Hear clearly

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Try ear microsuction as a way to help hearing loss

Any readers who have experienced painful or blocked ears will know how troublesome it can be. The loss of hearing resulting from a blocked or damaged ear can leave us disorientated, imbalanced or even socially isolated.

Ear wax (cerumen) is a normal product of the ear canal. It is produced by glands in the skin and traps dust, dead skin cells and whatever else ends up in the ear.

A build up of wax can be due to small ear canals, skin conditions such as eczema, or overuse of earbuds which push wax deeper into the ear. GP Practice Nurses used to provide ear syringing (flushing the blockages with warm water) but increasingly this isn’t provided.

Ear microsuction is the procedure to remove wax from the ear safely. In hospital Ear, Nose and Throat clinics it is how we clear ears for examination, treatments and as part of surgery. Using a microscope and a miniature suction device, wax and blockages can be removed safely and precisely within a few minutes. Patients who particularly benefit are hearing aid users, in whom a build up of wax can cause feedback and discomfort.

If performed by trained and experienced professionals, this is an excellent way of keeping ear canals clear. If you have blocked, painful or itching ears, this treatment could be a simple fix and avoid the wait for a GP appointment.

Mr David Walker MBChB FRCS (ORL-HNS) MSc Consultant ENT Surgeon, EarLab, Haslemere

Contact 01428 870111 or earlab.co.uk

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Raising a glass to Australian wine

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Our wine columnist Giles Luckett is on a mission to raise January spirits with these wizard (wines) of Aus!

Hello, and a belated Happy New Year.

While for many people January can be a trying month, for the wine trade it’s a time of excitement and discovery. With the Christmas rush a distant memory and stocks as low as many people’s moods on Blue January, this quiet sales month gives wine professionals the chance to get out and taste. While tasting invitations are already piling up like pizza leaflets, there’s one that’s a big red-letter day in my calendar: 24th January and the Australia Trade Tasting.

I’m part of the generation of wine lovers who got to know wine thanks to Australia. In the late 1980s they exploded onto the scene, offering big, bold, fruit-bomb wines that were about as reserved as an Aussie backpacker in an Earl’s Court pub at closing time. They were a revelation. Affordable and accessible, they offered budding wine students the chance to get to grips with a range of grapes and styles.

Fast forward 30 years and Australian wines have matured and now boast a raft of examples that are fit to rank with the world’s best. Wines such as Penfolds’ Grange Hermitage and Bin 707, Henshke’s Hill Of Grace and Mount Edelstone, Leeuwin’s Art Series, and Wynn’s Michael Shiraz should be on every fine wine lover’s tasting wish list. And beyond these super stars there remain hundreds of exceptional wines that encapsulate Australian wines’ founding principles of individuality, brilliance and value. So, here are some suggestions for alleviating the January gloom with a taste of Australian wine excellence.

My first recommendation is the Robert Oatley Signature Series Chardonnay (The Co-Op £11.50) Oatley produce wines in various parts of Australia with the emphasis being on producing ones that have a “taste of place”. Modern in origin and outlook – the winery was founded in 2006 – the Signature Series Chardonnay is a fine wine at an affordable price. Pale green gold, the use of oak is well-judged and the nose is focused on fruit and floral tones. In the mouth there’s an immediate freshness and lift from apple, white peach and melon tones, before richer, fatter vanilla and honey comes through. The whole thing is rounded off with crisp acidity and touch of savoury minerals. Sophisticated is the word that leaps to mind, this is a far cry from the ‘bottled sunshine’ Chardonnays of old.

Next up is a wine that’s as leftfield as its much-missed creator, Taras Ochota. I had the pleasure of meeting Taras in London and his home in the Adelaide Hills before his untimely death at the age of 49. He was a maverick, a devout punk – wines such as Fugazi and In the Trees are named after bands and songs he loved – and one of the most talented winemakers of Australia’s modern era. Ochota Barrels Weird Berries in the Woods (Indigo Wines) Gewurztraminer is, for me, his best white.

I’ll be honest, usually Gewurztraminer isn’t my cup of tea. I find the combination of lychees, black pepper, sickly lavender honey, and tinned peaches about as lovely as it sounds. Taras, however, managed to tame these wild elements to produce a dry, elegant, complex wine that flows with oriental fruits with hints of spice and add a dryness, and a cleansing acidity that make for a memorable glassful.

Jacob’s Creek were one of the first brands to make it big in the UK wine market. Their wines have always been good value make for a great buy when popping into a corner shop for a last-minute bottle. Their Reserve Adelaide Hills Chardonnay (£6, Amazon) is on another level though. Adelaide Hills is a cool climate region that’s making some of the most exciting wines in Australia. This fantastically well-priced wine offers a smoky, crisp, elegant example of Chardonnay. Peaches, pears, stonefruit, and a touch of grapefruit make for joyful drinking.

I’ll leave the whites with a Riesling. Australia is rightly proud of its dry Rieslings, with examples from the Clare or Eden Valley being as good as the finest French and German efforts. One I’ve always liked is the Tim Adams Riesling (Tesco £10). This Eden Valley wine offers an intense nose of limes, grapes, and citrus mingled with apple blossom. In the mouth its precise, clean, and poised, with a lovely combination of white berries, green apple, pear and citrus fruit, with minerals on the long, dry finish.

Australia arguably offers the most consistent and consistently good value reds in the world. From entry level wines such as Koonuga Hill Shiraz-Cabernet (Waitrose £7.99) to the likes of the mighty Hill of Grace (£250 Berry Brothers & Rudd), Australia has it all. I’m going to start my red recommendations with a pair of Cabernet Sauvignons from revered producer Wynns.

Wynns’ wines are classically styled and are made to reflect the vineyards from which they are made. Founded in 1891, their years of experience shines through their wines which are always beautifully crafted and offer an exceptional drinking experience at all levels.

My first wine is The Siding Cabernet Sauvignon (Tesco £15). This is produced in the Coonawarra region which is famed for its iron-rich terra rossa soils. This soil gives wines minerality and an extra level of complexity and depth, something Wynns have taken full advantage of. The Siding offers fresh, intense notes of blackcurrants, mint, mulberries and raspberries on the nose, while in the mouth fleshier notes of black cherries, roasted meat, plums and dried herbs come through. Medium-bodied but with powerful intensity, this is one for the hearty winter dishes.

Providing a fascinating contrast we have the Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (Majestic £25). Same grape, same producer, very different results. This is Aussie Cabernet showing its elegant, nuanced side. While the characteristic blackcurrants, mint and cherries are present, there’s also plums, earthy spices, these are all low-key, seamlessly integrated and nuanced. This is a fine wine that deserves respect. If you’re drinking it this year, I’d decant it or at least give it several hours open and serve it with fine red meats or baked cheeses.

Good Australian Pinot Noir was once a rarity. This notoriously fickle vine was once ‘a nice idea’ as one Australian producer caustically described Australian Merlot. These days great examples abound, and one of my favourites is the Yering Station (Waitrose £12.99). Based in the cool Yarra Valley in Victoria, Yering Station has established a reputation as one of Australia’s leading Pinot producers. The 2016 has a fragrant nose of plums, raspberries, with highlights of flowers and spices. In the mouth this gentle, medium bodied wine gradually reveals layer upon layer of black fruit flavours intermingled with creamy oak and touch of jamminess to the finish. This has to be one of the best value Pinots on the market, and it well-worth seeking out.

My last red is another Cabernet and another wine from Western Australia, the Robert Oatley “Signature” Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (Taurus Wines £13.99). This is Cabernet in the Bordeaux mould. The benign climate and exceptional soils of Margaret River give us a Cabernet whose emphasis is on elegance and complexity rather than power and drama. Deeply coloured, the nose is a quiet riot of fresh blackcurrants, eucalyptus, black cherries, spices, and smoke. The silken palate is packed with fruit, but everything is sedate, unhurried and poised. Like a great Bordeaux, it deserves time and fine food to appreciate its charms.

“I was lucky enough to spend some time in Tasmania on my last trip to Australia”

And finally, a fizz. Well, I couldn’t write a column and not mention at least one sparkling wine, could I? I was lucky enough to spend some time in Tasmania on my last trip to Australia, a region that is probably the most exciting in Aus. Cool, damp, and undulating, it’s ideal for sparkling wine production and Jansz Rosé (Fenwicks £15.99) is a fantastic wine. Pretty in pink colour, the vibrant red berry and yeast nose is followed by a fresh, tangy palate that leads with raspberries and strawberries, before darker, richer notes of dried cherry, rhubarb, and yeast come through.

Right, all this writing and meandering down wine memory lane had given me quite a thirst so it’s on to the practical for me – well, I need to have my palate in shape for the trade tasting, don’t I?

Next time out I’ll look at some reds that will banish those winter blues.

More soon…

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Education Guide: Winter 2023

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As the new year starts for many it will mean a change in education or time to think about something new, read on for ideas

Click to view the interactive Schools map

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Make a splash at school

An initiative launched by The Outdoor Guide Foundation is helping provide Waterproofs and Wellies to state primary schools to allow pupils to enjoy their childhood

As a child, there’s nothing like the simple pleasure of splashing in a puddle. But to do this without being told off and getting too wet, you need the right clothing.

Sadly many children in state primary schools do not have these basic “tools” – Wellington boots, a hooded waterproof jacket and over trousers – to enable them to get out and enjoy this most innocent of pastimes.

However, thanks to The Outdoor Guide Foundation many are now being given this opportunity through the Waterproofs and Wellies Project, the first of what it is hoped will be several similar schemes from the foundation to help disadvantaged children make the most of the natural world around them.

The Outdoor Guide Foundation is the charitable arm of The Outdoor Guide, a free walking tool founded by TV presenter Julia Bradbury and her sister Gina, which aims to make the outdoors more accessible
for all.

Waterproofs and Wellies splashed onto the scene in March 2021 with CBeebies presenter Gemma Hunt launching the initiative alongside Gina. Gemma said: “I am thrilled to be supporting this wonderful initiative and encouraging more children to get outside. The kits provide the basic gear that will allow children to have wonderful outdoor experiences when at school, whatever the weather!”

The goal is to donate 10 sets of wellies and waterproofs to every state primary school in the UK – a whopping 20,000 – to make the outdoors more accessible for all, allowing youngsters to experience, understand and protect nature. The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns proved the benefits of being able to get outside: educational, social interaction and empathy, enhancing wellbeing, reduction in anger, stress and anxiety, improved physical fitness and community engagement.

The Children’s Society says spending time outdoors and in nature enhances a young person’s short and long-term wellbeing. It is also known to improve mental development and personal fulfilment, all of which is endorsed by Mind, advocates of the health benefits of outdoor activities in all age ranges including a reduction in anger, stress, anxiety and an increase in physical fitness as well as a sense of balance and personal awareness.

Waterproofs and Wellies is the result of working with reputable suppliers to source the best value kit with the sale cost for the whole kit just £30. The not-for-profit project donates 10 various-sized kits to a school for them to decide how to distribute at their discretion. Schools and parents can buy extra kits at the same cost.

Julia says: “I am thrilled to be supporting this and encouraging more children to get outside in all weathers! These packs have been sourced as the basic gear that will allow children to have wonderful outdoor experiences, whatever the weather.”

If you can help, please donate at tinyurl.com/mpf62jjv

£30 – will buy and deliver one complete kit to a school

£300 – will buy and deliver 10 complete kits to a school

£1,200 – will buy and deliver 40 complete kits to four schools

£10,000 – will provide kits for schools you choose in a specific area

Teachers, to find out more and nominate your school visit theoutdoorguidefoundation.org/

Get involved

Waterproofs and Wellies are calling on businesses to help support the project too – every business which donates £300 to the initiative will receive a certificate thanking them for their gift for putting something back into the community and will be able to choose which schools they support.

Thanks to the generous donations so far, The Outdoor Guide Foundation has been able to help more than 200 schools since the launch. Businesses interested in getting involved in Waterproof and Wellies should email Gina at [email protected] or call 0203 393 5084.

View the interactive schools map

More education related articles

Learn a new skill with Oxfordshire Adult Learning

2023: The year to learn

New year, new courses

Why choose an independent education?

Applying to University – The Personal Statement

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Applying to University, The Personal Statement

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With the cut off for university applications for 2023 approaching on January 25th, make yours stand out from the others, Sarah Alakija from Charters Education Support has some tips

The UCAS application can be a source of great stress for students and sometimes a bit of a mystery for parents. The main reason for the stress is usually the personal statement. A brief document aiming to convince admissions tutors that they should give a place to your child. It has to show that the student is interested in the chosen subject and has the academic potential to cope with studying it for three or four years and it can feel quite a challenge to get it right, even more so with applications for popular subjects or to competitive universities.

Getting started

Before students put pen to paper, they need to research their subject in order to be certain that is really is something that they want to study for three or four years. It’s important that students appreciate the importance of this stage and of starting it early, so that if they change their mind, it’s not too late to do another round of research. A vital part of the long-term strategy which all students should undertake is to read widely and research areas in which they have some interest.

Once your teenager is settled into Year 12, try to get them reading books which are off the A Level/IB curriculum. You can look at the recommended reading lists that some university departments publish but they are often long and it can be tough to know where to start. And remember, everyone else will be reading those too. It can be helpful to get bespoke suggestions from a teacher or external tutor. And it doesn’t all need to be books; there are plenty of online lectures, podcasts, research journals, online courses and even virtual internships which support subject research and which can be mentioned in the personal statement.

Writing the statement

The personal statement should not be a simple list of achievements, books and work experience placements; the best ones will map out the journey which the student has undertaken in order to arrive at the decision to study the chosen subject. Did they read about it? Go to lectures on it? Visit museums, galleries, buildings related to it? Have they genuinely made attempts to engage with it and understand it? With evidence of that journey, students are halfway to convincing admissions officers that they deserve an offer. Once a student has made a genuinely informed decision to study a subject, the entire application process becomes less challenging as they can report on evidence to back up their interest.

Tips

Once students are ready to start writing, there isn’t a magic formula for the perfect statement but there are definitely a few things which can help to make it a positive part of the application. Here are some points to pass on to them:

Think hard about why you want to study the subject. This is a good place to start the statement. It can be a tough question to answer though, so where it just throws up shrugged shoulders and cries of “I just love it”, try thinking of where the initial interest came from as well as considering the value of studying the subject and its wider place in the world.

From the super-curricular activities you have undertaken, carefully select a few topics which really interest you and which you’d be happy to discuss in the statement. You may be passionate about sustainability in engineering; behavioural economics; US-China trade wars; exoplanets; AI in healthcare; epigenetics. What gets you excited and interested? What have you researched? These should form a significant part of the statement so that the universities can see where your interests lay and can see evidence that you have looked into these areas far beyond anything in the school curriculum. This clearly shows your academic motivation.

Now, think about your structure. I suggest three or four paragraphs. One introduces your interest in the subject and reasons behind wanting to study. The next two form the bulk and should look at the specific subject areas which you’re interested in. The final section can be quite short and would look at any skills which you have gained from extra-curricular activities. These should be transferable skills, meaning that they will be useful at university and beyond.

Structure within your paragraphs. Never forget the purpose of the statement is to show your academic motivation, your desire to study this subject in depth so keep using words which reflect your excitement. Don’t forget also not to just paraphrase things you’ve read; give your opinion too. Do you agree or disagree with the status quo? How might you do things differently?

There are a few overused words and phrases which you should try to avoid, such as: “From a young age”, “I have always”, “I am a team player” or “passion”. Be original and interesting. If you are applying for an academic rather than a vocational subject, keep that in mind. Work experience may be useful in teaching you some transferable skills, but it won’t necessarily help you to better understand academic theories. Keep everything focused on the academic side. Look at this example put forward by Jesus College, Oxford of how to lean into the academic side of things:

“I am endlessly fascinated by how legal disputes arise, are taken through court and ultimately settled. I could read court cases happily on Christmas Day.”

This is flat and dull and has no academic focus. The following gets specific and so it is much better:

“I am fascinated by how legal professionals trade in language. the 2016 UKSC case of Hotak v LB Southwark turned on the interpretation of “vulnerable” which Parliament had left deliberately vague.”

Once students manage to get started, it’s important to have someone look over their drafts. Teachers will be offering to do this in the summer term of Year 12 and again at the start of Year 13, before submission. Allow plenty of time for the statement to be completed and, good luck, to parents and students!

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Why choose an independent education?

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Samantha Greenwood, Senior Deputy Head at Pangbourne College in Berkshire explains why choosing a fee-paying education could be right for your child

Each year, around 50% of our Year 7 pupils join us from state schools. So why do so many parents choose a fee-paying school for their child’s senior education?

Help with the juggle

To begin with, there are many practical benefits for busy working families who are juggling school runs with meal times, then transporting their children to the next music lesson/sports club/DofE session. Independent schools generally offer a longer day which is filled with a range of co-curricular activities, alongside academic learning. Boarding schools with day pupils will offer even longer days with the option of having all meals provided and the opportunity to stay overnight on an occasional basis.

Broadening minds

It’s generally acknowledged that independent schools offer a far greater range of non-academic activities than state secondary schools. At Pangbourne there are countless opportunities to try things such as rowing, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting and yoga to name a few. There are also opportunities to visit lots of interesting places from the V&A Museum in London to the Nabugabo Learning Centre in Uganda.

Support and stretch

If your child has a particular interest in areas such as sport, music, drama or art, they are far more likely to find the support and stretch they need to reach their full potential in an independent school. It can be challenging for state schools to find the staff or resources needed to nurture such talent, and so it’s down to the parents to seek support from outside of the school to make sure that such talent doesn’t go to waste.

Reaching full academic potential

Most importantly for some parents, an independent education is more likely to lead to better academic results than their child would achieve in a state school environment. Class sizes are usually much smaller, which means that children receive closer attention from teachers. For those children who have the potential to achieve top grades, they are more likely to receive the support they need in an independent school. For others who find that academic achievement does not come so easily, an independent school is more likely to identify where they need support and have the resources available to ensure that they achieve the best they possibly can.

Life beyond school

With a combination of academic results and opportunities to pursue lots of different interests, independently educated children are better able to develop the ‘soft skills’ such as confidence, resilience, adaptability, teamwork and leadership, which will put them in good stead for life after school.

In addition, independent schools tend to have a strong alumni network which they can call upon to offer support and guidance for pupils making career choices and deciding on their next steps. There are often opportunities to build up networks and connections which can be invaluable when building up a career.

Community

Which leads me to another key benefit of an independent education for parents… There are usually plenty of opportunities to get to know other families and to become part of a school community. Strong social ties are built up over the 5-7 years that your child is at school, and these are valued by parents and teachers alike. At Pangbourne, our parents’ association organises a number of social events such as dog walks, an annual Ball and the Christmas Market, and our boarding house structure offers more opportunities for families to come together at dinners, BBQs and at our College Sundays.

At the end of the day, independent education is a significant investment into your child’s future. The key is to identify the school which is the right fit for your child and your family. If you can find a school which offers all of these benefits, it will be a very good investment indeed.

Samantha Greenwood, Senior Deputy Head, Pangbourne College

Pangbourne College is an independent, co-educational boarding and day schools for pupils aged 11-18 in West Berkshire.

We are a community where you can flourish. Providing a challenging academic curriculum, we also offer plenty of co-curricular opportunities for sport, art, music, drama and adventurous training, so that each individual fulfils their potential and develops confidence, values and skills to make a positive difference to the world.

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New year, new courses

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Do something for you with Surrey Adult Learning courses starting from January

Thinking of redressing your work/life balance in the new year? Have you thought about returning to, or improving on, a skill or hobby, trying something new or improving your fitness level? Then why not have a look at the wide variety of courses offered by Surrey Adult Learning.

You could learn a language, pick up an art or craft class, gain a new skill for work, or enjoy some healthy living classes with yoga, tai chi or Pilates.

Taught by highly trained specialists you can prepare for your future with classes starting from January.

Learn a new language

January is a great time to start a new language or return to an old one! You can learn online from home, or face-to-face and we offer beginners classes to advanced. With 12 languages to choose from you could even learn Spanish in your lunchbreak! Choose from Ancient Greek, Arabic, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, or Turkish. 

Get artistic

Enjoy the well-being benefits gained through arts and craft classes. Create something beautiful and learn a new hobby with a range of classes. Classes include acrylic painting, creative writing, art appreciation, bookbinding, calligraphy, clock repair, drawing, hand embroidery, painting, flower arranging, glass fusing, jewellery and silverwork, to name a few.

Look after your mind

Winter can be a challenging time to keep your mind active and body well, there are a variety of courses that can help including cookery, dance, exercise and mindfulness courses.

If you need business support, there are courses dedicated to growing your business.

Do you know someone asking for help using their mobile phone, iPad or computer? Surrey Adult Learning offer a range of digital and computer courses for all abilities, from complete beginners to more advanced.

Courses and workshops run weekdays and Saturdays from January 9th.

Enrol now & be ready for your future – surreycc.gov.uk/adultlearning

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2023: The year to learn

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Want to increase your happiness and sense of wellbeing in 2023? Take a class with Oxford Continuing Education 

Lifelong learning reduces loneliness and makes people happier, healthier, more confident, capable and resilient, and makes communities smarter and more inclusive – according to recent local government guidance.

Whether you learn online or in person, embark on a short course or a university programme, the benefits of adult education are impossible to ignore. 

Learning keeps your brain healthy 

A stimulated brain develops at any age. Faced with new challenges, our brains form new connections, generate new neurons, and create pathways between brain cells. Continuing to learn through life is also thought to slow cognitive and memory decline as we age.

Staying connected 

According to coverage in The Guardian, more than nine million adults in the UK are often or always lonely. Joining a class puts you in touch with people who share your interests. Online learning carries the added benefit of exposing you to people and perspectives from around the world. 

Feeling fulfilled 

Harvard research shows that when we take the time to learn new things, we open our minds and gain wisdom that can help us make the world a better place through social change and other life-affirming endeavours. 

Career success 

With 55% of UK organisations reporting a skills shortage, and 47% of people considering a career change, earning an award or degree in a subject that’s associated with your preferred career – or making a start with a short course – is a great way to put your career on track. 

It’s easier than ever to engage in lifelong learning 

The rise of online education has made lifelong learning possible no matter where you live. Many online courses let you study at whatever time of day suits you. For those who want in-person interaction, consider an online course with scheduled live-time meetings. 

Oxford University’s Department for Continuing Education has been providing opportunities for part-time adult learners for more than 144 years, with over one thousand courses designed for people like you who are passionate about learning and growth. This includes short courses held in Oxford and online, flexible undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, professional development courses and summer schools. 

With learning opportunities in archaeology, counselling, creative writing, business and management, nanotechnology, health sciences, history and so much more – what will you learn in 2023? 

www.conted.ox.ac.uk/explore2023  

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Learn a new skill with OAL

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Make 2023 the year you learn a new skill with Oxfordshire Adult Learning

Everyone should have the opportunity to find a hobby, retrain, upskill, follow their passion, or fulfil their potential. That’s why Oxfordshire Adult Learning are removing obstacles and providing flexible learning opportunities in communities across Oxfordshire.

There are plenty of positive reasons to study part-time or join an evening course. Whether it’s enjoying the social side of learning, developing a new skill, or taking the first step towards a new career; part-time study can be very positive in giving you a sense of accomplishment. You may even have a finished project to take home when you’re done!

Oxfordshire Adult Learning, which is a faculty of Abingdon & Witney College, offer part-time and evening courses designed to be as flexible as possible. For those who are worried about fees, unsure what direction to take, or require a course nearby; there are options and support ready and waiting. They offer over 600 courses a year, in more than 45 venues across Oxfordshire, so there’s always going to be something interesting nearby. For a full list of courses visit: www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk/part-time-evening/

If you are interested in finally achieving your New Year’s resolution to learn a language, want to put your creativity to use, or just learn a new skill; search ‘Oxfordshire Adult Learning’ online.

Can I learn a new skill in 2023? Yes! You can!

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All That Glitters at Quaglino’s

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Quaglino’s, the iconic restaurant in the heart of St James’s, has created a delicious menu specially for Christmas Day, as well as an all-day swing extravaganza for New Year’s Eve.

Where better to celebrate the festive season than the first restaurant the late HM Queen Elizabeth ll ever visited? The historic and stylish vibe is the perfect backdrop to enjoy contemporary European cuisine, vibrant cocktails, champagne and live entertainment.  

Christmas Day

Guests will revel the season spirit in a relaxed manner and glamorous style, feasting on four courses (£150pp) whilst listening to the sounds of live music from the wonderful String Infusion from 12pm – 8pm. The lavish meal begins with starters such as Wild mushroom tortelloni, winter truffle, aged parmesan or Duck liver parfait, clementine, candied walnuts, toasted brioche. Sumptuous mains includes dishes such as the classic Roasted bronze turkey breast, venison sausage roll, pigs in blankets, potato fondant, cranberry & red wine jus or Gnocchi, roasted Delicata pumpkin, oyster mushrooms, kale crisps. Desserts include delicate crowd pleasers such as Christmas pudding, hot butter rum sauce, redcurrants and Chocolate, raspberry & pistachio. This comes to a satisfying conclusion with a seasonal mince pie.  

New Year’s Eve:

See out 2022 with an all day swing extravaganza in the heart of London’s West End, with the theme of ‘All That Glitters Is Gold.” Live entertainment starts with the swing brunch at 12pm, followed by early dinner seatings from 6:30pm (£150pp) or there’s the option to choose the late dinner seatings (£280pp), meaning guests can keep their tables right up until 3am. Britain’s Got Talent winner’s Jack Pack will create a memorable atmosphere to welcome in the new year before a DJ sees the evening off. Guests can raise a glass of champagne, carefully curated cocktails and dance the night away with the incredible acts on the grand stage.

Quaglino’s, is the ideal place to indulge in contemporary European food, legendary cocktails and live music. Founded in 1929 by Giovanni Quaglino, the iconic restaurant became famous for its fashionably late supper followed by music and dancing. In addition to Quaglino’s own charm and grace, the venue struck exactly the tone which glamorous society favoured. Some of the restaurant’s most famous visitors include The Queen in 1956 as well as a number of royals, including Princess Margaret, who enjoyed a permanently reserved table. Quaglino’s was the first public restaurant the late HM Queen Elizabeth ll visited after her coronation in 1952 and this made it the first public restaurant a reigning monarch had ever eaten in. 

After Quaglino’s retirement, the restaurant was opened in 1993 by Conran Restaurant, once again creating excitement amongst Royals and celebrities alike. It is even rumoured that Princess Diana was known to sneak through the kitchen to access her table unseen by paparazzi.

in 2014, Quaglino’s relaunched again, now as part of D&D London, with a brand-new look and glittering stage. The venue’s famous staircase remains, making one’s entrance to the restaurant a truly glamorous affair and the rest of the interior is brimming with elegance, boasting mirrored walls, black and gold décor and a grand bar in the centre of the space. With its iconic history and unique dining experience, Quaglino’s maintains its reputation as the ultimate evening hotspot. With entertainment seven nights a week, the venue is always alive with conversation and live music.

The European menu offers exciting, vibrant dishes and much-loved classics using seasonal ingredients. Complementing the live music and a decadent dining experience, the talented bar team at Quaglino’s offer a new depth to the drinking experience and have a created an innovative list of cocktails that reflect the style and elegance of the venue.

To book please email [email protected] or call 020 7930 6767.

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Copper celebration at the Coppa Club

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Michelle Miley is left in seventh heaven at The Georgian, Coppa Club’s new boutique hotel in the heart of the Surrey Hills, Haslemere

Seven years ago, my husband and I said: “I do!” so, in celebration of our copper wedding anniversary we gleefully headed to The Georgian, Coppa Club for a rare night away together. We arrived at the charming Grade II listed property on a bitterly cold, frosty night so we were thankful that the fires had been stoked as we walked through the grand entrance to a warm welcome. It was Friday night and amidst the beautifully decorated Christmas Trees, the bar and restaurant hummed with the sound of clinking glasses and festive cheer, putting us in the mood for an evening of fabulous cocktails and feasting.

The Hotel

The Georgian, Coppa Club opened its doors in May and since then has been stirring up the Surrey hospitality scene in the leafy streets of Haslemere. The tenth property to join Coppa Club’s portfolio of clubhouses and third hotel location, The Georgian offers an all-day lifestyle venue with no membership fees. It’s an escape for the community of Haslemere and a destination that is accessible to everyone, where visitors and locals alike can enjoy the exceptional facilities to work, eat, drink, meet, relax and stay. Complete with a café, bar, restaurant, lounge, terrace and private dining space, available from morning to night, visitors can pop in with their laptop for a morning coffee or casual business meeting, sit for cocktails at the bar or in a cosy booth for an indulgent dinner.

“The Georgian, Coppa Club opened its doors in May and since then has been stirring up the Surrey hospitality scene in the leafy streets of Haslemere.”

The interior is an inspirational mix of traditional and contemporary style that allows the building’s Georgian features to shine alongside fun design features. I particularly liked the playful use of brass hands as coat hooks in the bar. Georgian-inspired patterned floor tiles and Georgian panelling in gorgeous hues of green create a relaxed feel in the bar and snug areas. There is also a more formal, wooden panelled private room that can be used for meetings or private dining. The tiles and panelling feature again in pastel pink tones in the plant-filled Summer House, making it ideal for children’s parties or casual meetings. The lounge has dark blue panelling and matching ceiling that highlights the Tudor-style wooden beams and emulates a snug feel where you can relax with a drink.

The Georgian has 13 individually designed bedrooms for a comfy getaway. Although the hotel welcomes everyone, we chose to leave our young son at his grandad’s house for a sleepover enabling us to appreciate the blissful peace and fully unwind. Our spacious bedroom felt very tranquil with its calming green palette and huge bed, and the ensuite was luxurious with an incredible rainforest shower. The room was also well equipped with a flatscreen TV, hairdryer, ironing facilities and fridge with water and fresh milk for that essential morning coffee.

Dining

There are several dining spaces each offering a different fantastic experience. The main restaurant is large and airy with ‘Bonbon’ lanterns that create an atmospheric glow. Leading off the restaurant is a glass-enclosed terrace with a large fire pit keeping it toasty, and for year-round dining under the stars, three iconic heated igloos dominate the garden.

First things first, we ordered from the inventive cocktail menu a refreshing Raspberry Moscow Mule and a sweet Tiramisu Martini. Premium ingredients are blended with flair and creative twists are incorporated into classic cocktail recipes.

The food menu is focused on European, British and Mediterranean dishes, and the festive specials menu features this season’s favourites served in a modern way. Ordering from the festive specials, to start, I had Salmon Tartare paired with baby capers and tangy ponzu which I slathered on crispy flatbreads. My husband tucked into perfectly tender smoked Duck Breast served with celeriac.

For mains, I savoured Slow cooked Duck Leg with a crisp skin and meat that glided off the bone served with braised butter beans and accompanied by roast potatoes, roast root vegetables and pan-seared Brussels sprouts (served with all the festive specials). My husband enjoyed his house classic, 10oz Rib Steak on the Bone cooked pink to perfection and served with a side of skinny fries and spicy chimichurri sauce.

After our indulgent dinner, we just about had room for dessert. I opted for classic, fruity and rich Christmas Pudding drenched in sweet brandy butter, and my husband had Spiced Cranberry and White Chocolate Cheesecake. Feeling contented, we snuggled up in a cosy nook by a fireplace and finished the evening with an ice-cold Baileys and warm mince pies – it is Christmas after all!

In the morning we headed to the terrace for a hearty breakfast of creamy, crushed avocado, poached eggs and crispy cured English bacon stacked on sour dough, and an impressive Skillet Breakfast served piping hot. I feel that the mark of an excellent English breakfast should be judged by the quality of its sausages and the Cumberland sausages at The Georgian were superb.

Location

Considered a fashionable hotspot and just a short drive from the beautiful Surrey countryside, Haslemere is a charming market town. Boasting boutique shops, independent cafes and interesting tourist attractions – these include a nearby vineyard, distillery, national trust property, classic car show and food festival. With easy access from London, Hampshire and Sussex, Haslemere is the ideal staycation destination for those looking to enjoy a weekend in the Surrey Hills, where you can spend some time in the great outdoors and unwind.

“Treat yourself to a supper and stay this Christmas time.”

The Georgian, Coppa Club is a fabulous, welcoming retreat for celebrating a special occasion like we were, or to spend time with friends or family catching up over drinks or a meal. Indulge in a treat for yourself and book the Festive Supper and Stay (available throughout December from £184) before (or after) the masses descend on your home this Christmas.

For more information on The Georgian, Coppa Club, please visit https://coppaclub.co.uk/the-georgian/ or call 01491 525 879. High St, Haslemere GU27 2JY

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