That's Food and Drink

Wednesday 3 May 2023

OHSO Good Chocolate. That's really oh so good for you

OHSO Good Chocolate is very, very good for you.

Not only does it taste very good it's also very good for you. It's made with top quality Belgian chocolate but it's suitable for vegans as it doesn't contain any milk. (Although they do point out that it may contain milk due to cross contamination.)

There are no added sugars which as a Type 2 Diabetic, I find very helpful. It contains maltitol instead of sugar.

But the main point that caught my attention is that Ohso good chocolate comes to you complete with some live cultures. These are in the form of probiotic cultures.

OHSO has over a billion live cultures (commonly known as probiotics), Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, in each bar.

These live cultures are micro-encapsulated within the chocolate, using a specially patented process.

As a result, this delivers live cultures to the gut three times more effectively than probiotic yoghurts, which I find interesting and very helpful, too.

The chocolate also contain dietary fibres, too.

But what's the taste like?

The 70% Dark Chocolate is utterly delicious! It tastes like the finest milk chocolate you might have previously tried, but without the dairy produce, so it's a perfectly good for the vegans and dairy allergic people in your life.

The 60% Dark Orange Chocolate is every bit as good as as the 70% Dark Chocolate but with a deliciously citrussy tang of genuine Brazilian orange oil, too.

To learn more about OHSO Chocolates please visit https://ohso.com.

Check out their special gift boxes (with personalisation options) too.

Gliding to Glory: Highlights from Head of the Dart 2023, with sponsorship from Salcombe Gin

On Saturday 29th April, the Head of The Dart event returned to the waters in Dartmouth with 240 stand up paddle boarders taking part, bringing excitement and energy to the town.

The largest paddle board event in the UK, participants started in Dartmouth and paddled 12 km to the finish in Totnes, with over half the fleet taking part for the first time.

Participant ages ranged from 18 to early 70's. The event featured races for all skill levels, from novice to elite, and showcased the beauty and athleticism of SUP boarding.

For the first time in seven years, the annual event was able to run the full course (previous events were altered due to inclement weather) and with the sun out, it made for a fantastic day. The event saw people travelling from all around the country to take part, with paddlers coming from as far as Cumbria, Northumberland and Jersey.

Participant, Alasdair Conn commented: “It's the first time I've paddled that part of the Dart and I'm looking forward to going back and taking my time to explore, it is a beautiful estuary and river.”

This year saw Starboard SUP UK team rider Hector Jessel, 19 years old, win the '14' Men's race fleet' improving on his third place from last year, with local Will Keetley coming in second.

Ginnie Betts, who has raced across Europe, took home first place in the '14' Women's race' having not taken part since 2019.

The Head of the Dart event is not only a great day out for participants and spectators, but also provides a boost to the local economy, with over 60 per cent of participants coming from outside Devon.

Howard Davies, Co-Founder and Director of sponsor, Salcombe Gin said: "It is brilliant to sponsor such a fantastic event year on year, we are always blown away by the amazing support that is shown by those taking part and those coming to watch. The Head of the Dart is a fantastic event that brings people together from all over the country to enjoy the beauty of the River Dart and the excitement of competitive paddle boarding."

John Hibbard, CEO of sponsor, Red Paddle Co added: “It was fantastic to see so many seasoned paddlers and new SUPers out in force for this year's Head of the Dart event.

“It was a perfect day with a vast number of people having the absolute best day out, with the sun shining and an incredibly positive atmosphere. It's great to be able to welcome so many paddle boarders to Red's home turf and experience South Devon in its prime. The Head of the Dart is a very special event with paddlers from all walks of life and experience levels all coming together, encouraging each other to complete the challenge."

For more information visit the event's website at headofthedart.wordpress.com.

How to Throw the Perfect Eurovision Party With Flävar

The BEST excuse to throw a party with friends, drink to toast your favourite performers and enjoy the bants of Graham Norton. Don those sequins, grab your dancing queens, and get that ABBA jumpsuit down from the loft….all you need now is the perfect shots for your drinking games to accompany a night of fun.

Read on for how to make sure there are a lorra lorra laughs at your Eurosoiree with delicious and indulgent shots from a brand new Swedish vodka schnapps, mixed up by one of Manchester's most experienced and talented mixologists.

Flävar breaks the ice and brings the party: need something unique and delicious for your guests? No more dragging out that old bottle of schnapps at the back of the cupboard when there's a lull in festivities- it is time to make schnapps the star of the show. Revellers all over the UK are loving the retro refresh of this glamorous liquid.

Made with some of the freshest water in the world, expertly crafted on the shores of beautiful Lake Boren in Southern Sweden, this is a seriously smooth and stylish liquid encased in vivid designs and with a bottleneck proudly emblazoned with the Swedish flag. The secret to the great taste is award-winning vodka mixed with deliciously indulgent flavours: this is a clear, crisp mouth-watering schnapps - made for good times, for those with good taste, and lovers of delicious desserts too.

Flävar Blueberry & Lemon (25% abv) is the newest addition to the range, which has been shaking up the shot market all over the country in pubs and bars, a shot to be savoured and enjoyed, inspired by popular Swedish desserts and sweet treats. The combination of citrus and sweet is a delectable combination which works equally well as a post-dinner drink too.

Flävar Strawberry & Lime (25% abv) Did you know that Sweden has some of the most succulent strawberries in the world? Candy-sweet and full of flavour, mixing the berries with zesty lime takes this liquid to a whole new level of Flävar.

Flävar Salted Caramel (25% abv)

The beloved classic: the smooth, moreish, sweet and salty sensation that shouldn't work, but it really does! Perfect for Winter gatherings, this mouth-watering favourite is a treat, and the ultimate cocktail ingredient in Christmas Martinis**. It even tastes delicious poured into a hot chocolate - yum!

Flavar has worked with tip top Mancunian Mixologist Cameron Fielding aka Smartblend, a cocktail connoisseur that's worked with amazing bars such as Sushi Samba on some epic cocktail shots.*

Founder Rolf Munding says, “Anyone brought up in Scandinavia and Germany will know Schnapps as it was a huge part of our drinking culture. I have very fond memories of the Schnapps drinking songs we used to sing back in the early '70s! The unique flavour of Schnapps makes me think of some great times, as I am sure it does for many other people too, and Flävar is inspired by this retro drinking experience mixed with the UK's thirst for dessert-style flavours.”

Originality, individuality and a little bit of indulgence is at the heart of every bottle: this is a schnapps to show off. So long Granny's Cocktail Cabinet, it's time for Schnapps to shine! Skål! (Swedish for cheers)

***Consumers can buy directly from https://flavarspirit.com. RRP £19.99 for 70cl, 25% ABV***

Get involved in the Schnappschat and follow for exciting news on new Flävars coming in 2023: https://www.instagram.com/flavarspirit/

Founded by industry stalwart Rolf Munding, Owner of the workshop in Borensberg Sweden that launched award-winning Swedish vodka and Gin: Truth and JÜST. Rolf has over 20 years of owning and running successful hospitality venues, including Market Taverns pub group in London.

What about the flavours?

Flävar Salted Caramel (25% abv)

Flävar Raspberry & Liquorice (25% abv)

Liquorice is Sweden's favourite warming treat. Mixed with sweet, juicy raspberry and you've got yourself a taste explosion.

*SHOT RECIPES

SWEDEN FLAG SHOT

Whether its to celebrate Eurovision or you're throwing an ABBA party. The Swedish flag shot is a great way to have a little bit of fun and it tastes like an actual blueberry muffin!

INGREDIENTS

5ml Flävar Blueberry and Lemon

5ml Lemon Juice

20ml Blue Curacao

INSTRUCTIONS

Pour the Blue Curacao into a shooter glass.

In a separate glass mix the flavar and lemon juice then layer on top slowly over the back of a spoon

Below are a few recommended products that'll really help your layering. The bar spoon I've recommended comes with a flat head on it. Use that side to layer the liquid.

The speed pourers will help you control the flow of the pour and the deep shot glasses are perfect for layering.

ITALY FLAG SHOT

Whether it is to celebrate Eurovision, You have an Italian party planned, or you just want to have a little fun. This Italian flag shot is perfect. The colours are stunning and it tastes like salted caramel, chocolate, and mint!

INGREDIENTS

5ml Flävar Salted Caramel

5ml Creme de Cacao

10ml Grenadine

10ml Creme de menthe

INSTRUCTIONS

Pour the grenadine into a shooter glass.

In a separate glass mix the Flävar and Creme de Cacao then layer on top. (if you pour a little bit of milk in, it'll make the colour more white)

Then use the back of a spoon to layer over the crème de menthe

FRANCE FLAG SHOT

Whether it is to celebrate Eurovision or any French-themed gathering, the French Flag shot is a great way to have a little bit of fun and it tastes like Raspberries, Liquorice, Orange AND chocolate.

Ingredients

5ml Flävar Raspberry and Liquorice

5ml Creme de Cacao

10ml Grenadine

10ml Blue Curacao

INSTRUCTIONS

Pour the grenadine into a shooter glass.

In a separate glass mix the flavar and Creme de Cacao then layer on top. (if you pour a little bit of milk in, it'll make the colour more white)

Then use the back of a spoon to layer over the Blue Curacao

FINLAND FLAG SHOT

Whether its to celebrate Eurovision or any party. The Finland flag shot is a great way to have a little bit of fun and it tastes like an actual slice of Lemon Pie!

INGREDIENTS

5ml Flävar Lemon Pie

5ml Cream

20ml Blue Curacao

INSTRUCTIONS

Pour the Blue Curacao into a shooter glass.

In a separate glass mix the flavar and cream then layer on top slowly over the back of a spoon

IRELAND FLAG SHOT

Whether its to celebrate Eurovision, St. Patricks day, an Irish themed party or event. The Irish flag shot is a great way to have a little bit of fun and it tastes like strawberries, lime, mint, and cream.

INGREDIENTS

5ml Flävar Strawberry and Lime

5ml Orange Juice

10ml Irish cream

10ml Creme de menthe

INSTRUCTIONS

Pour the crème de menthe into a shooter glass.

Then use the back of a spoon to layer over the Irish cream liqueur.

In a separate glass mix the flavar and Orange juice then layer on top.

This all looks like a whole heap of fun!

Celebrate the Royal Coronation with a real Cornish Cream Tea

As the nation gears up to celebrate the King's Coronation, there's really no better way to mark the occasion than with the quintessential British tradition of cream teas with authentic Cornish clotted cream. Accept no imitations - always look for PDO status on the label (protected designation of origin) as the only way to ensure every part of producing the cream happened in Cornwall.

Cornish clotted cream was granted PDO in 1998 to ensure each pot is of the highest quality, produced by traditional methods in Cornwall using exceptionally delicious Cornish milk, has a unique taste and is made according to strict guidelines.

Trewithen Dairy uses only milk from Cornish herds to make their award-winning crusted clotted cream. It is gently heated and left to cool slowly, allowing the cream to rise to the surface to form the famous thick golden crust.

The long weekend of celebrating is the perfect time to share little luxuries and indulgent treats with friends and family. A dozen scones, whether homemade or shop-bought, adorned with jam and cream complete the British spread - with its red and white colours reminiscent of St George's flag.

“There are countless ways to enjoy a cream tea and while we love reimagining the toppings, there's something satisfying and quintessentially British about a freshly baked scone with lashings of jam followed by Cornish clotted cream,” says Francis Clarke, director at Trewithen Dairy.

“As we celebrate the King's Coronation, we encourage everyone to experience a true taste of the Cornwall with scones and a pot of traditional Cornish clotted cream. It's the ideal treat to share at street parties, garden gatherings and to enjoy while watching this significant event.”

The tradition of afternoon tea has barely evolved since the 11th century when the Duchess of Bedford purportedly requested a delicate afternoon snack to keep her going until dinner. It quickly became the perfect opportunity to impress through dainty sandwiches, miniature cakes, pretty china and scones. The West Country developed their own take on afternoon tea, splitting freshly baked scones before adding jam and rich clotted cream.

Whether you decide to mark the occasion with a traditional cream tea, or perhaps add your own modern twist with an array of different delicious toppings – one thing we can all agree on is that it's got to have Cornish clotted cream!

For our range of authentic Cornish cream tea hampers, order from www.trewithendairy.co.uk or look for Cornish clotted cream from your local supermarket.

Trewithen Dairy's coronation recipes are available https://www.trewithendairy.co.uk/recipes

Lemon meringue clotted cream cake

Coronation spinach, broad bean and clotted cream quiche

Summer fruit clotted cream tart

Coronation chicken skewers with mango dipping sauce

Celebrate World Gin Day With Top three Gin Cocktails from Salcombe Gin

Join in the celebrations and raise a glass with a Salcombe Gin cocktail

I either didn't know or had forgotten that World Gin Day is celebrated on the second Saturday in June every year, meaning that this year's festivities take place on the 10th June.

Ever since 2009, it's been the perfect opportunity to experience and discover the amazing distillers around the globe who are producing world-class gin.

Salcombe Distilling Co. expertly crafts exceptional gins at its stunning waterside distillery in South Devon, one of the world's only distilleries directly accessible by boat. Every drop of their gin in its multi-award winning range is distilled with unrivalled passion, care and attention. For every 50cl and 70cl bottle of Salcombe Gin sold in the UK, SDCo. donates 1% of the revenue to the Marine Conservation Society's ocean recovery projects.

There's a way for everyone to enjoy World Gin Day with Salcombe Distilling Co., whether you want to enrol in Salcombe Gin School for the day, find out more about the multi-award winning Salcombe Gin range of spirits, or simply want to celebrate the best day of the year with a Salcombe Gin cocktail.

Here's Salcombe Gin's top three World Gin Day cocktails.

THE ST CLAIR

Named after one of the famous Salcombe Fruit Schooners, the 'St Clair' is the perfect aperitif for a celebratory moment using Salcombe Gin 'Start Point'

INGREDIENTS

25ml Salcombe Gin 'Start Point'

25ml St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur

20ml Freshly squeezed red grapefruit juice

70ml Chilled soda water

Red grapefruit peel for decorative garnish

METHOD

Fill a Boston shaker with ice

Add the red grapefruit juice, St. Germain and Salcombe Gin 'Start Point'

Shake vigorously

Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a flute glass

Add the chilled soda water

Slice a thin piece of grapefruit peel and add to the rim of the glass for a decorative garnish

ROSÉ NEGRONI

A balancing act of three parts. This fruity, nutty and sweet cocktail, showcases Salcombe Gin 'Rosé Sainte Marie'

INGREDIENTS

25ml Salcombe Gin 'Rosé Sainte Marie'

25ml Londinio Rosé Vermouth

25ml Londinio Aperitivo

Lemon peel

METHOD

Combine the gin, Vermouth and Aperitivo in a mixing glass with plenty of ice and stir gently

Strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass

Garnish with a twist of lemon peel on the side of the glass

LADY ALICE

Lady Alice is an award-winning cocktail featuring Salcombe Gin 'Start Point'. Named after a Salcombe Fruit Schooner which sank off the coast at Start Point in Devon, this is a modern take on a perfect style Martini.

INGREDIENTS

50ml Salcombe Gin 'Start Point'

10ml Fino sherry

10ml Knightor Rosé Vermouth

5ml Red grapefruit and gorse flower oleo-sacharrum* (easier to make than it might sound!)

'Seamist' liquid garnish for 'Start Point'

Red grapefruit peel

METHOD

To recreate at home, simply stir all the ingredients together in a mixing glass

Strain the liquid into a chilled Nick & Nora glass

Finish with 2-3 sprays of 'Seamist' and garnish with a twist of red grapefruit peel

*To make the red grapefruit and gorse flower oleo-sacharrum, just muddle the peel of 3 red grapefruits and 50g of gorse flowers. Add 300g of sugar combined with the juice of 1 ½ red grapefruits and stir. Leave in the fridge overnight. Strain before use.

For further information on Salcombe Distilling Co., visit www.salcombedistilling.com, follow SalcombeGin on Instagram and Facebook, and SalcombeDCo on Twitter.

Re-Energised Bolle Returns to the London Wine Fair With an Improved Low/no Wine Offer

Buoyed up by positive initial expert and consumer reactions NEW, improved Bolle will be hitting the alcohol free wine marketplace this Spring.

Roberto Vanin, who is the founder of Bolle is again shifting the goalposts when it comes to revolutionising best-in-class, alcohol-free wines.

After extensive trialling, (including buyer reviews, event tastings and awards panels) the Bolle team are convinced this new, improved offering will meet and even exceed the demanding taste aspirations of an increasingly influential low/no movement.

For the most part, the UK's leading alcohol-free wines are produced via de-alcoholisation, a somewhat heavy-handed process which unwittingly and unfortunately removes not only the alcohol but also all of the volatile components that shape a wine's unique personality. The result is a one-dimensional proposition devoid of depth and engaging taste, because incumbent low/no wine providers fill the resulting 'flavour void' with lazy juices, sugar and flavourings.

Bolle's unique pathway opts instead to leverage game-changing Zero GradiTM technology to re-ferment the de-alcoholised wine, revitalising complex flavour and aroma profiles without alcohol.

Bolle is a stylish sparkling wine with none of the taste compromises historically associated with the UK's low/no wine movement. Bolle is committed to taking low/no wine in a new pure pleasure direction and was recently shortlisted at The World Innovation Awards.

To learn more visit Visit bolledrinks.com.

Srsly Low Carb Launches the Last Word in Light-to-Bite, Heavily Seeded Artisan Loaves

An indulgent, artisanal seeded loaf is the latest, possibly proudest, NEW arrival to SRSLY Low Carb's burgeoning portfolio of magnificently tasty bready goods that already includes: a low carb sliced white loaf, plump low carb rolls, a fruit loaf, seeded rolls, ready-to-eat pizza bases, not cross buns and fantastically foldy wraps.

SRSLY Low Carb was born when keto enthusiast Andy Welch discovered he was not able to square his commitment to a non-bloaty low carb diet with his deep-rooted appreciation of amazing, tasty bread.

After giving the matter careful consideration, Andy became convinced the lack of a credible low carb bread offer was central to oodles of enthusiastic keto disciples falling off their low carb wagons.

Having spent the last two years establishing SRSLY as Amazon's leading retailer of high protein/low carb bread, Hemel's pioneering keto-centric bread provider is raising funds to take the major mults and foodservice by storm.

SRSLY's NEW ARTISANAL SEEDED LOAF

Unable to find anything to curb those niggling cravings for buttery toasted doorsteps, the ultimate soup sponge and the best ham & cheese toastie, SRSLY set about creating the last word in low carb artisanal loaves.

Each prodigiously plump (320g) seeded loaf offers only a miserly fraction of the carbs generated by everyday breads (45/55g of carbs per 100g). SRSLY's new seeded loaf has a glowing Sugarwise endorsement and delivers just 5.9g of net carbs per 100g which means a new dawn of guilt-free bready joy.

Srslylowcarb.com

You should expect to pay an RSP of £3.89 a loaf.

Tuesday 2 May 2023

I am Döner launches The Coronation Chicken Kebab

Fans of real doner kebabs who are also looking forward to the Coronation of King Charles III will be thrilled with this news: To commemorate the King’s Coronation I am Döner is introducing a special fit for a king. The coronation chicken Berlin doner.

Fit for a king, the coronation chicken berlin doner. This big bite has marinated grilled chicken shawarma, served with coronation mayonnaise, sultanas, dried mango, tomato, feta, red onion, grated carrot, fresh coriander, pickled red cabbage, crispy fried vegetables all wrapped up in a freshly made flat bread.

Inspired by the dish "Poulet Reine Elizabeth" now widely known as Coronation Chicken that was created by Le Cordon Bleu London to be served at the Coronation Luncheon of the Queen in 1953.

Paul Baron (former top chef at Whites Café Bar) who is the founder and owner of I am Döner says “We always send a voucher to the royal family for their special occasions. After seeing in the press that the King said it is all ‘in the sauce’ for kebabs I couldn’t miss the opportunity to make a special kebabs for the occasion!’

The Coronation chicken special will also be available as a rice box, salad box or street cart fries and will be available in all stores throughout May.

To learn more and to place your order please visit https://www.iamdoner.co.uk.

Ramsbury Single Estate Spirits Launch New Gin and Vodka Gift Sets – Perfect to Celebrate the Coronation of Charles III and Camilla

Ramsbury Single Estate Gin and Vodka Gift Sets – perfect to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty, The King, and Her Majesty, The Queen Consort)

The experts at Ramsbury Single Estate Spirits have launched new Gin and Vodka Gift Sets, ideal for those people aiming to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty, The King, and Her Majesty, The Queen Consort, on Saturday 6th May 2023.

Those of us who are looking to make the Coronation celebrations even extra special can choose from either the Single Estate Gin or Vodka Gift Set, both of which contain a 700ml spirit, 500ml Fever-Tree Indian Tonic, associated gin truffles or raspberry vodka truffles, plus a Ramsbury Bar Spoon designed with a long handle, a perfect, ideal gift for those hosting a Coronation party, or for creating a delicious serve. Both gift sets are priced at £49.50 and are available on ramsbury.com.

What, exactly does Single Estate mean? It simply means that the complete process from field to bottle takes place on the Ramsbury Estate in the Wiltshire countryside. Ramsbury sows, grows, and distils the primary ingredients itself, monitoring each step from planting and growing, to harvesting and distilling. They know what they make, so you will know what you drink.

Ramsbury Single Estate Gin Gift Set

This is the perfect gift for gin lovers, with an extra little sweet treat featuring 100g of Coco Chemistry Gin Truffles, award-winning handmade chocolate from the heart of Wiltshire. The truffles are made using Ramsbury Single Estate Gin, combined with smooth milk chocolate ganache.

The set features a Ramsbury bartenders’ bar tool, a ram-topped stainless steel bar spoon, featuring a long handle to reach the bottom of the tallest jug or class, to mix ingredients thoroughly.

Ramsbury Single Estate Gin is a modern twist on a classic London dry gin. The spirit is distilled in a copper still using winter wheat, grown on the estate grounds, before the spirit is distilled again with fourteen botanicals, including classic juniper infused with the floral tones of fresh quince grown in the grounds of the distillery, with the addition of coriander, angelica root, orris root, cardamom, hops, bitter almond, liquorice, cinnamon, grains of paradise, orange, lemon, and grapefruit. The result is an exquisite London Dry Gin with a modern twist. It’s perfect when paired with a classic Indian tonic, a slice of apple and lime, and plenty of ice.

Containing:

1 x Ramsbury Single Estate Gin (700ml, 40% ABV)

1x Fever-Tree Indian Tonic (500ml)

1 x Bag of Coco Chemistry Gin Truffles (100g)

1x Ramsbury Bar Spoon

Price: £49.50

Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka Gift Set

Featuring 100g of delicious Raspberry Vodka Caramels from Coco Chemistry, using Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka. The caramels are finely balanced to make the most spectacular-tasting raspberry vodka liquid flavour, enrobed in a rich dark chocolate shell.

A smooth and rich vodka, crafted from the finest winter wheat grown on the Ramsbury Estate. Each bottle can be traced back to the very field in which the wheat originated. Elegant, medium-bodied with a creamy texture, tones of dried fruit, cocoa, and layers of caramel are followed by dark chocolate richness. It is both distinctive and enigmatic, with a unique and memorable character.

The set also includes a Ramsbury Bar Spoon and a Fever-Tree Indian Tonic for the perfect serve.

Containing:

1 x Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka (700ml, 43% ABV)

1x Fever-Tree Indian Tonic (500ml)

1 x Bag of Coco Chemistry Raspberry Vodka Caramels (100g)

1x Ramsbury Bar Spoon

Price: £49.50

Ramsbury Single Estate serves to celebrate the Coronation:

Ingredients - to serve 10 people

500ml Ramsbury Single Estate Gin

250ml Elderflower liqueur

200ml Lemon juice

10 Cucumber strips

20 Mint leaves

Soda water

Garnish: Cucumber strips and mint leaves.

Glassware: Highball

Method:

Add all ingredients plus cubed ice to a jug.

Top up with soda water.

Ramsbury Spring Garden

Ingredients - to serve 10 people

500ml Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka

250ml Lime juice

250ml Simple syrup

600ml Apple juice

250ml Soda top

Garnish: Apple slice and mint leaves.

Glassware: Highball

Method:

Add all ingredients plus cubed ice to a jug.

Top up with apple juice and soda water.

Grapefruit Garden Punch

Ingredients - to serve 10 people

500ml Ramsbury Single Estate Gin

250ml Grapefruit juice

250ml Simple syrup

750ml English sparkling wine

500ml Soda

Garnish: Basil leaves and grapefruit slices

Glassware: Punch bowl and tumblers.

Method:

Add all ingredients plus cubed ice to a punch bowl.

Top with English sparkling wine and soda water.

Rams-berry Spritz

Ingredients - to serve 10 people

500ml Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka

350ml Grenadine

100ml Lime juice

100ml Lemon juice

150ml Sugar syrup

Lemonade top

Garnish: Mixed berries

Glassware: Highball.

Method:

Add all ingredients plus cubed ice to a punch bowl or jug.

Top with lemonade.

Where is The Ramsbury Estate? It spans in excess of19,000 acres in the heart of the Kennet Valley; there it produces its award-winning Ramsbury Single Estate Gin, Vodka, and Craft beer. Operating a true grain-to-glass approach utilising produce grown on the Estate. Through the combination of tradition and innovative thinking, the result is a perfect product, which delivers inimitable English taste.

Ramsbury Single Estate Spirits

Ramsbury Single Estate Gin, RSP £29.50 (70cl, 40% ABV)

Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka, RSP £29.50 (70cl, 43% ABV)

Both Ramsbury Single Estate Gin and Vodka are available on www.ramsbury.com and Waitrose stores nationwide.

It's not just about food and blood sugar levels. Clothes for young women with Type 1 diabetes could come from Coventry University researcher's work

A clothing range specially designed and made for young women who have Type 1 diabetes could be the final result of work being led by a dedicated Coventry University researcher.

Rachael Hughson-Gill is hoping that she will be able to help to “empower” women who are aged 18 to 25 who have the condition, whilst giving them something “that works with their everyday needs”.

Besides getting fashion design students at the prestigious Warwickshire-based Coventry University involved in the project, it is Rachael’s aim is to create a ‘toolkit’ which can be used by clothing companies in the future to create more empathetic and inclusive clothing designs.

Rachael, who is studying for her PhD at the university’s Research Centre for Arts, Memory and Communities, said: “It began as a co-design project and the driving principle was that it is led by young women with diabetes and what they want and need. The path we’ve taken has found unfortunately that there isn’t very much out there for them.”

The process began by bringing together a group of around 12 women with Type 1 diabetes to learn what challenges they faced on a daily basis. Body image emerged as a primary issue.

“We were exploring the challenges they faced living with and managing Type 1 diabetes and body image was said to be something they struggled with as the need to manage the condition can lead to an increased connection, relationship and awareness of body and body image.

"Our co-design group went on to explore how wearable technology, bruising and weight fluctuations can change how their bodies look and the clothes they choose to wear, when at times they want to look, feel and be treated just like everyone else.”

The next step within the process was for the group to co-design ideas for products, systems and services that could support body image.

Rachael, 25, who is originally from Glasgow but now lives and works in Coventry, says the group came up with incredible ideas including clothes that can continuously monitor glucose levels and possibly change colour to signal any changes, wedding dresses with places to hold insulin pumps and clothes that make giving insulin injections in public easier and safer.

She said the research project is about young women being proud of who they are: “The main strand of this is to empower young women so they can celebrate their diabetes as a part of who they are with clothing that could reflect that. And on the flip side allow individuals to choose when, where, how and if they show their condition knowing that body confidence and relationship with the condition is a personal journey.”

Having hosted a number of workshops, the next stage will see Rachael design a toolkit which can be employed by fashion designers.

She said: “I really want this project to have an impact. The idea is it will be a set of recommendations and a toolkit that designers can take on board to create clothes that really are supportive of body image and fit a wide range of bodies.

“For people with Type 1 diabetes, solutions are often just given to them, but this project allowed them to have the influence and power to say what they want and need.”

Louise Moody, Professor of Health Design and Human Factors, said: “This project, supported by our collaborator Devices for Dignity - has applied creative methods to understand and share the daily challenges presented by Type 1 Diabetes. Rachael and her team of co-designers have produced some valuable insights and innovative solutions to improve understanding of how design can enhance body image and help people better manage this serious condition.”

To learn more please visit then at:-

https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/areas-of-research/centre-for-arts-memory-and-communities/