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Shrove Tuesday / Pancake Day
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 …
Córdoba
Sharon Cain
Time for Life Correspondent
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
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
Sharon Cain
Time for Life Correspondent
An old Olive tree in Sierra de Cazorla
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.....
Peter Williams with his book
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?
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
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
The Aperitif Guy
Features Writer
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
Sharon Cain
Time for Life Correspondent
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
Graham Clark
Features Writer
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
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
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
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
Graham Clark
Features Writer
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
Graham Clark
Features Writer
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
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
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
Slingsby Gin: Christmas Pudding
Harrogate based, Slingsby Gin, has launched a limited edition barrel-aged festive themed Gin just in time for Christmas. Slingsby Barrel-Aged Christmas Pudding Gin exhibits rich oaky notes with subtle spices of cinnamon and clove. Winter fruits and a dulcet sweetness, complimented by spiced flavours and subtle grapefruit citrus, creating the…
9:00 AM 17th December 2019
Marmalade Fizz
Forget classic Bucks Fizz or the weaker US Mimosa. This Christmas (or any celebration) try drinking the Marmalade Fizz. Basically a turbo charged version of Buck’s Fizz. Ingredients: 1 measure Slingsby Marmalade Gin 2 measures Orange Juice 1tsp Marmalade …
3:00 PM 16th December 2019
Strictly Come Dancing
Elaine Annable
Music Correspondent
Johannes Radebe and Graziano Di Prima perform landmark same sex routine
It's been a while since my last Strictly review, but on the eve of the final I feel the time is right to cast another semi-critical eye over one of my favourite TV shows. One of the things I've always loved about Strictly is that it is never knowingly 'under-camped'…
12:00 PM 14th December 2019
Apple Terrine, Salted Thyme Caramel, Shortbread And Vanilla Ice Cream
Ingredients - Serves 6 8-10 English apples 100g butter, melted 1 lemon, juiced 2 tbsp brown sugar 100g sugar 250g caster sugar 130ml double cream 50g butter 1 tsp salt 1tsp thyme (fresh) 125g butter 55g caster sugar 180g plain flour Method: Grease and line a loaf tin with greaseproof paper, on all sides. Pre-heat an oven to 150˚C (fan). Peel all of the…
9:30 AM 14th December 2019
Roast Turkey, Sausage And Cranberry Ballotine
Ingredients - Serves 12 1 whole free range turkey 5.5kg For the ballotine 12 lincolnshire sausages 12 slices parma ham 150g dried cranberry (rehydrated in 200ml of the cranberry juice) For the cranberry gel 1 litre cranberry juice 2 tsp agar agar 150 g sugar For the bubble & squeak 700g maris piper potatoes 250g unsalted butter, softened 100g panko…
9:00 AM 14th December 2019
Roast Monkfish, Beetroot Curry Sauce, Fennel And Preserved Lemon Bhaji
Ingredients - Serves 6 1 large monkfish tail, cleaned and prepped 3 tbsp curry powder 50g butter Curry sauce 2 tbsp oil 1tsp ground cumin ½ tsp turmeric The black seeds from 6 cardamom pods 1tbsp curry leaves 2 red onions 4 cloves of garlic 2 red chillies, sliced 1 tbsp tomato puree 1 can coconut milk 500g cooked beetroots For the bhaji 1 large fennel 1…
4:19 AM 13th December 2019
Staybridge Suites, Liverpool
If you have ever been to Liverpool you will know that as well as there being plenty to see parking can be a problem. Thankfully if you happen to stay at the Staybridge Suites then parking is available in the underground carpark on a first come first served basis. After surviving…
9:00 PM 9th December 2019
Cocktails For The Christmas Festivities
Rhubarb Cream Whip up this simple but showy cocktail for Christmas Eve celebrations. Ingredients: 40ml Slingsby Rhubarb Gin 75ml nutmeg and clove spiced 50:50 cream and milk mix 1 egg white 15ml sugar syrup Cinnamon for dusting Method: Combine 200ml milk and 200ml cream in a 50:50 ratio with 2g of grated nutmeg…
9:00 AM 9th December 2019
Crowne Plaza And Staybridge Suites, Manchester
This new 19 storey hotel development which is dual branded with both Crowne Plaza and Staybridge Suites is conveniently placed for Manchester University or the Aquatic Centre. Manchester centre is a 15 minute walk away when I timed it. There is no site carpark though the hotel does have deals with…
9:40 PM 8th December 2019
Prezzo Launch New Christmas Menu
Graham Clark
Features Writer
Prezzo Restaurants have now launched their Christmas menu. What they seem to have done is add festive twists to some of their favourite dishes so you can expect Christmas flavours such as pulled turkey, stuffing, cranberry, roast potatoes and butternut squash. The Christmas Menu comes with 2 courses for £16.50 or…
5:33 PM 7th December 2019
Cocktails To Get You Into The Spirit Of Christmas
Gingerbread House
Gingerbread House This easy cocktail really is like drinking liquid gingerbread, a real treat on the tastebuds! Ingredients: 20ml Slingsby Gooseberry Gin 10ml Cointreau 5ml ginger liqueur 10ml sugar syrup Champagne Method: Combine all the ingredients in a champagne flute and mix. Mulled Marmalade Wrapping gifts won’t be quite such a tedious task…
5:04 PM 7th December 2019
Cancer Survivor Completes European Monkey Bike Challenge
A terminal cancer survivor who was the world’s first person to receive a multivisceral organ transplant has completed a 2000-mile Monkey Bike challenge, raising almost £3000 for charity. Adam Alderson, who underwent a gruelling operation to remove eight of his abdominal organs after contracting a rare form of terminal cancer, rode…
4:41 PM 7th December 2019
The Orihuela Costa
Sharon Cain
Time for Life Correspondent
Energy, endorphins and exercise: Our ‘Time for Life’ correspondent Sharon Cain in full swing on the Orihuela Costa.
…
5:00 PM 4th December 2019
Have You Got A Favourite Haribo Sweet?
When it comes to HARIBO, we all have a favourite. Whether it’s one of those squidgy fried eggs, delicious love hearts, or cute little gummy bears, we know exactly which ones we want to scoop first. But what are the chances of picking out your favourite from a bag and how…
1:32 AM 2nd December 2019
Christmas Cocktail - Seasonal Gimlet
Having a gathering with fellow gin-lovers? This sophisticated festive flavoured gimlet, created with our Navy Strength Gin, is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Seasonal Gimlet - Ingredients 50ml Slingsby Navy Strength Gin 30ml Spiced Lime Cordial 20g black pepper 10g star anise 5g clove 10ml lime juice Method: Combine the lime cordial with cracked…
9:00 AM 30th November 2019
Christmas Cocktail - Spiced Negroni
This seasonal twist on a classic gin cocktail will see you through chilly evenings in the run up to Christmas. Spiced Negroni - Ingredients 25ml Slingsby London Dry Gin 25ml Campari 25ml Dry Vermouth 15ml mulled wine Soda Method: Stir all ingredients, aside from the soda and Slingsby London Dry Gin, together…
4:53 AM 29th November 2019
Hotel Indigo, Chester
I always thought that the York's walls were the longest in the country but it turns out that the walls in Chester are the most complete. Something completely new in Chester in the brand new Indigo Hotel in the city. The brand is expanding rapidly but rather than each one being…
1:16 AM 18th November 2019
Christmas Pudding
The Aperitif Guy
Features Writer
The end of November is the time to make your Christmas puddings. They need a few weeks for the flavours to come together and mellow. Traditionally, the collect in the Book of Common Prayer for the last Sunday before Advent served as a reminder: Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord,…
6:31 AM 13th November 2019
Butternut Squash Soup, Spiced Seeds With A Nduja And Stilton Toastie
Ingredients - serves 6 For the soup 1kg butternut squash 2 shallots peeled and thinly sliced 75g of unsalted butter 1.5kg vegetable stock 150ml of double cream 1 tsp garam masala 1 tsp mild curry powder 2 tbsp mixed seeds 2 tbsp yoghurt olive oil For the toastie 100g Stilton cheese, crumbled 100g Nduja Sausage 6 slices sourdough bread 50g unsalted butter, softened Method Preheat the…
12:43 PM 5th November 2019
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