The Sensory Garden at Westquay Esplanade

Edit: This post had originally been sent out back in the summer, I am releasing it now on my personal account, but is applicable to an event which happened back in August.

Recently, my two children and I were invited to attend a pop-up event at Southampton's Westquay Shopping Centre, in the form of a Sensory Garden featuring a Gin Bar (I was sold at this point...), a range of workshops and masterclasses, and an array of visual and interactive delights for both parent and child. Enticing to say the very least, and as a bonus, this would be the very first event my children had been invited to attend with me, for which they were extremely grateful as they have both been very keen to follow in Mommy's footsteps and start their social media and blogging accounts. Find them over at @torynandbraydenwinters on Instagram.

Situated on Westquays Esplanade, The Sensory Garden features a 'Tea Garden' hosted by the Garden Society, and mobile bars - Jim & Tonic and Tap It. Plenty, in fact, to keep the grown ups happy. Meanwhile, the children can explore a variety of instagram-worthy set ups, tailor made for beautiful photos aplenty. A flower-adorned greenhouse filled with an edible mist of indeterminate flavour is strewn with beanbags, outside this sits a bed frame wrapped in yet more flowers, serving no particular function other than visual appeal, and a cracking backdrop for yet more photos for the 'gram. Step across from here into the 'Fairy Garden', lined with teepees and filled with edible bubbles (possibly strawberry...), this was most definitely a highlight for my two boys, who spent 99% of their time there, chasing bubbles around the entire garden, mouths open and arms outstretched (making for some utterly hilarious out-take photos).

The boys and I happened to attend just as an open air performance of 'Little Women' was taking place, so we sat and watched some of it... I say watched, as this was all we were able to do...listening was not an option unless, I would hasten a guess, you were sat directly in front of the performers and no more than five paces away. The costumes and facial expressions were fabulous however, so this killed at least 20mins and gave me an opportunity to sit and enjoy a G&T. 

We rounded off our experience with the boys running through the water fountains (not part of the sensory garden, these are a permanent fixture at the Esplanade) which were too much of a temptation for my children to bear and defying all odds...did not result in them soaked through to the skin, more of a 'lightly moist'.
All in all we had a fantastic time and look forward to see more pop ups on the Esplanade, head down and check them out when you get the chance.

Emma-Louise

RockFish Poole

This evening I was lucky enough to be invited to attend a press evening at Rockfish on Poole Quay. This is owner Mitch Tonks' eighth restaurant and, as the name suggests, boasts a bountiful seafood menu in keeping with the incredible English coastline.

Taking over a huge building directly on Poole Quay, previously home to Purbeck Pottery's shop which was, looking back, an exceptionally strange use of such a huge, visually impactful building. Stripped back and beautifully decorated, the building is barely recognisable from its previous life of playing host to floral ceramics and kitsch polkadot-puppy doorstops.

A delightful wood burner adds a sense of homeliness, unusual in such a huge space, and extremely welcome considering the howling winds and driving rain outside, whilst the tables are simply laid and the decor tastefully translates the nautical feel of the menu and, indeed, location.

With an opening date of 27th January, a select few bloggers and press were invited along for an intimate evening with Chef Director - Kirk Gosden - who talked us through the company's sea-to-plate journey, which begins with Skipper Nick Rich, aboard the Rockfisher. Heading out for just 3.5 hours at a time, Nick sells 100% of his catch to Rockfish, who then move this straight to their Fish Room, along with fish purchased from Brixham Market, and then off to any one of the eight restaurants. This not only ensures the absolute freshest fish available, but provides an ever changing and diverse menu.

Sustainability is key, and responsibly sourcing of every single piece of fish which is served.

With that all in mind, I was truly salivating at the opportunity to taste some of this seafood...and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint!

With the restaurant manager and staff now at the helm, we were treated to a seemingly endless array of utterly mouthwatering fish and seafood, beginning with nibbles of olives, peppers, pickled anchovies and cockles. These accompanied an absolutely lovely white wine made by the company, for the company only. We were informed that the wine was made to mimic the feeling of squeezing fresh lemon over fish...and I kind of get it! Fresh and crisp for sure, a great wine and a perfect accompaniment for the seafood we had ahead of us.

Also on the Rockfish drinks menu was their very own gin, which of course caught my eye and we were kindly offered a sample of. I will probably do an entirely separate blog post for this gin as I actually really loved it and otherwise I'll waffle on about gin, as I do, and we shall be here all week!

So back to the food.

Next up were appetisers of double smoked salmon with a mustard, mayonnaise and dill cream topped with rocket, salt and pepper cuttlefish (an exceptionally sustainable fish which when fried both resembles and tastes just like squid....utterly delicious), sardines, and scallops in garlic which were just to die for.

Mains swiftly followed and we were treated to chargrilled monkfish tails with pesto, a whole roasted gurnard, battered pout and cuttlefish smothered in melted butter and garlic (I have in my notes - 'Better than Sex' - so it must have been pretty darn good!)

To accompany there were unlimited fries and salad, and an in-house-made tartare sauce which was heavy on the dill which I LOVED, probably the best tartare I have tasted. Even the pepper mills offered up a unique taste, loaded with white, black and another peppercorn I cannot for the life of me remember the name of (shoddy note taking on my part due to being heavily distracted by the cuttlefish) but gave the pepper a delicious citrus burst, akin to grapefruit. Delightful.

Desserts followed, one of which I was unable to sample due to my allergies, but the gluten free churros will appeal to any with a sweet tooth and are dusted with cinnamon which is just the most delicious aroma....and then a 'Winter Mess', a unique take on the classic Eton Mess, using stewed apples, cinnamon and toffee flavours which gave it the incredible taste of an Apple Strudel but with chewy meringue and ice cream, piled into a sundae glass. Incredible.

Overall, I simply cannot recommend this place more highly. For lovers of seafood, this is certainly
the place to go! Rockfish opens on the 27th of this month and I highly suggest you book a table asap! you will not be disappointed.

Thank you so much to Kirk, Laura, and the team at Rockfish Poole for such an awesome evening, it was great to meet you all and I am sure I will see you again soon.

Menus are available online but please bear in mind that the specials will change daily, kids menu available.

"Tomorrows fish are still in the sea"

Emma-Louise

OriGin Festival at Church Street Gin House

I mean, its not the toughest decision in the world when your favourite local Gin House gets in contact and asks if you'd like to come along to their brand new, quarterly Gin Festival - OriGin.
I was already a firm fan and regular at their prior premises in Wimborne, however, I had yet to check out their brand new home, right around the corner on Church Street...so somewhat a case of two birds, one stone!

So a bit of info on the event itself, OriGin is just £5pp and includes a complimentary G&T on arrival. This round-the-world odyssey incorporates gins from all corners of the globe, giving attendees the opportunity to sample new local, and international gins, meet with distillers and converse with like-minded gin lovers. Check www.facebook.com/ginhousewimborne for details of the next event, and how to book. Be sure to book early to avoid disappointment as this is a fairly small, but highly popular venue!

So, kicking off this tastebud-tantalising tour, was our very own beautiful Dorset, with representatives from locally produced Conker, Pothecary and BH1 gins all in attendance.
I am, as any of you who follow me will know, already a huge fan of Conker Gin which hails from sunny Southbourne, Bournemouth. I personally have their Original and Navy Strength in my own collection at home, and cannot recommend their gin more highly. Its bloody incredible to be perfectly frank. So it was great to see these guys there and gave me a good opportunity to get to grips with their new Port Barrel Gin... again, fantastic! These guys can do no wrong.

Next up was Pothecary Gin. Again, I already knew of this gin having sampled it a fair few times at local events. Personally the original gin from Pothecary I find a little too floral and heavy on the lavender for my own tastes, however, as I reiterate again and again, this does not reflect on the gins quality whatsoever, its simply not to my own personal taste preferences... I know a lot of people who absolutely adore this gin so if you're a fan of citrus and florals as the leading flavours, definitely give this one a try. However, I did get to sample Pothecary's latest product - Trinity Blend - which boasts just three botanicals! Let me tell you folks, this is one to try! Clean and simple. 

Pothecary also offer a Sicilian Blend and a Thai Blend, neither of which I sampled but certainly shall be in the very near future. 

Last of the three featured distilleries, were the chaps from BH1 with their brand new, up and coming gin. Hailing from Bournemouth (hence the name), BH1 Gin is created by bartenders, giving them a background insight into what the bar industry would be looking for in a gin. The fruit of their labour is a unique combination of 13 botanicals, featuring pink grapefruit, orange, chamomile and cardamom. The flavour profile is heavy on the chamomile which gives a herbaceous, floral forward savoury palette with a hint of sweetness, which is certainly distinctive. 

Alongside the opportunity to chat with the distillers and representatives of these fabulous local gins, Church Street Gin House bar staff themselves are a veritable font of knowledge when it comes to gin, mixers and cocktails, so this was a fantastic opportunity for me to be able to converse in fairly blunt (in my case) terms about botanical favourites and pet hates, and sample some epic gins I had yet to have got my hands on. Notable mention has to go to the epic Bloody Shiraz Gin from Four Pillars which I had been hearing about for so long, but had yet to try. Good golly it was worth the wait folks! Drink it straight, trust me, its just incredible. 

Not only do the bar staff seriously know their stuff when it comes to gin....but they make a bloody good cocktail too! Just don't call them Mixologists....except Ashley... he loves that title. Don't be afraid to deviate off the 'House Cocktails' list and ask them to whip something up to match your flavour preferences. 

All in all, a bloody exceptional evening with a great selection of local gins in attendance, and a huge variety behind the bar to boot. Keep your eyes peeled for details of the next of these quarterly festivals, and in the meantime, be sure to head on down to Church Street and check the Gin House out. You won't be disappointed. 

Thank you to Ashley and Church Street Gin House for inviting me along to this event. I look forward to heading back very soon. I promise not to scare your customers off with my opinions on certain gins next time ;) 

Emma-Louise 

Sheppy's House of Cider & AppleBay Restaurant

Nestled away in the village of Bradford-on-Tone, deep in the Somerset countryside, is this hidden gem - Sheppy's House of Cider and Fine Food. 

Yes, its a break in my usual trend of Gin, Gin...and a little more Gin, but occasionally I do find time to enjoy the odd juniper-free beverage... 

I actually stumbled upon this little gem completely by accident, it just so happened to be down the road from a cottage I rented for a three day getaway (via cottages.com). After passing it, a quick google informed me that their cider tours don't actually start until mid March, nevertheless we popped down there the next morning to check it out, and were blown away by the attentive staff, beautiful interior design and fantastic cider and produce for sale. Having had a nosey round the onsite shop and drooled over ciders, preserves, fresh meats and cheeses and pastries (to name but a few), we went for a stroll through the extensive orchards. I will say that February is perhaps not the best month for this as the trees are a little bare, however, we were assured by the staff that come late-march, the trees would blossom and were a stunning sight to behold... so perhaps book for around then. Heading back to the shop/restaurant/bar/cafe, we stopped to sample some of their iconic ciders - standout for me was the Vintage Reserve Cider (which retails at £2.20 a bottle) and is a 2017 vintage and stands at an impressive 7.4% Vol. 

Having been so impressed with Sheppy's, we decided to book a table for dinner at their on-site restaurant - AppleBay - and came right back that very evening....yep, couldn't get enough of this joint. 

True to form, Gins started the evening and Sheppy's have a great Gin list which gave even my fussy self a good selection to choose from. I actually got to try a Gin which was brand spanking new to me... Wrecking Coast Scurvy Gin (give this one a go if you haven't already!). Dinner was, for lack of a better word, exquisite. Head over to www.sheppyscider.com to have a sneaky peek at the menu and get those taste buds a'tingling. I highly recommend the mussels to start, and the guinea fowl for main.... I'm still salivating! 

All in all I can't recommend this place highly enough. If you're a fan of cider, or indeed, good food....book a tour or a table now at www.sheppyscider.com. 

Aber Falls Marmalade Gin & Fentimans Connoisseurs Tonic

So who said you can't have Gin for breakfast?  Those who do are not your friends folks...you just don't need that kind of negativity in your life!

Joking aside, I can't deny that a cheeky weekend day-drink is abso-bloody-lutely perfect.... just don't go having a gin before work on a Monday and then using me as an excuse when your boss fires your drunk ass!
Back to the Gin...
It's by North Wales' Aber Falls Distillery which sits at the gateway to the stunning Snowdonia National Park. Whilst the distillery originates as a whiskey distillery, they do produce a stunning range of Gin and Liqueurs alongside this. As far as Gins are concerned, a Small Batch Welsh Gin is available (noted as 'the finest Gin we have produced to date') along with a Rhubarb and Ginger, Orange Marmalade, and a Mountain Fresh Dry Gin.

Today I'm drinking the Orange Marmalade Gin, and to be frank, I thought I would bloody hate it!
Those who know me or have followed me for a while will know, I love a slice of orange to garnish with certain Gins, so an orange'y gin should be a winner....right?? But then, you will also be aware that I am not particularly fond of sweet Gins at all....nor indeed Gins which are flavoured to the point that all semblance of juniper is overpowered and the Gin no longer tastes of Gin....simply a flavoured spirit. I like my Gin to very much taste like....Gin, oddly enough.
So lets give this one a go shall we.

On the nose its everything I somewhat expected, a sweet and orangey perfume with very little more to distinguish it as a Gin. To its credit, the scent is clearly marmalade, as opposed to simply 'orange'. Neat, the taste surprised me, and positively so! A piney juniper hit gave me a glimmer of hope for this Gin and the warming aftertaste was a delicious treat after a sweeter opener. Over ice the Gin came into its own, with bitter flavours coming forward to compliment the orange sweetness. Adding tonic to this Gin is optional as I would personally say it's very drinkable simply over ice...however, adding the tonic created a beautifully fresh drink, very clearly leaning toward a sweetened orange flavour but with enough juniper to balance it rather nicely indeed. Check out Aber Falls website for some cocktail suggestions for this Gin, I have a feeling this would bring it into its own, however, for me this is best drunk on the rocks, neat. It is still erring slightly on the sweet and flavoured side for my own personal fussy tastes, but for those who enjoy a sweeter, citrus Gin....this will be absolutely on the mark.

I also have the Dry Gin from Aber Falls to try...so check back in soon for my musings on that little number. And as we now have to be crystal clear about such matters, this gin was gifted to me as part of my ongoing partnership with ilovegin.com.

Emma-Louise