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The Unknown Health Benefits of Indoor Plants

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Plants can certainly brighten up your living space, but did you know that they can help improve your health too? There are a multitude of different ways that indoor plants can benefit you, both physically and mentally.

Indoor plants can improve the air quality in your home by breaking down compounds from man-made fibres and absorbing nasty chemicals from the air, essentially acting like a natural air filter. They are also highly effective at balancing humidity levels in the home as plants are capable of harvesting moisture from the air and absorbing it.

Having balanced humidity levels is essential for good overall air quality but it also prevents the growth of mould and mildew which are particularly common in damp spaces like the bathroom.

Houseplants have also been proven to help alleviate stress, resulting in reducing blood pressure, fatigue and even headaches. This combined with their air purifying abilities means that houseplants can help with sleep, as they create a fresh and breathable space. Plus, they also look super stylish and can really brighten up your bedroom.

 

wilko’s guide to helpful houseplants, and how to look after them:

Cactus plants

Cacti help to remove carbon dioxide in the air by absorbing it and then supplying us with fresh oxygen to breathe. They are easy to care for as they require very little watering. Miniature cacti look great on a home office desk – perfect for those who like clean, contemporary living spaces.

Snake plants

Snake plants have a lot of character and resemble the skin of a reptile with long, dark green leaves with colourful yellow edges. They survive with little moisture – perfect for those who forget to give it a water! They’re usually quite large in size so would be perfect sat next to French doors or on a large table top.

Succulent plants

Succulents are the perfect companion for your home office and are very on-trend with lots of stylish options to choose from. As a rough guideline, water them every 7-14 days in the warmer months and every 3-4 weeks in winter. Make sure to let the soil dry thoroughly between watering and put them near the window for some time to get extra light.

Peace lily

If the name isn’t calming enough then the plant certainly will be. This plant purifies the air and doesn’t need a lot of light. It does however need adequate watering when the soil is dry so does require some attention but remember, too damp and it won’t flourish!

Fresh flowers

If leafy plants aren’t your thing, or you can’t get hold of any, a nice big bunch of fresh flowers in a stylish vase will do the trick. You can even look for pretty foliage and flowers from your own garden – wild flowers and lavender also produce a beautiful smell throughout the home, perfect for creating a calm, relaxed ambience.

Indoor herb garden

If you want to kill two birds with one stone, then an indoor herb garden is just the thing. Not only will the process of growing the herbs purify the air, but the end result should provide you with tasty herbs for dinner! Not to mention, growing your own herbs is a great hobby that can bring the family together. To create your own mini indoor herb garden, all you’ll need is some small plant pots, compost and seeds. Herbs thrive best when soil is moist, but not soggy. A great tip is to use separate pots for each type of herb – this means you can care for each plant individually and top up any that may need more water than others.

Peter Hardie, garden buyer at wilko, said: “Indoor plants and herb gardens are a great way to inject a touch of nature into the home, particularly as they have been proven to benefit our physical and mental health. Not only can we accessorise our homes with trendy plants and pots, we can also create a breathable and non-toxic environment in our homes, just by adding a few plants around the house.

“We recommend choosing pots and planters to suit your interior style, but bold colours and fun prints are really on-trend at the minute, and can be a great way to accentuate mantlepieces, balconies or windowsills.”

 

For more information on wilko’s garden and outdoor living range, please visit wilko.com.

 

 

Inside The X Factor Finalists’ Plush 7-Bed House

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We love X Factor at Frost and have been enjoying the performances. We have also been getting major property envy at the beautiful house the contestants are living in. We can reveal that it is located in one of Barnet’s most sought-after streets, According to Zoopla the property was previously put on the market for £7million when it was last up for sale in 2013.

The remaining XFactor hopefuls can kick back in the lap of luxury in a seven-bedroom mansion in leafy North London ahead of the finals.

Zoopla.co.uk can offer a sneak peek inside the detached new-build residence – which features an indoor swimming pool, a cinema room, and even a state-of-the-art car lift – where the finalists will be living until the winner is chosen in December. Can we move in now please?

INSIDE THE X FACTOR FINALISTS’ PLUSH 7-BED PAD xfactorhouse2015 xfactorhouse2015d xfactorhouse2015home xfactorhouse2015kjh xfactorhouse2015bn xfactorhouse2015homefinal

Does Your Business Need a CE Marking?

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fittosize__188_0_6b5875022545918593cca24dce9d3f1a_f_press_title_seminars_and_courses_shu159781091_cold1_3c_2015_08_800px_webBeing safe in business is important. Lawsuits or worse could happen if you do not make sure your products work well and have no faults. the business world is littered with stories of companies that did not make the necessary steps to protect their company and their customers. In fact, since 1995 manufacturers have had to make sure they get their machines assessed to make sure they conform to safety standards. A CE marking confirms that the machinery adheres to all of the necessary health and safety requirements of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC as well as other relevant EU directives. In fact, all machinery imported from non-EU countries requires a CE mark, irrespective of the year of construction.

 

We have all seen CE markings on things we have bought but how do you get one? A company like Pilz, who are an accredited inspection body for machinery and safeguarding devices, will do all of the work for you. Pilz are one of the only companies that are prepared to take responsibility for the conformity assessment procedure. They sign as the authorised representative on the declaration of conformity, confirming that the requirements of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC have been met. Their staff work to a high level of technical competence and they leave you with peace of mind, knowing that your machinery reaches the required quality. This not only guarantee access to European market but it means you will have Pilz as your representative. Doing CE markings with Pilz also protects your workforces without compromising on productivity.

 

After Pilz identify and apply the relevant standards and directives, carrying our the necessary inspections, tests and measurements, you will have a complete CE-marking in conformance with legal requirements. For extra peace of mind they also create and archive the required legal documents and manage the certificate. Great stuff indeed.

 

 

Where To Spend Valentine’s Day

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Bespoke Valentine’s Day menu at Michelin starred restaurant Launceston Place

 

Head chef, Tim Allen from Launceston Place, will be creating a bespoke menu for one couple this Valentine’s Day. Upon booking, the couple will have the exclusive opportunity to have their ultimate menu created by Michelin starred Tim Allen, featuring their loved ones most desired dishes and favourite foods. The couple will enjoy their meal with the luxury of privacy in the romantic Chef’s Office, with each course served to them personally by Chef Allen. In addition to this, Launceston Place’s head sommelier will work with the couple to choose the perfect accompanying aperitif and wines to complement the bespoke menu. With a minimum spend price tag of £500, this unique experience is one of London’s most lavish ways to spoil your other half this Valentine’s Day. For more information or to book this bespoke experience contact 020 7937 6912 or email Ruth (ruthb@danddlondon.com). www.launcestonplace-restaurant.co.uk/offer/valentine-s-day-experience/1648

 

LOVE IS IN THE AIR THIS VALENTINE’S DAY AT ZINC
This VALENTINE’S, brand new nightclub Zinc will throw a Valentine’s party where people could find love in the air at the summit of the iconic Centre Point building. Already becoming renowned for its world class DJs playing a unique blend of beach house, melodic, hard house and electro and a 24-hour license, Zinc will host a Valentines’ Party that looks set to be both a musical and visual feast. Guests can enjoy a Valentine’s cocktail, world class DJs and the chance to find love above the clouds!

Love is in the Air at Zinc

Friday 14th February 2014
10pm-4am
£55 per person
East Side tables: £1500
West Side tables: £500
Zinc
Centre Point
101-103 New Oxford Street
London , WC1A 1DD
www.zinc.uk.net

 

Share the love at Benares

 

To celebrate the most romantic day of the year, Benares, Atul Kochhar’s Michelin starred Indian restaurant, will be offering a five course Valentine’s Day menu designed for sharing. Couples will begin their evening with a specially created Champagne cocktail before tucking into dishes such as pan roasted Scottish scallops, ginger and grape dressing, classic tandoori organic free range Suffolk chicken for two, red onion salad, olive and tomato naan and Atul’s re-invented cream roll with strawberries.

 

The Benares Chef’s Table, an exquisite private dining space, is also available for an evening of Valentine’s indulgence. After being welcomed with a glass of Champagne and a special gift from Benares, couples will be treated to a six course tasting menu with perfectly matched wines whilst watching the chefs in action through a glass wall.

 

The Valentine’s Day menu is available on Friday 14th from 6.30pm for £75 per person, or at lunch and before 6.30pm for £50 per person. The Chef’s table package is priced upon enquiry.  www.BenaresRestaurant.com

 

CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY AT THE AMPERSAND HOTEL

Deluxe Studios from £280

Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea from £32.50 per person

 

A romantic break in London is the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift and a stay at The Ampersand Hotel, South Kensington, is sure to woo loved ones. Guests looking for the wow-factor should book a Deluxe Studio; complete with king size bed, a grand freestanding bath and impressive views of London. With its stunning botanical themed interior, love is sure to bloom.

 

Once settled in, guests can choose to enjoy a Champagne Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea in the privacy of their guestroom.  The Ampersand Hotel ensures a soupçon of romance is sprinkled throughout the guests’ experience, from the book of love poetry placed in guest rooms to the love note that guests are encouraged to pen to their loved one prior to thestay; left on the guests’ bed as an additional surprise.

 

VALENTINE’S DAY FOR SINGLES

Ensuring that it’s not just couples that have all the fun on Valentine’s Day, The Ampersand Hotel will also be serving Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea in The Drawing Rooms; perfect for a group of friends.

 

APERO

For a relaxed Valentine’s Day meal, head to Apero and enjoy the delicious sharing menu created by Head Chef Chris Golding. Located in the original 19th century vault below the luxurious décor of The Ampersand Hotel, Apero offers a taste of the Mediterranean with a tempting menu of sharing plates and cocktails.

 

The Ampersand Hotel, 10 Harrington Road, London, SW7 3ER

http://www.ampersandhotel.com/

 

Valentine’s Day Special at Plum + Spilt Milk

Enjoy this Valentine’s Day at Plum + Spilt Milk, located in the renovated and incredibly decadent Great Northern Hotel. Priced at £65 per person, their delicious sharing menu includes a glass of Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose Champagne on arrival, a Native Seafood Platter, 32 Day Aged Beef Wellington and Chocolate Fondue. www.plumandspiltmilk.com/

 

Copa de Cava (located beneath Camino Restaurant Blackfriars)

Enjoy perfect pairings of cava and tapas at Copa de Cava; the UK’s first authentic cava bar, this Valentine’s Day. Priced at £60 per person, their specially designed menu combines six authentic cava’s each carefully paired with accompanying tapas dishes including the Presa Ibérica; a succulent shoulder of rare Ibérico pig, creamy pearl barley, Ibérico ham and Manchego. For anyone with a sweet tooth the Crema Catalana; cinnamon custard foam, crispy caramel and freeze dried raspberry, is the perfect end to a romantic evening. www.camino.uk.com/restaurants/copa-de-cava/

 

Valentine’s Menu at Bonnie Gull Seafood Shack

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the ‘seaside restaurant in the City’. Priced at £65 per person, Bonnie Gull has created a unique Valentine’s taster menu including champagne and oysters, halibut, venison as well as a selection of sweet treats. To view the full menu and to keep up to date, please follow the team here. www.facebook.com/pages/Bonnie-Gull/202711063100754?fref=ts www.bonniegull.com/

 

HONK IF YOU’RE HORNY THIS VALENTINE’S DAY AT HONKY TONK
Valentine’s day is just around the corner but fear not singletons, Honky Tonk has the answer to all your prayers. This year come and join the singles party on 14th February at both Honky Tonk Chelsea & Honky Tonk Clapham and Honky If You’re Horny! Each table will have a very special cupids horn on it and when you see a certain someone who catches your eye, give it a good squeeze & let them know that they could be your valentine’s this year!

For those attending the party at Honky Tonk Clapham the wheel of fortune will also be transformed into the wheel of love where you can win a shot and other prizes to give to the lucky lady or lad who you may have your eye on. So come down and celebrate Valentine’s day the Honky Tonk way.

Both Honky Tonks are rapidly becoming West London’s destination diners of choice. They offer regular live music and entertainment, with a particular emphasis on a variation of the blues, jazz and rockabilly played over a hundred years ago when the first honky tonks sprung up in the Southern and Southwestern United States.

Honky Tonk Valentine’s day
Friday 14th February 2014

Honky Tonk Chelsea
6 Hollywood Road,
London
SW10 9HY
Tel: 0207 351 1588

Opening Times: Tues- Sat, 6pm-12.30am

Honky Tonk Clapham
16a Clapham Common South Side,
London
SW4 7AB
Tel: 020 7627 6257
W: www.honkytonklondon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/honkytonk.clapham/
Twitter: @honkytonklondon
Opening Times: Monday-Wednesday 5 pm to 12 pm, Thurs 5pm -1am,
Friday 5pm-1.30 am, Sat 12pm- 2am, Sunday12pm-11.30pm

 

FISHBone pop-up diner at Kensington Place

Inspired by the restaurant’s hit summer menu, Kensington Place in Notting Hill will transform its private dining room into a pop-up diner of the same name this February. Dishes will include a range of ‘fast-fish’ dishes, including Salmon ‘doner’ with pitta, cucumber and yoghurt and Pulled skate with beurre noisette and capers, alongside the classic Scallopdog with brown shrimp and cucumber vierge. White wine sangria, hot and cold sake and a selection of British beers and spirits make up the drinks list. Seating only 36 diners, FISHbone will be a quirky and informal addition to the West London dining scene. www.kensingtonplace-restaurant.co.uk/offer/fishbone-pop-up-coming-soon/1640

 

Get hooked on Angler at South Place Hotel this Valentine’s Day

 

Feed your romance at the Michelin-starred restaurant Angler, located in The City atop the cool and contemporary South Place Hotel, a rose-petal trail away from Liverpool Street station. With stunning views of the London skyline, the award winning Angler is a gourmet dining experience to share with your other half. The restaurant will be serving a decadent Valentine’s Day set menu on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th February, priced at £85 per person, prepared by Executive Chef Tony Fleming. The simple yet sophisticated six course menu will feature the best of British seafood sourced from across the British Isles. The beautifully presented dishes include carpaccio of octopus, served with a salad of squid and mango, with soy and ginger dressing; fillet of brill with ragout of squid, fennel puree and sea purslane; and milk chocolate mousse with blood orange to share.

 

Couples wanting to completely escape can indulge with the “Chef’s View package” which includes dining in Angler’s Chef’s View to watch the skilled team at work, while taking in the venue’s beautiful interiors and signature mirrored ceilings. Guests can tuck into a personalised menu created by Tony himself and take advantage of their own dedicated sommelier for the evening, before staying overnight in South Place Hotel’s luxury Suite 610: a chic open-plan living space filled with design classics and saucy artwork, whilst offering panoramic City views and did we mention the glass bathtub? The offer is priced at £1,370 and also includes a bottle of Moet Champagne on arrival, homemade chocolate truffles and rose petals on the bed at turn down.

http://anglerrestaurant.com/

 

Copa de Cava

 

For true romance this Valentine’s Day, enjoy perfect pairings of cava and tapas at the beautiful Copa de Cava, the UK’s first dedicated cava bar. Priced at £60 per person, their tasting menu carefully matches six of the best cavas from Spain with creative and authentic tapas. From Presa Ibérica and hand carved jamón, to seafood and cheeses, to a deliciously sweet Crema Catalana, you’ll enjoy a romantic voyage of discovery through Spain’s incredible food and wine producing regions.

 

Call 0207 125 0930 or email reservationscopadecava@camino.uk.com to book a table. Copa de Cava is located a minute from Blackfriars station and 5 minutes from St Pauls.

 

Valentine’s Day Special at Plum + Spilt Milk

 

This Valentine’s Day, Plum + Spilt Milk are offering a delicious sharing menu for two priced at £65 per person including a glass of Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne on arrival, a Native Seafood Platter, 32 Day Aged Beef Wellington and Chocolate Fondue. Located in the newly renovated and incredibly decadent Great Northern Hotel, it is the perfect setting.

 

http://plumandspiltmilk.com

 

Valentine’s Menu at Bonnie Gull Seafood Shack

 

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the ‘seaside restaurant in the City’. Priced at £65 per person, Bonnie Gull has created a unique Valentine’s taster menu including champagne and oysters, halibut, venison as well as a selection of sweet treats. To view the full menu and to keep up to date, please follow the team here. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bonnie-Gull/202711063100754?fref=ts

Pont de la Tour – #PontMemories

 

Iconic Butlers Wharf restaurant, Le Pont de la Tour, has started its Valentine’s Day celebrations early, by running a social media campaign called #PontMemories. They are calling for diners past and present to share happy memories of times spent at the restaurant for a chance to win a complimentary glass of champagne over Valentine’s weekend. In addition, one lucky couple will win a complimentary meal. www.lepontdelatour.co.uk

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Ametsa at The Halkin by COMO

 

Celebrate the most romantic day of the year by treating your other half to an eight course tasting menu at the Michelin starred Ametsa with Arzak Instruction which specialises in exquisite New Basque Cuisine. The set menu is priced at £105 per person, and at £145 per person with matching wines.

 

Couples looking for a more casual way to spend the evening can enjoy “Love Bites”, a selection of Ametsa’s delicious Basque tapas dishes served in the cosy Halkin Bar. Priced at £24.50 per person, the menu includes mini desserts and wine pairings. Ametsa is located in the refined and luxurious Halkin by COMO, in London’s Belgravia. For bookings please contact Ametsa on 020 7333 1234 or email ametsa.thehalkin@comohotels.com. www.comohotels.com/thehalkin/dining/ametsa

 

Shake Shack’s “Valentine”

 

This Valentine’s Day Shake Shack customers will be given a Shake Shack “Valentine” voucher for a complimentary single cup or cone of their legendary frozen custard.

Dense, rich and creamy ice cream, spun fresh daily right at the Shack, the frozen custard can be redeemed on their next visit through to 31st March 2014. Any couples dining on the day will also be offered a complimentary glass of prosecco.  Happy Valentine’s from the team at Shake Shack!

www.shakeshack.co.uk

 

Valentine’s at Vertigo 42

 

This Valentine’s Day couples can enjoy a romantic afternoon tea at London’s highest Champagne bar Vertigo 42. A selection of finger sandwiches, scones and sweet treats can be enjoyed with tea, toasted with a glass of Palmer Rose pink Champagne for £40 per person.

 

Vertigo 42 is also offering a Valentine’s evening package of a bottle of Palmer Rose Champagne, a canapé sharing platter for two and a selection of macaroons. Served with breathtaking views of the City skyline for £150 per couple. http://www.vertigo42.co.uk/

 

Burn’s Night At Seven Park Place By William Drabble Review

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Situated in the luxurious St James Hotel and Club, Seven Park Place is a Michelin-starred venue with all the class you would expect. I joined a fun and varied group of women for a Burn’s Night Preview; a six-course meal with matching wine that finishes with a glass of Highland Park 18-year-old whiskey. This is what we had:
haggis ravoli Seven Park Place
scallops(Sorry about the pictures. They were taken on my Blackberry so I could be discreet)
Uig Lodge smoked haddock soup with whiskey
Seared hand-dived Scottish scallops with garlic puree and parsley oil
The wine we had with these courses: Solo Quinta, Cramele Recas, Romania, 2012
I have never had soup with whiskey before but what a clever idea. This soup is just stunning, with perfectly cooked smoked haddock. I love scallops and these seared scallops with garlic puree and parsley oil were perfect on every level.
scottishfood haggis
Poached Scottish langoustine with buttered cabbage, foie gras sauce and truffle
Ravioli of haggis with confit of turnip, whiskey and thyme jus
The wine served with this course: Riesling Trocken Qba, Sybille Kuntz, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany 2010
The poached langoustine was just superb, one of my fellow diners called it a ‘posh prawn cocktail’. It just tastes like some sort of heaven. The ravioli of haggis is a stunning invention from William Drabble. It is such a smart idea and it tastes amazing, as does the sauce which sounds like a weird combination but really works.
venison
Saddle of Scottish highland venison with beetroot
Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon Royale, Koyle Estate, Colchagua Valley, Chile, 2009
The venison is perfectly cooked and the whole meal just works amazingly.
cheese
Selection of British cheese by Paxton & Whitfield
A wonderful selection of cheese. Very tasty.
souffle
Souffle of Scottish raspberries with dark chocolate sauce
Wine: Coteaux-Du-Layon Saint-Aubin, Domaine Des Barres, Loire Valley, France, 2012
This souffle is impressive not just because it tastes delicious, but also because it was huge and arrived from two floors down still  beautifully risen. It is the best souffle I have ever had and the dark chocolate sauce is perfect. The texture of the souffle is great. A wonderful dessert. Seven Park Place is a Michelin-starred venue and even if you didn’t know this before you went, it would soon be obvious. The food will be some of the best you have ever tasted and the imagination of the chef is truly impressive.
truffle
Chocolate and Apple Truffles

These truffles were unbelievable. And the one in the middle was like a very posh apple fruit pastel. I could eat these everyday and not even care if I got fat. Wow and wow.

And to finish….
highlandparkwhiskey
A glass of Highland Park 18-year-old Whiskey
What to say? Great whiskey: true luxury.After the meal we got to have a chat with William Drabble and I promptly made him an honoury Scot. I complimented William on his cooking and he swept away the compliment by saying it was the good, Scottish, ingredients. He is far too modest and also said that the food is simple as you have to realise that the other people in the kitchen cannot cook as well as you. William manages to make food heaven in a small kitchen, two-floors down, with a staff of only six. Both impressive and surprising. Williams mantra is, “Make it simple, think about it and make it idiot-proof.” Sounds like the perfect system. In the kitchen they drink tea in the morning and water to clean their palette so they can taste the food properly.During the evening sommelier Marco Feraldi told us about each wine. Marco really knows his stuff and every single wine was amazing. I am very fussy about wine but I loved it all. Especially the Solo Quinta, Cramele Recas, Romania, 2012. I had never tried Romanian wine before but I am now hooked.I had a wonderful evening, the food truly was stunning. The perfect place for the perfect Burns Night.

You can catch the Burn’s Night Menu at  Seven Park Place between January 20-26.

Seven Park Place, St James Hotel and Club, 7-8 Park Place, SW1A 1LS.

£72 or £126 with paired wines. (£13 supplement for cheese selection) Phone:020 7316 1615

stjameshotelandclub.com

Too Hot To Work Legally: Beat The Heat.

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The sun is shining and it’s the 1st time the thermometer has hit the 30s in yonks. Cooped up in your office, it’s vital for your health to drink lots of water and keep cool – but we all know this, right?

With offices failing to adhere to health and safety regulations, fans have been removed leaving staff overheated in a fan-free stuffy workplace…and we just don’t agree!

The heat wave is meant to continue on and off throughout August and with the hottest day of the UK (so far) reaching a whopping 33.5 degrees, offices should be kept at a reasonable temperature (16 degrees) with ventilation and fans being provided during these periods of hot weather. So to keep you cool, Prezzybox are offering our customers a USB LED Fan for just £6.95. No safety regulations or electrical testing required for the office, just plug in and keep cool in these increasingly warm temperatures. Don’t wait for them to sell out; get your hands on them while they’re still in stock!

fan staytherightempature

The House of Peroni Launch Party

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What: OPENING NIGHT AT THE HOUSE OF PERONI
When: 02.07.13 7PM
Where: 41 PORTLAND PLACE, LONDON. W1B 1QH
We had a ball at the opening of The House of Peroni. The music was great, the people were stylish, and the cocktails were different and stunning. They had Peroni beer in them and looked great too. The food was cooked by the Michelin-Starred Costardi Brothers, Christian and Manuel.  There risotto was superb (and served in a can, a great touch) and I also loved their pea soup with mozzarella and croutons. The brothers are head chefs at the family-run Michelin-starred Hotel Cinzia in Vercelli. Their grandparents opened the hotel in 1967. Their food went down a treat and everyone was tucking in without any self consciousness as the food was so great. We even bumped into Antonio Carluccio. If he liked the food, it must be pretty good!
There was also great art, a favourite of mine was by Milan based visual artist Carlo Bernardini. The light artist works with optic fibre. His art is below. His use of light and space was amazing and you could not tell where the walls in the room were. Bernardini is an artist of exceptional talent.
We had an amazing night. Visit the The House of Peroni.soon for a great dose of Italian style.
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MINT Polo in the Park 2013: Frost Learns How To Play Polo

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I have always been intrigued by polo. Playing a sport is hard enough but playing it on a horse seems almost impossible. So can someone who has never done it before learn to play? Frost writer James and I went to the Chesterton Humberts MINT Polo in the Park Academy day to learn how to play polo. Neither of us had been on a horse for a while so we thought it would be interesting!

First of all we are taught the moves by excellent professional polo players Andrew Murray and Rosie Ross. I don’t do well at first but Andrew sets me straight by correcting how I am holding the mallet and telling me to look at the ball, not straight ahead. Otherwise you top the ball instead of hitting it straight on. Andrew is a brilliant teacher and I soon find myself gaining confidence and hitting the ball properly. We are also told the rules of Polo.

After we have gone through the shots it is time for a riding lesson. Some of us are more nervous than others. I can’t remember the last time I was on a horse and neither can James. I get on my horse, Talia, and she looks at me as if to say “I have no idea who you are but you certainly don’t seem to know what you are doing.’

Catherine BalavageIn the photo above I look pretty confident but actually when I first got on the horse I was slightly nervous. This all went away after I got into the swing of it. We have a riding lesson which taught us how to make the horse do what we want, how to hold the reins, go left and right and cantor. In polo you hold the reins with one hand so you can hold the mallet with the other one. This seems difficult at first but it isn’t.

The day is an incredible amount of fun and I manage to show some authority and get my horse to listen to me.

After the riding lesson we play some polo. It really is addictive and a huge amount of fun. I want to do it more now. It is fun and challenging. I have realised that the most fun things have an element of scariness attached to them and polo certainly fits that bill. I love it.

James thrives and even wins the Most Improved Player trophy. Afterwards we are issued certificates to say we graduated. It was a brilliant day. I am hooked now.

 

 

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Kick Off The Summer Social Season With
MINT Polo in the Park 2013
Be a part of this unique London lifestyle event which blends fashion,
retail and gastronomy with thrilling, high-octane polo.
Where:
Hurlingham Park, Fulham, SW6 3RQ.
Event dates:
7th, 8th & 9th June 2013
Friday 7th June:
City Friday, 12:00 – 21:00 hrs
Saturday 8th June:
Ladies’ Day, 12:00 – 20:00 hrs
Sunday 9th June:
Finals Day, 12:00 – 19:00 hrs
For the fifth consecutive year, Hurlingham Park in Fulham will play host to one of the most hotly anticipated sporting and
social events in London’s calendar; on June 7th, 8th and 9th the hallowed turf will thunder with the hooves of world class
polo ponies. Enjoy a day of entertainment at the spiritual home of polo, which is conveniently located in central London.
On the field, teams from around the globe will compete to be crowned champions of MINT Polo in the Park 2013.
This year’s event will guarantee a quintessentially British atmosphere fused with the truly international flavour of the
sport, with the four corners of the globe being represented by IG Index Team Sydney, Mandarin Oriental Team Beijing,
Otkritie Team Moscow, City AM Team Abu Dhabi and the ever-popular Camino Real Team Buenos Aires, plus the home
team and 2012 Champions, MINT Team London. It is the perfect way to kick off the summer social season with friends,
family, clients or colleagues.
Eat, drink, shop, socialise, enjoy world-class hospitality and see thrilling polo with the thousands of guests who return
year after year to this multi award-winning event.
Winner of the 2010 and 2011 London Sport Attraction of the Year at The London Lifestyle Awards, MINT Polo in the Park
is the leading outdoor polo and lifestyle event in Central London. It is regarded highly for its innovative format and
provides the perfect introduction for those less well-acquainted with the sport.
2013 Features
We are delighted to announce a range of off-field features, entertainment and hospitality areas. Some are brand new
additions to the event and others are the welcome return of favourites from previous years.
KERB Food Market
KERB Food Market is a new pitch-side addition which offers an abundance of fresh produce from Britain and abroad.
Providing variety and great value food, KERB gives you the opportunity to sample some of the finest fresh produce and
delicious summer party favourites throughout the three-day event.
The Pommery Champagne Garden
The Pommery Champagne Garden gives spectators first-class service and spectacular views of the polo. Relax on the
deck chairs, challenge your friends to a game of table football or simply sit back in the salubrious surroundings and sip
on a glass of vintage Pommery.
Mahiki
2013 sees the return of London’s premier nightclub, which will take pride of place and offer some of the best pitch-side
views of the polo action. Renowned as one of the places to be in on the capital’s social scene, Mahiki blends a
Polynesian ambiance with chic luxury London living.
Crown & Corgi Pub
A proper British pub is clearly an important addition to such a quintessentially British sporting and social event. The
Crown & Corgi provides a fantastic vantage point from which to get close to the on-field action. In addition the bar has
been extended from last year so that you can spend less time ordering drinks and more time enjoying them.
The PIMM’S Bus
The iconic double decker bus will provide the centre piece of the white picket fenced PIMM’s garden. Their expert
mixologists provide you with possibly the most revered and established summer party beverage, which no British social
occasion would be complete without. Recline on the deck chairs and soak up the very best of British.
CLUBHOUSE
Stella Artois is proud to be the Official Lager Supplier to MINT Polo in the Park 2013.
Guests are invited to visit the Stella Artois Clubhouse which will embody the upmost sophistication and where master
draftsmen will serve chalices of perfectly poured Stella Artois; introducing them to the discerning style and authenticity
of the brand.
The KERB food market
KERB are a centrally organised community of independent ‘Street-Food’ vendors. They have a strict vetting process
based on the highest levels of product, sourcing, health and hygiene, as well as style and originality. KERB are well
known in both the ‘foodie’ and ‘trendy’ circles of London for their phenomenal variety and world famous burgers.
Luxury Shopping Village
Featuring over 40 exhibitors selling a wide range of quality products, the Luxury Shopping Village is a wonderful
showcase of products you might not find on the high street. From hats to Argentine leather goods and bespoke
jewellery to exquisite works of art and some of the finest accessories for town and country, our retailers are ready to
help you find that extra special souvenir of your day.
 
Club Med Kids
As the leading family travel organiser, Club Med have joined us to ensure all members of the family are kept entertained
at MINT Polo in the Park. Our extended and improved Kids’ Zone reflects a truly family-friendly event which caters for
parents and children alike. The secure, supervised area will feature soft play, face painting, ball pools, competitions and
music. The Club Med Kids’ Zone means that you can bring the entire family for a great day out with us.
Finals Day (Sun 9th June)
In addition to the weekend-long Club Med Kids’ Zone, Sunday 9th June will see not only the mounting tension of the
polo as the teams progress towards the final, but also a range of on-field entertainment between matches catering for
children of all ages. In addition to this, exclusively on Finals Day we will be running a range of on-field activities
especially for children. These activities will be free and will run from Midday until 1.45pm offering a great start to any
child’s day out. On-field activities will include a giant inflatable slide, relay races, British Bulldog and dodgeball run by
our partner charity, Walking With The Wounded. We will also have children’s entertainers circulating within the crowd
throughout the day, providing the ultimate family experience.
Charity Work
MINT Polo in the Park is delighted to announce that Walking with the Wounded will return as the official charity partner
for MINT Polo in the Park 2013. Walking with the Wounded raises money to fund the training of wounded service
personnel so that they are equipped with the skills and qualifications required to find long-term employment and create
secure futures for themselves and their families. Later this year Walking With The Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge
2013 will see teams of wounded servicemen and women from the four corners of the globe race across the Antarctic.
Ticket Packages
MINT Polo in the Park brings polo from its traditional home in the counties to the heart of London and our ticketing
packages are tailored to suit a range of requirements. Bookings for individual and group tickets are made via
Ticketmaster on 0844 248 5069.
General Admission
Enjoy the event with the ability to roam around all public areas of the venue.
Grandstand Tickets
In addition to access to the venue at ground level, this pass allows you access to the Grandstand for the seats with the
best views of the action. Purchasing a Grandstand Ticket means your seat will be allocated exclusively to you.
Family & Groups
Share the experience with friends and family by taking advantage of our family and group discounts.
– Family Ticket includes two adults and two children.
– Groups of 10-20 people: Save 10%
– Groups of 21-30 people: Save 15%
– Groups of 31 or over: Save 20%
VIP Hospitality at The Hurlingham Club
Enjoy luncheon at one of the UK’s most prestigious members’ club, its history inextricably linked to the history of polo.
Walk through the beautiful 42-acre garden following lunch to the private pitch-side Hurlingham Club Enclosure where
you will enjoy our hospitality and fantastic views of the polo. Please contact Rachel at City Events on 0207 936 5284 or
VIP Hospitality at Hurlingham Park
Polo and social entertaining go hand-in-hand so if you have a summer celebration, are organising a group visit or wish
to entertain clients or colleagues then these private, staffed marquees are perfect for your event.
Pricing
Friday 7th June
General Admission (no restriction on access to the Grandstand on Friday ONLY)
Adult
£20
(£5 after 5pm)
Child
£10
(free after 5pm)
Family
£60
Saturday 8th June
Grandstand
Adult
£45
Child
£15
Family
£110
General Admission
Adult
£35
Child
£15
Family
£75
Sunday 9th June
Grandstand
Adult
£40
Child
£10
Family
£80
General Admission
Adult
£25
Child
£10
Family
£60
Find more about MINT Polo in the Park
PoloInTheParkLondon.com | Facebook.com/PoloInThePark | @PoloInThePark
Tickets
Ticketmaster
0844 248 5069