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Homeward Bound - A 96 Hour Journey To The UK
Our Time for Life correspondent Sharon Cain and photographer Steve Hare have made a hard but necessary decision to embark on a 2,000 mile journey from Spain to return home as the Coronavirus pandemic deepens. Sharon describes the surreal nature of her 96 hour journey through Spain and France - as…
Mini Strawberry Soft Cake With Slingsby Rhubarb Gin
What is better than cupcakes? BOOZY CUPCAKES! Here is a recipe from Brigit’s Bakery who uses Slingsby Gin to make the most delicious cupcakes. Slingsby is the current Gin partner for Brigit’s Bakery’s Gin Lovers Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. Currently all tours are on hold but they have revealed one of…
12:32 PM 7th April 2020
Spring Cleaning During Isolation
Spring seems to have officially sprung and, whilst that usually signals lighter nights and the chance to go for evening strolls, meander through the countryside or enjoy socialising with friends, this spring things are slightly different. Lots of people across the UK have been in lockdown for a week and…
1:10 AM 7th April 2020
Beer In The Year Of Covid
Andrew Liddle
Features Writer
How can you can get close to the taste of fresh cask beer without going to the pub? Well beer in bottles, especially that bottled with active yeast may well be your best answer. To accompany my series of reviews of beer and breweries, I offer the following observations in…
6:51 PM 3rd April 2020
Slingsby Sofa Sessions
Ultra-premium Slingsby Gin, will be hosting its second Slingsby Sofa Session this Friday, 3rd April - if you are missing the pub, then tune in to Slingsby’s very own Gin Quiz. Slingsby Gin’s mixologist George will be going live on Instagram and Facebook at 6pm, with the quiz lasting around 40…
2:53 PM 2nd April 2020
Beer Of The Week: Pennine Heartland: Dark Amber Ale With A Rich Smooth Flavour
It pours with a glow like polished mahogany and has a deliciously creamy head. It is a genuine pleasure just to behold Pennine Heartland, still more to take the first heady quaff. It is my beer of the week. Describing it as ‘a dark copper-coloured traditional ale with a toffee, malted-caramel…
12:45 PM 2nd April 2020
Week 3 Of The Spanish Lockdown: Tips As Cases Surge To All Time High
Spain has now registered coronavirus fatalities above 800 in a 24-hour period for the sixth consecutive day - with confirmed cases exceeding 110,000 - and the number of deaths over 10,000 The latest figures come as tighter restrictions were enforced this week with non-essential workers also going into lockdown. Our Time for…
8:26 AM 1st April 2020
Happiness Tip 97
Welcome to tip 97 I have been reminded during this 'lock down' of what makes me happy..yes perhaps a bit indulgent for a Happiness Coach!...but anyway...I have, as I say, been reminded about me. And what makes me happy is a happy mix of friends and family, praying, doing something…
1:52 AM 30th March 2020
Beer Of The Week: Saltaire Blonde: 'A Straw-Coloured Light Ale With Spicy Czech Hops'
Saltaire Blonde, a beautiful peachy-coloured pale ale, brewed in the heart of the West Riding, with a light refreshing taste, is my beer of the week. It is fitting that I begin the series with this appealing beer for a variety of reasons. But, first, let me very briefly set out…
1:20 AM 27th March 2020
Spain Closes Ports And Airports And Extends Lockdown
Sharon Cain
Time for Life Correspondent
Spanish Government extends existing travel restrictions to airports and ports
As the UK faces life under tougher measures, the World Health Organisation is warning that the coronavirus pandemic is accelerating as the number of cases globally exceeds 300,000. In Spain - where the country’s death toll has rocketed to over 2,300 with more than 35,000 confirmed infections - airport and…
6:28 AM 23rd March 2020
Happiness Tip 96
Vivienne Barnes
Happiness Coach
Welcome to tip 96 I am thinking about how Appreciation of all we have as opposed to Anxiety about all that we don't have .....and how that Appreciation brings us Happiness I am thinking about big stuff and little stuff and everything in between I suggest that you consider, say, 5 things you are…
3:54 AM 23rd March 2020
Jasmine Martini Cocktail
Another lovely cocktail from the makers of Slingsby Gin. Martinis are the absolute classic gin cocktail. Sexy, simple and elegant. Ingredients: 25ml Slingsby London Dry Gin 25ml Cocchi Americano 15ml Jasmine Syrup Method: Combine all ingredients into a mixing glass and stir down until appropriately diluted. Strain into a Martini glass. Garnish with a…
10:49 PM 21st March 2020
Spanish Spritz Cocktail
Recreate the taste of Spain with Slingsby's twist on the Aperol Spritz. You can make this cocktail at home using their newest flavour variant - Marmalade. Why not make it for your mum this Mother's Day. Ingredients: 25ml Slingsby Marmalade Gin 15ml Lime Juice 25ml Apricot Liqueur/Brandy 15ml Sugar Syrup Soda & Prosecco Top Method: Combine…
10:43 AM 21st March 2020
Government To Grant Permission For Pubs And Restaurants To Operate As Takeaways As Part Of Coronavirus Response
Communities Secretary confirms the government will set out measures so that pubs and restaurants can operate as hot food takeaways to serve people having to stay at home Relaxation of planning measures will be introduced as soon as possible and will apply for…
9:51 PM 17th March 2020
The Royal Horticultural Society Cancels Upcoming RHS Shows & Garden Events
The Royal Horticultural Society has issued the following statement cancelling upcoming RHS Shows & Garden Events following latest Government COVID- 19 Advice. Following the Government update on 16 March 2020 and ongoing situation with COVID-19, all RHS Shows, Garden events and school visits will be cancelled with immediate effect until 30…
12:29 PM 17th March 2020
A Brief History Of Gin
Gin’s been around for the best part of 500 years. Dutch apothecaries were adding juniper berries to tonic drinks in the 16th century, to mask the harshness of the malt wine base. They named the drink Jenever, the Dutch word for juniper. A century later, they had switched to distillation…
9:34 AM 11th March 2020
La Manga Club
The internationally renowned La Manga Club has hosted an abundance of sporting icons including the world’s greatest golfers and footballers - not to mention high-profile celebrities. Three times the size of Monaco, its stunning location and wealth of sports, leisure and dining facilities makes it a perfect resort to recharge the…
12:19 PM 8th March 2020
Cadiz
Sharon Cain
Time for Life Correspondent
Clowning around at the Cadiz carnival. Image by Steve Hare.
The annual carnival is in full swing in the beautiful and bustling bay of Cadiz. A gateway to the Mediterranean and home to the Spanish navy, Cadiz is almost entirely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Our Time for Life correspondent Sharon Cain has been finding out why Cadiz can…
5:01 AM 27th February 2020
Local 4 Lent
The Aperitif Guy
Features Writer
“What are you giving up?” I was asked at work last week. Britain is a largely secular country, and yet the idea of Lenten penance prevails. I wonder if we simply realise that self-discipline, be it Dry January, WeightWatchers or the gym, is easier to keep up when we do…
2:03 AM 25th February 2020
Shrove Tuesday / Pancake Day
Jan Harris
Assistant Editor
Pancake Day or its correct name of Shrove Tuesday is the day before the first day of Lent (Ash Wednesday) and is always 47 days before Easter Sunday. This is a moveable feast based on the cycles of the moon. It is a day that falls between 3 February …
4:00 AM 24th February 2020
Córdoba
Sharon Cain
Time for Life Correspondent
Image by Steve Hare
A magnificent Jewel in Andalucia’s crown, Cordoba boasts a wealth of history, art and architecture - including the world’s largest mosque. As our Time for Life correspondent Sharon Cain has been finding out, it is also home to the Royal Stables of Cordoba and the legendary and majestic pure-bred Spanish…
9:04 AM 19th February 2020
Slingsby Blossom Cocktail
London Fashion Week is a good excuse to try another lovely cocktail from Slingsby Gin. Slingsby Blossom: served in a martini style glass, elegant and stylish. This chic libation tastes floral and delicate on the palate. The Slingsby mixologists were inspired by one of 2020's biggest fashion trends: pastels. Ingredients: …
9:00 AM 16th February 2020
Espresso Martini Cocktail
With London Fashion Week in full swing here is another lovely cocktail from Slingsby Gin. Espresso Martini: The Espresso Martini was created by bartender Dick Bradsell, started in mid-80s when a model walked into his bar and asked for a drink to ‘wake her up'. Ingredients: 30ml Slingsby Pure Grain Vodka …
8:00 AM 15th February 2020
Slingsby Tuxedo Cocktail
A lovely stylish cocktail from Slingsby Gin inspired by London Fashion Week. Slingsby Tuxedo is a classic Gin cocktail, and a trend (especially in Women’s fashion) that we hope to keep seeing on the catwalk. It is a slightly sweeter take on the classic gin cocktail, with a hint of spice. Ingredients: …
2:00 AM 15th February 2020
Love Is In The Air
Celebrated on February 14th each year Valentine's Day, the Feast of Saint Valentine or Saint Valentine's Day is a day when all around the world cards, chocolates, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones. How did it all start? It originated as a feast day to honour the early saints named…
9:01 PM 13th February 2020
Pub Hours Extended To Mark 75th Anniversary Of VE Day
The Home Secretary has confirmed pubs in England and Wales will be able to open for longer to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. Pubs, clubs and bars, which are licensed to trade until 11pm, will be allowed to open for an additional two hours, on…
9:00 PM 12th February 2020
Happiness Tip 95
Vivienne Barnes
Happiness Coach
Waterfall photo by Andrei Niemimaki
Welcome to tip 95 ... those of you who've been following me for a while will know I do bang on about the importance of our thinking..and how this affects our happiness and well being ..and what I am about to share is along the same theme... ..one can make oneself unhappy by…
3:10 PM 9th February 2020
Ey Up Rhubarb Cocktail
With Valentine's Day just around the corner here is another lovely rhubarb gin cocktail to try from Slingsbys Gin. Ingredients: 25ml Slingsby Rhubarb Gin 12.5ml Hibiscus Syrup 20ml Fresh Lemon Juice Rose Lemonade to top Method: Combine Rhubarb gin, hibiscus syrup and lemon juice in a cocktail…
10:00 AM 8th February 2020
Rhubarb Fizz Cocktail
With Valentine's Day just around the corner here is another refreshing gin cocktail to try from Slingsbys Gin. Ingredients: 50ml Rhubarb gin 50ml pink grapefruit 25ml elderflower Top Grapefruit lemonade Method: Add all ingredients to a tall glass over ice, stir. Garnish with a wedge of pink grapefruit. For…
9:00 AM 8th February 2020
Rhubarb Fling Cocktail
With Valentine's Day just around the corner how about trying this wonderful gin cocktail from Slingsbys Gin. Ingredients: 35ml Slingsby Rhubarb Gin 15ml Cocchi Rosa 15ml lemon juice 7.5ml simple syrup Top with Fentimans rose lemonade or prosecco Method: Combine all the ingredients in a Collins glass. …
8:00 AM 7th February 2020
Visiting Sierra De Cazorla In Andalucia
The magnificent mountain range of the Sierra de Cazorla in Andalucia combines rich fauna and Flora with breathtaking landscapes.
A designated UNESCO site, the acclaimed national park is a paradise for those who relish wildlife and the great outdoors - as our Time for Life correspondent Sharon Cain has been discovering.…
5:21 AM 3rd February 2020
Flushing Away The Lies.....
The world is constantly telling us that we aren’t good enough. The TV shows us houses we will never be able to afford, and cars we will never have the opportunity to drive. Social media constantly pops up with the great days people have had, or the new shiny bicycle…
3:00 AM 27th January 2020
World Takes Bigger Bite Out Of Burns Night Haggis
This Burns Night people across the world will be reaching for a forkful of Scotland’s finest, with haggis now enjoyed in countries including Greece, Hong Kong, and Ghana and exports booming. Haggis has risen in global prominence over the past ten years, with the total export value of haggis over…
12:00 PM 25th January 2020
Can You Bank On The Embankment Kitchen In Manchester?
Graham Clark
Features Writer
It was a typical wet night in Manchester when we visited the new Embankment Kitchen in Manchester. I say new, it only opened last November but the CitySuites apartments that sit above the restaurant have been open for nearly 18 months now. As you walk past the restaurant you see a…
9:00 AM 23rd January 2020
Pacer Competition Winners Will Transform Trains For Northern Communities
Three winners to receive a Pacer carriage for community use. Platform 1 mental health charity, Airedale NHS Trust and Fagley Primary School announced as 3 winners of the Department for Transport’s Transform a Pacer competition on the One Show winners have each won a…
2:50 AM 23rd January 2020
Living On The Veg At Zizzi
Graham Clark
Features Writer
It is rumoured that over a quarter of a million people are taking part in Veganuary this year. Zizzi have taken note of this and as part of their new Winter Warmers menu there are plenty of dishes that are vegetarian or vegan. That's not to say that there are…
3:19 PM 21st January 2020
Celebrate Ginuary With Slingsby Gin
Continental Breakfast Cocktail
Now that Ginuary is in full swing why not celebrate swerving dry January by making this wonderful zesty cocktail from Slingsby Gin. This cocktail uses their newest flavour variant - Marmalade and is called Continental Breakfast. Ingredients: 40ml Slingsby Marmalade Gin 10ml Triple Sec 5ml Campari 25ml pink grapefruit juice 15ml simple…
8:00 PM 18th January 2020
Remembering Robbie Burns Over A Glass Of Whisky
Next weekend, 25th January, Scotland and the Scottish diaspora remember the country’s national poet, Robert Burns. It’s a time for traditional songs, dancing and hearty food. It’s also a time when even the driest January can give way to indulgence in Scotland’s famous “water of life,” the whisky. The world of…
6:25 AM 17th January 2020
Flamingos Fantasticos
Flamingos fantasticos: the boundless beauty of the Spanish region of Murcia spans coastal reserves with magnificent migratory birds. Our Time for Life correspondent, Sharon Cain, has been flamingo spotting at Murcia’s most important coastal reserve at San Pedro del Pinatar.
…
9:34 AM 16th January 2020
The Hare And Hounds In Levens - A Good Find In South Lakeland
For some reason I always tend to think that the Lake District is further from Yorkshire or Lancashire than it is, thankfully this natural area of outstanding beauty is within easy reach. Located in the unspoilt gem of the south Lake District in the village of Levens, just a few miles…
8:00 PM 14th January 2020
Northern Walks: The Parish Of Bradfield
The parish of Bradfield is situated just south of Bolsterstone and Ewden Village, effectively in the top right-hand corner of the Peak District. It is reachable by car via the A629 from Huddersfield, passing through the village of Oughtibridge. If you set your satnav for Delf Road, there is perfect…
12:32 PM 8th January 2020
Northern Walks: Stoodley Pike And Crag Vale
Caroline Spalding
Features Correspondent
The monument of Stoodley Pike is iconic to the district of Calderdale; visible from afar and a magnet for walkers and fell runners; attracted by its ruggedly beautiful surrounds and, of course, the views it looks out on. The moment itself was completed in 1856; replacing another which had been erected…
11:29 AM 5th January 2020
Happiness Tip 94
Vivienne Barnes
Happiness Coach
The Strid photo by alh1
Welcome to tip 94 In essence my tip is based upon PEACE..and most especially PEACE with yourself... I urge everyone to feel PEACE and be OK with yourselves, OK about one's place in the community within which one lives...OK about one's family and friends...and so on...and no matter where one is emotionally…
11:38 AM 3rd January 2020
Northern Walks: A Circuit Of Castle Hill
Caroline Spalding
Features Correspondent
The Victoria Tower, opened in 1899 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria two years earlier, sits proudly above Huddersfield, atop Castle Hill, offering extensive 360-degree views. Visitors can climb the tower at weekends (check online for opening hours) to gaze out across Huddersfield, into the Holme Valley, towards…
11:11 AM 3rd January 2020
Alluring Alicante
Sharon Cain
Time for Life Correspondent
Alicante from the castle
Alluring Alicante – our Time for Life correspondent, Sharon Cain, shares the gems of this fabulous city on the Costa Blanca which has so much more to offer than its bustling airport. Alicante is the capital of the province of Alicante (yes, the same name) and is an historic Mediterranean port…
3:56 PM 2nd January 2020
The Yan At Grasmere - A Hidden Gem
Whether you are in Yorkshire or Lancashire we are fortunate enough to be within easy reach of some of the most scenic areas in the country such as the Lake District. Accommodation in the Lakes has come on in leaps and bounds over the last few years and you are now…
9:00 AM 1st January 2020
World Going Crackers For British Cheese And Wine
As the UK tucks into cheese platters and pops bottles of bubbles this New Year’s Eve, the UK cheese and wine industries are celebrating a decade of growth and innovation. Both have grown from strength to strength, with the UK cheese export market now worth £675 million and 130% more English…
9:01 PM 31st December 2019
Viva Brazil Steakhouse And Grill, Liverpool
A taste of South America has found a faithful following in Liverpool - Viva Brazil Steakhouse and Grill is a concept that has been tried before but it seems here that they give you more of everything - food, service and atmosphere. Tucked away minutes from the busy shopping area the…
8:00 PM 24th December 2019
Still Time To Enjoy The Zizzi Festive Set Menus
If you fancy a Christmas meal with a twist you might like the Zizzi Festive Set Menus. The Classico Menu gives you 3 courses for £19.95 - the majority of the dishes are already on the menu so you might be familiar with these. It is the Super Festive Menu with…
12:10 PM 24th December 2019
Slug And Lettuce Christmas Fayre Menu And Festive Favourites
Graham Clark
Features Writer
The Slug and Lettuce chain have again this year launched their Christmas Fayre Menu. 2 courses are £22.99 from Sunday to Wednesday or £25.99 from Thursday to Saturday. If your appetite is on the large side then you might like 3 courses which cost £24.99 or £27.99 Thursday to Saturday. The…
11:49 AM 21st December 2019
Winter Warmers
The Aperitif Guy
Features Writer
At this time of year, our tastes change dramatically. Chilled lagers and rosé wines that were delicious in the summer leave us a bit cold. At the same time, those thick, dense reds are just the thing for drinking with a rich stew and herby dumplings, and darker beers are…
12:26 PM 18th December 2019
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