steamers to your order. 

Celebrate Chinese New Year in style and with a homage to Chinese culture. For more information visit Chefs for Foodies here https://chefsforfoodies.com.

If your love language is chocolate, you'll love award-winning Monty Bojangles

Nothing says I love you like deliciously indulgent chocolatey truffles, and this Valentine’s Day, Monty Bojangles, the multi-award-winning UK confectionery brand, has got you really well covered. 

Monty Bojangles Valentine’s Day Bouquet – Waitrose, Amazon £5.49

The ultimate Valentine’s gift for any true chocolate lover, this glorious gift box contains 12 individually wrapped Choccy Scoffy Cocoa Dusted Truffles, making it perfect for sharing, or loving alone. Suitable for vegetarians, this truffle recipe is Great Taste Award winning, so what better way to win their heart this Valentine’s?

Monty Bojangles Choccy Scoffy Cat Tin – Amazon, Sainsbury’s, £15

Whilst the chocolatey truffles will soon be devoured, like your love, this keepsake tin will last your lover forever. Filled with 14 of Monty Bojangles’ award-winning original rich and chocolatey truffle recipe, coated with a generous dusting of exquisite bitter-sweet cocoa powder, this stunning gift is sure to get you in their good books this Valentine’s Day.

Monty Bojangles Gift Wrapped Chocolatey Truffle Collection – Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, £7.50

Roses are red, Monty Bojangles’ Gift-Wrapped Chocolatey Truffle Collection is blue, and it’s also the perfect chocolatey treat for your someone special this Valentine’s. Filled with an assortment of Monty’s Cocoa Dusted Truffles, including Chocolatey, Butterscotch Chips, Candied Orange Peel and Salted Popcorn Flavour with Crispy Wafer Pieces, what’s not to love?!

Monty Bojangles Choccy Scoffy Chocolatey Truffles – Waitrose, Sainsburys, Tesco, £3.75

Monty Bojangles’ signature pure chocolatey truffle flavour, Choccy Scoffy, is a sure-fire way to win their heart. Winner of a prestigious Great Taste Award, the delicately soft chocolatey truffles deliver an intensely chocolatey experience full of delicious mouthwatering flavours. Featuring 14 individually wrapped truffles, the true test of love will be whether you share, or keep them to yourself. Or why not buy one for your lover and one for yourself? 

Monty Bojangles Truffle Selection – Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, £3.75

Give the gift of a taste sensation this Valentine’s Day with Monty Bojangles award-winning Truffle Selection. Dubbed the tastiest truffles in the kingdom, winning prestigious Great Taste Awards, the 135g box includes a selection of Cocoa Dusted Truffles, with Chocolatey, Butterscotch Chips and Raspberry & Popping Candy.

Monty Bojangles Milk Chocolate Belgian Flaked Truffles – Sainsbury’s, Amazon, £4.50

True love is unforgettable, so it’s only right you gift them an unforgettably indulgent experience this Valentine’s. A real chocoholic’s dream, these glorious Great Taste award-winning Belgian chocolates feature a luxurious soft truffle centre with creamy notes that melt in the mouth. So, what are you waiting for?!

Monty Bojangles Magnificent Luxury Belgian Chocolates – Sainsbury’s, Amazon, £5.50

The ultimate gift for the chocolate commitment-phobe, this magnificent assorted includes a variation of Belgian chocolates made with RFA chocolate, including milk, dark and white Belgian Chocolates, so you needn’t pick just one. All beautifully hand decorated for a spectacular finish, the question is, are you going to gift to someone special, or keep for yourself? Self-love is important too you know… 

FACTFILE:

Founded 16 years ago in 2008, London based UK confectionery brand Monty Bojangles is proud it produces delectable chocolates crafted using only the finest, most delicious ingredients.

Multi-award winning across food taste, confectionery, design, product and SME Export, the brand is famous for its curiously moreish award-winning cocoa dusted truffles, which have won a staggering 48 Great Taste Awards, with the wider Monty Bojangles range also including delicious and exquisitely beautiful gift boxes, family sharing packs and snacking pouches.

The brand also recently won the King’s Award for Enterprise, International Trade.

Going beyond chocolate alone, Monty Bojangles has created its own world of flavour and fun, with iconic artwork ensuring consumers (or the recipients) feel delighted beyond taste alone when experiencing the brand. 

Fantastical, approachable, and enchanting, the Monty Bojangles world is full of wondrous creatures, vivid colour, vibrant fun, adventure and escapism. 

You can check out their fantastic full range here https://montybojangles.com and also place your orders