Friday, September 25, 2015

Dublin can be heaven...and a spot of Tapas Afternoon Tea!

Are you heading to Dublin City this weekend? Don't miss out on a real treat in one of my personal favourite Wine Bars!

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Ireland's first 'Afternoon Tapas Tea' served at Bach 16   #Dublin    #Delicious    #First

Bach 16 on Dublin's Bachelor's Walk is one of Dublin's best casual dining spots. It's rustic, tiny, Tuscan town tapas style restaurant has proven to be a huge hit with tourists and locals since it opened almost two years ago. Known for their wine,  tapas ,and  thin and crispy stone baked pizza, Bach 16 on Dublin's famous Bachelor's walk is one to try and now they have launched Ireland's first ever Afternoon Tapas Tea served with bubbles! Read their reviews on Tripadvisor


Afternoon tea is a much loved treat for all occasions. Traditionally synonymous with fancy hotels, however, the market for the dainty three tiered Victorian special has widened with establishments casual to contemporary competing to offer something different to appeal to the in-demand experience. 

Some have taken a modern approach  while others have added signature dishes or treats to the traditional tea in a bid to be different. You'll find almost every variation and alternative twist to afternoon tea out there, and now Bach 16 on Dublin's Bachelor's Walk have taken it a step further introducing a taste-bud tantalising tapas treat. Ireland's first  Afternoon Tapas Tea.
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Edward Smith of Bach 16 commented, "We wanted to create something special which  still embodied the tradition of the three tier afternoon tea experience,  that people love. As Bach 16 is a Tapas Wine Bar,  we felt a savoury selection of tasty tapas topped with an array of cheeses for dessert, washed down with a glass of bubbles would go down well."
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Introducing  'Afternoon Tapas Tea' 
Known for their mouth watering tapas and stone baked, thin and crispy pizza, Bach 16 have concentrated their love for making  tasty tapas to  create the Afternoon Tapas Tea. The bottom tier holds:
  • Stone baked chicken and chorizo served on a bed of spinach topped with a drizzle of the finest 6 year aged Italian reduction
  • a roasted red pepper stuffed with goat cheese, crushed walnuts on a bed of leaf, topped with a drizzle of honey presented in a heart shaped baking tray
  • Hummus in olive oil, sprinkled in herbs served with crispy dipping bread & Olives

Middle Tier
  • Bach 16's signature Bruschetta, thin and crispy toasted bread smothered in hummus, freshly chopped tomato and melted cheese, topped with pesto 
  • Italian Pate served with cranberry sauce, goat cheese and crispy bread
Top Tier 
  • Punnet of seedless grapes surrounded by Irish , french and Italian cheeses served with a mini pot of butter scotch and honey 

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€19.50 per person
*Afternoon Tapas Tea accompanied by a glass of prosecco or wine  €25.50
For Afternoon Tapas Tea bookings:
01 8720215 / reservations@bach16.com 
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Twitter: @bach16cafe
Facebook: Bach 16 
Bach 16, 16 Bachelor's Walk, Dublin 1

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

New England in the Fall


New perspectives of New England’s legendary Fall foliage

I am a big fan of this beautiful part of the United States and Boston is possibly one of my favourite cities in the world. In fact I love it so much I will be bringing my son there this autumn and this latest press release from the New England tourist board has me very excited. If New England in the fall isn't on your bucket list then put it on quickly!


Experience New England’s legendary Fall from a completely new perspective this autumn on an incredible tour which travels high above or directly through awe-inspiring valleys and mountains carpeted in stunning hues of gold, scarlet, purple and orange.

From seaplane, balloon and helicopter tours to a vintage steam train excursion, a forested canoe tour and an exhilarating zip line experience, the six states of Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and Rhode Island offer plenty of exciting ways to see the famous New England Fall.

Enjoy truly awe-inspiring views of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park draped in stunning autumnal colours. A  high-wing Cessna 172 plane provides unobstructed views over the park’s foliage, the island’s entire shoreline, three historic lighthouses, mountains and islands along the western shore. Prices for the 35 minute tour start from $109 per person. To book, visit www.scenicflightsofacadia.com

Board a vintage carriage on the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat for the ultimate Fall foliage tour of the unspoilt Connecticut River Valley. This 2.5 hour excursion travels through boldly hued countryside. Then, from the open decks of the Becky Thatcher River Boat, take in views of hills bursting with colour and a river engulfed in orange and red. The excursion includes a three course lunch and starts from $54 per person. To book, visit www.essexsteamtrain.com

For the ultimate Fall thrill  why note fly 225 feet above ground level through the foliage and up and over a carpet of autumnal colours near Lincoln, New Hampshire. The SUPER SkyRider, Alpine Adventure’s ultimate zip tour, boasts an assault course of 18 zip lines and suspension bridges and travels at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. Prices start from $115 per person. To book, visit www.alpinezipline.com

Balloon flight over Vermont’s Green Mountains
In October hot air balloon flights will drift calmly over the sparkling shores of Lake Champlain and the newly red and amber hues of the Green Mountains in Vermont. Departing from historic Essex, the tour offers unrivalled vistas with champagne, Vermont fudge, sparkling cider, Cabot cheddar cheese and crackers. Prices start from $300 per person. To book, visitwww.balloonvermont.com

Canoe tour of Massachusetts’ Nashoba River

Glide gently along a river engulfed in a forest of colour with a canoe tour of the Nashoba River from Groton in Massachusetts. Travellers will experience the colours shimmering in the water all around them as they journey along three miles of narrow, meandering channel and into areas of lily ponds and woodlands. Tour prices start from $35 per person. To book, visitwww.nashobapaddler.com

Board a helicopter in Middleton, Rhode Island for a colourful 25 minute tour in America’s smallest state. Once in the air, enjoy unobstructed views of the finest foliage surrounding Tiverton, Westport and Little Compton, Westport River and local vineyards. Alternatively, the Elusive Islands tour takes in the colours of Aquidneck Island and Rose Island.  Prices start from $90 per person (minimum booking of two required). To book, visit www.riaerial.com

 

                                                                                            

To learn more about New England, visit discovernewengland.co.uk

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Anyone for cricket? Antigua and Barbuda special!


Sir Viv Richards, aka the Master Blaster, officially launched the Lord’s Taverners 65th Anniversary Tour in October, confirming Antigua and Barbuda as the destination. Cricketing royalty such as Sir VivMike Gatting OBE, Luke Wright and Andy Caddick will join celebrities for five days of pro-celebrity cricket to be played on the stunning beaches of Antigua and Barbuda.12-16 October 2015

International Cricket Tours is offering fans the opportunity to watch iconic players and celebrities bowl and bat whilst in Antigua and Barbuda. Priced from £1,699 per person, the package is inclusive of 4 nights’ accommodation at the Sugar Ridge hotel, which hosted the England cricket team last year during their West Indies tour.

Pro-Celebrity Cricket Tour in Antigua & Barbuda with International Cricket Tours
from £1,699 per person

International Cricket Tours is offering fans the-once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch iconic players and celebrities bowl and bat whilst in Antigua and Barbuda. Cricketing royalty such as Mike Gatting OBE and Andy Caddick, ex England cricketer and former leading English wicket-taker, will join celebrities such as Nick Hancock and Jonnie Irwin for five days of pro-celebrity cricket to be played on the stunning beaches of Antigua and Barbuda.
Priced from £1,699 per person, the package is inclusive of 4 nights’ accommodation at the luxurious Sugar Ridge hotel, which hosted the England cricket team last year during their West Indies tour, and return flights from London Gatwick with British Airways or Virgin Atlantic (departing on 10th and 12th October respectively). The package will also include a cocktail reception with the players, a catamaran day trip, a night time 20/20 cricket match at the Sir Viv Richards Cricket Ground and beach cricket at the Valley Church Beach with a post-match BBQ.

Packages for 7 nights available from £1,699 per person, variable durations available on request. Price is based on two sharing a double room.
To book visit www.internationalcrickettours.co.uk/taverners-tours/or call 0203 824 8444.

Fancy a day at the Exeter Races...then read on!


Luxury boutique hotel, Cary Arms in Devon, is celebrating the start of the Autumn racing season with an exclusive racing-themed break hosted by legendary Grand National winner, Bob Champion. 

The two night package is priced at £397.50 per person including accommodation, breakfast, an evening dinner with Bob Champion and a day at Exeter Races. Visitors can fly into Exeter from Dublin with FlyBe.  



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THAT’S CHAMPION!
Cary Arms teams up with Legendary Jockey on Exclusive Autumn Break


·           Luxury boutique hotel, The Cary Arms, celebrates start of Autumn racing season with exclusive racing break
·           Guests to enjoy gourmet dinner with legendary Grand National winner, Bob Champion, plus day of top class winter racing at Exeter Races

SEPTEMBER 2015 – Devon’s Cary Arms, situated in the picturesque Babbacombe Bay, has linked up with racing royalty and nearby Exeter Races to create the ultimate holiday break for race-goers.  National treasure and Grand National winner, Bob Champion MBE is inviting guests to join him for a very special weekend where guests will have a chance to enjoy a three course dinner with the legendary jockey and hear all about his life story which is played out in the book ‘Champion’s Story’ and was made into a movie starring John Hurt. The next day, guests will be able to try out the top tips gleaned from the racing champ in a day at the nearby Exeter Races, along with luncheon and a free raceday tour. 

Fliss Crosby, general manager of the Cary Arms, said: “All of the team at the Cary Arms are so excited to welcome Bob Champion. We’re really looking forward to giving our guests the opportunity to meet this national treasure and learn the fascinating story of his life.’
Born into a hunting family, Bob was riding almost as soon as he could walk. With a racing career taking him to the States, Bob rode several winners and enjoyed a fruitful sporting career, until, at the age of 30, he was given the devastating news that he had cancer and was given six months to live. Bob came through the chemotherapy and returned to riding, against all odds, with several winners.
In 1981 Bob won the Grand National on Aldaniti, and two years later finally retired from racing after over 500 wins, including The Tote Eider Chase, The Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup, The Black & White Hurdle, The SGB Chase, The SGB Hurdle and the Whitbread Trial Chase.
Awarded an MBE, Bob formed the Bob Champion Cancer Trust which, to date, has raised over ten million pounds towards cancer research.
The offer includes:
·              2 night stay in luxury accommodation
·              Full English Breakfast on both mornings
·              Welcome cocktail and canapé reception
·              An evening with Bob Champion including a three course gourmet dinner
·              A Day at Exeter Races with the Cary Arms own Sponsored Race including a luncheon.
·              Transport to and from Exeter races or complimentary parking provided.
£397.50 per person
Available - Tuesday 10 - Thursday 12 November 2015
For more information please visit www.caryarms.co.uk
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For more information please contact Minty Woolgar or Arwen Sellick at desavaryhotels@brightergroup.com or call 020 7326 9880.
About the Cary Arms
Sitting in the sheltered and sunny spot of Babbacombe Bay on the south Devon coast, the Cary Arms, a de Savary property, is the perfect setting to relax and enjoy a stay by the sea.
With eight sea facing, en-suite bedrooms, each with an effortless seaside feel, most rooms have a spacious balcony or terrace, each with magnificent views of the bay. There are also four luxury cottages, ranging from one bedroom to five bedrooms, all boasting stunning views.
The onsite restaurant is passionate about fresh, local ingredients. Expect superb Devon beef, Lyme Bay lobster and line caught seafood. Guests can dine outdoors in the warmer months and watch south Devon life in the bay unfold.
For more information, please visit www.caryarms.co.uk

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

A 5* stay in Northern Ireland

Win a two night stay in The Hastings Culloden Estate and Spa or Lough Erne Resort with Discover Northern Ireland
click below to enter


Italy for movie buffs!

Is Italy the best destination for film buffs? The Italian tourist board seems to think so and have this wonderful new video to prove it...how many movies have you seen?

Piazza Navonna featured in The Directors Dream. Click here to see the video

If you would like to be whisked away to Rome just click on my book cover to read a sample of my novel  7 Wishes in Rome

The Directors Dream Click here.

Good news if you are heading to New York in September


New York City (September 8, 2015) – NYC & Company, New York City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organization, encourages theatergoers to purchase Off-Broadway Week tickets, on sale today. As part of the biannual program, two-for-one tickets are available to 41 productions from September 21 to October 4. To purchase tickets and for additional details, visit nycgo.com/offbroadwayweek.
“We are excited to promote some of the best theatre the City has to offer, from comedies to interactive performances to musicals on this next iteration of Off-Broadway Week,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company. “We encourage visitors and New Yorkers to experience the diversity, energy and intimacy of an Off-Broadway production at half the cost.”
Shows participating in Off-Broadway Week Fall 2015:*
·       39 Steps
·       A Midsummer Night's Dream
·       The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey
·       Avenue Q
·       The Berenstain Bears LIVE!
·       Bésame Mucho
·       Black Angels Over Tuskegee
·       Blue Man Group
·       The Christians
·       Clever Little Lies
·       Cloud Nine
·       Daddy Long Legs
·       Desire: An Evening of Plays Based on Six Stories by Tennessee Williams
·       Drunk Shakespeare
·       En el Tiempo de las Mariposas
·       The Fantasticks
·       Fondly, Collette Richland
·       Fuerza Bruta
·       Gazillion Bubble Show
·       Hell's Belles
·       The Humans
·       In Bed With Roy Cohn
·       Iphigenia in Aulis
·       La Nena Se Casa
·       Laugh It Up, Stare It Down
·       The Legend of Georgia McBride
·       The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
·       My Son The Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy
·       Naked Boys Singing!
·       The New Morality
·       NEWSical The Musical
·       Perfect Arrangement
·       Perfect Crime
·       Ruthless! The Musical
·       Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man
·       Sistas: the Musical
·       Sleepy Hollow The Musical
·       STOMP
·       That Bachelorette Show
·       Trip of Love
·       The Two Gentlemen of Verona
*Subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply.