Top Places for Brunch in Canggu, Bali

Back in Bali people. That will be for sure, the name of my next coffee table book. It's my predictive text response for where people ask where I am currently. Admittedly it's been quite the tour. Hopefully my travel tips and Vlogs have been of use for anyone looking to travel to Sydney, Bali, Philippines, Singapore etc. 

Today I'm going to extend my travel advice in Bali, and give you all the best top places for brunch in Canggu. 

CRATE 

It's true what they say about Crate in Canggu, they really do have the fastest internet in town. An amenity not to be underestimated for a travelling blogger looking to upload his vlogs and insta stories. 

You'll look to pay 200k for 2 meals and 2 smoothies. (Just over 10 GBP which is more than digestible, pun intended).  

Great for INSTA photos, everything is presented like it was designed for a fitness magazine supplement. Extra bonus points for free refills (not sure if that was just for me) and for brewing your own brand of coffee. 

MOTION

The most amazing smoothie you'll find in all of Bali can be sourced at Motion cafe. Go for the Banana Gluten free smoothie and pancake and thank me later.

The food is fresh, full of flavour, healthy and always filling! Places for parking the scooter are available. Might sound obvious but not all cafes in Bali offer this. 

ORGANIC CAFE

The air conditioning inside is a God send. Especially for those just coming from a training session. (You may have seen me in boot camp a couple of times on my INSTA stories. I feel like I'm training to take on Drago out here). 

The prices are very reasonable and the location is just a stone's throw away from Batu Belig Beach.

NUDE

Seriously recommend the smashed avocado on toast and ricotta corn fritters. It's great for people watching as you can sit outside and watch the world and his dog go by. 

Healthy and delicious and I found NUDE had the best service of all the cafes in Canggu. Remember to smile people, it doesn't take much. 

OKA'S BAKERY 

I found Oka's Bakery to be the best place for value for money. Generally eating in Canggu is relatively cheap. But if you're traveling on a real budget then this place is the best. Great espresso machine coffee, big portions of food and very delicious sweets like the snow balls. 

Recommend the breakfast wrap. 

LOFT

Some of the best Vegan options in Canngu. Not exclusively Vegan however. I recommend the beetroot hummus, the best I had in Bali. 

It's a very popular spot and good for socialising if you're looking to share stories with fellow surfers, travellers etc. 

Healthy Appliances for Those That Can't Cook

Much like Robert De Niro says to his missus in Heat, "I am alone, but I am not lonely". Really sums up my current mood right now. I'm relying on some basic 'man alone' survival tactics to help me get through the festive season, notoriously the busiest time for bloggers.

The trouble with being on the move all the time is that your diet normally turns to crap. It can be so annoying when you train as much as I do, but then get subjected to the lack of optionality in the discount chains. Ready meal pizza's, microwave burgers, the crisp and cereal aisle alone compounded my decision to book a health retreat to Bali in January (which I’ve now had to cancel, I’ll explain another time).

However, I've put a mini listicle together for you, highlighting some tried and tested appliances that will help you stay on the right path.

Steamer 

A good friend once recently told me he survived 3 years living above a shop with no basic amenities. No shower, no kitchen etc. He told me that he bought a steamer on the first day of moving in and lived off a diet of salmon and broccoli and was the healthiest period of his life. 

Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, vitamins and minerals (including potassium, selenium and vitamin B12) but it is their content of omega-3 fatty acids that makes them most renowned. Otherwise known as brain food. 

What is remarkable is that you don't need to be a decent cook to eat healthy. Though there are some steam food cook books available for the sake of variety. The Magimax is a great reputable brand and served my friend well for his insulated years. 

Blender

No better way to start the day. Also one of the best ways to ensure that no food goes to waste. I'm not suggesting you pull a Schwarzenegger from End of Days and start puree-ing last night’s left over pizza, moreover the fruit and veg that is on the turn. 

Also how many times have you bought fruit and veg from the supermarket in a bid to kickstart a healthy diet, but when it comes to preparing and actually wanting to put the damn things in your mouth the will immediately deserts you. 

The Vonshaf is a great bargain blender that creates minimum amount of clean up. It's also a blender, not a juicer meaning you keep the pulp and fibre that contains a lot of nutrients and bypass the immediate sugar hit found in citrus fruits. 

Popcorn Maker 

Look Dynasties just wouldn't be the same without being curled up with a bowl of popcorn. A popcorn maker just gives it that special cinematic experience and a great gift for someone with kids. 

Really go all out with that cinema experience by having your young nephew sat behind you and kick your chair every five minutes, similarly you can tut loudly and obnoxiously each time your girlfriend gets her phone out. 

Soup Maker 

This is soup season gentlemen. Those salad days are done and done for another 6 months so why not invest in a Phillips Soup Maker. It basically serves as a blender with an inbuilt  thermostat. The Z-shaped blade design together with the optimised heating profile allows you to create your favourite soups with the perfect texture in 18 minutes or less.

Healthy Grill Maker 

The biggest ball-ache of having to grill food is cleaning up the debris after. Now I'm very emotionally attached to my BBQ outside on my patio, it's been a terrific servant over the years and somehow buttresses my cave man stature. 

However, it's been raining solid here in London since, forever basically so I've since had to move my culinary efforts indoors. There are many healthy grills on the market, this Cuisinart can also double up as a sandwich maker and is discounted right now on Amazon. 

2019 is the Year of Discerning January

Let's face it, January is the most miserable month in the calendar. It's cold, everyone is skint, and everyone is posting pics of Robert Downey Jr mid-eye roll with the caption, 'new year, new me'. 

Worst of all, people’s procrastination of doing the dry January (whilst admirable) withers after the first week when they realise that they don't have the intestinal fortitude to stay indoors for 30 days straight and not drink. 

So my question is, does drinking have to be dry? 

Since I've been working alongside DiscoverBrew, a monthly beer subscription service where each subscriber gets six beers delivered to their door complete with a personalised video and tasting notes, I've actually started drinking less! 

Drinking less and also in higher quality, becoming more discerning about my beers and introducing my friends to new experiences. (Because that's what it's all about right? Showing off a bit!) 

Yes everyone can still complain about being on their knees financially, which still makes this a great option as I can invite friends round for a cost-effective night in, drinking responsibly like the grown-ups we are. We all have to become grown-ups eventually and DiscoverBrew is a step towards adulthood, believe me. 

Also, by drinking quality beers moderately and enjoying the process, you circumvent those feelings of failure when it comes to skidding off the dry January slopes. You never told yourself you were going to stop drinking completely, so you’ve not failed at anything! It’s a positive mindset as well as a pastime.

The personal touch

Each beer in the box is hand-picked from hundreds that are tasted by the DiscoverBrew team, and only great beers make it into each box. 

I love getting my tasting note tutorials and the personal messages from Conor, the ‘Brewmellier’ of DiscoverBrew that comes with every monthly Brewbox. It heightens my tasting experience by pairing each beer with something that will complement, whether that’s a snack or a meal or simply to be enjoyed by itself.

So here’s to a less dry, more discerning January. I’ll drink to that…

ThreeSixty° Coffee | Drink Premium Coffee at home

Today I'm going to be waxing lyrical about ThreeSixty° Coffee a luxury, premium single origin coffee brand, where consumers are invited on an adventure of taste.

How nice it is to find something honest. ThreeSixty° Coffee (the brand) has a distilled simplicity that foregoes any superfluous marketing huey and just focuses on delivering a product with character. 

This past week I've had the pleasure of sampling their coffee from Cuba, Mexico and Peru. The denouement has been one of enriched sophistication. 

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TASTE PROFILES

Let's take a look at each ThreeSixty° Coffee taste profiles, all of which offer a unique taste and are made up of a single origin.

CUBAN BLEND

This single origin coffee is one of only a few coffees produced by the small coffee growing region this season.

The immediate freshness will invoke the palette and you'll soon be registering roasted nuts fused with the sweetness of cinder toffee and a caramelised brown sugar. A perfectly balanced acidity. 

PERUVIAN BLEND

It's a little known fact that one of the world’s largest coffee growing countries is Peru. 

The delicious notes of cocoa and hazelnut will take you on a journey, a perfect slice of escapism. It's full-bodied, it's full of character, it's a great reason to get out of bed in the morning. 

MEXICAN BLEND

Dominated by smallholders, Mexico now offers a variety of delicious coffee profiles from sweet citrus to smooth chocolate flavours.

The beans come from three farming communities to the west of Tepic and Nayaritt, a region famous for its variety of delicious coffee profiles.

It's an odd juxtaposition for someone like me that has drunk coffee for most of his adult life, yet never had to experience distinguishing the composition. 

As much as it makes me sound like something of a neanderthal, I never knew you could enliven a coffee blend with citrus notes of mandarin balanced with smooth milk chocolate. Who knew?

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A truly ethical company

One of the more remarkable things about ThreeSixty° Coffee is how incredibly transparent they are as a company. Each pack is hand-packed and fully traceable, with precise on-pack map coordinates to help discover each coffee’s specific region of origins, which can be traced using Google Earth.

For those that follow my Instagram stories you know I'm very attached to my Krups espresso machine. As well as your espresso machine, ThreeSixty° Coffee is compatible with every possible piece of coffee instrumentation, with easy to follow guides on how to brew your coffee using a cafetiere, a V60 pourover, an aeropress and a chemex. 

Final Thoughts

ThreeSixty° Coffee challenges the rationale that as a society we are cornered into settling for suboptimal coffee at home and only exclusively drink sophisticated blends in cafes, restaurants etc. Now we can make decent coffee at home and at work - plus saving money in the process!

Knowing how to make a decent brew can be a tough university to go through. ThreeSixty° Coffee have made it their goal to simplify coffee brewing methods with easy 'how to' guides on their website. 

ThreeSixty° Coffee is available to buy from Waitrose and Ocado. 

This post was paid for in collaboration with ThreeSixty° Coffee

Bring the Style to the Party with Haig Club

One of the greatest things I look forward to around the festive period is proudly and immodestly showing off my mixology skills to friends and family. It coincides with my theory that every family should have someone that is capable of making their own cranberry sauce for the Christmas Dinner.

I have elected myself as the man with the elixir, arriving at parties with a bottle Haig Club Clubman providing the ultimate stylish ingredient for the cocktail recipe.

I did promise myself that this year I'd create a special menu, have it laminated and issue them out via an email circular. On reflection that would take a lot of work, be borderline narcissistic and remove the element of surprise.

My favourite part of playing host or barman, is introducing people to Haig Club. It's an incredibly accessible expression for those that don't typically drink whisky. Conversely, and perhaps one could say surprisingly for a single grain, has been widely lauded by aficionados.

The Haig Club bottle is designed in such a way as to not disappear amongst the plethora of 'bring a bottle' gift. For that reason it works perfectly as a gift for that special stylish someone in your life.

The best cocktail to impress my friends

It's not just the job of a barman to serve drinks. It's to tell the story of the brand and why they coincide with your style and life choices.

When preparing my party special the Principal Lowball, a light Clubman serve with coconut water and sherry, I'll be characterising the blend by eulogising it's perfect proportions.

This cocktail has a wonderful myriad of tasting notes that will stimulate your palate.

As an aside, I've been dabbling in a bit of self-development of late, preparing for my meditative retreat to Bali in January. For that reason I've been noticing the importance of things like balance, harmony and symmetry. 

These subliminal references are a perfect description of Haig Club and encapsulate my thoughts on this expression. As someone that likes to bring a stylish differential to any occasion, being able to express my individualism through the prism of Haig Club is an added bonus.

Treat your friends, educate your patrons, surprise yourself.

INGREDIENTS

40ml Haig Club Clubman
25ml Medium Amontillado sherry
80ml coconut water
5ml single malt whisky
A pinch of salt
A strip of barley to garnish (optional)

METHOD

Step 1 – Combine all ingredients and refrigerate

Step 2 – Pour into a chilled rocks glass with no ice

Step 3 – Garnish with a strip of barley

*This Sponsored post was created in collaboration with Haig Club.

5 x Best Christmas Box Subscription Gift for Him

Today I'm going to highlight some of the best Subscription Services I've earmarked for Christmas gifts. A subscription service is truly the gift that keeps on giving and every month someone gets reminded what a good egg you truly are. 

DiscoverBrew

You might have seen me Vlog about DiscoverBrew where I talk about the benefits of being a BrewBox subscriber. Each month 6 of the best beers arrive on my doorstep, complete with personalised vids that will describe each beer and what food you can pair it with.

The merits of the brands rest on its fantastic selection of beers. Just when you thought you knew all there was to know about craft beer you get presented with a new one and you fall in love all over again. 

Each beer in the box is hand-picked from hundreds that are tasted by the DiscoverBrew team, and only great beers make it into each box. 

Coffee 

My favourite scene from Pulp Fiction is when Quentin Tarantino gives a thrift monologue schooling Samuel L. Jackson, John Travolta and indeed the entire audience on why quality coffee is so important. (Unfortunately the dialogue is far too colourful to transcribe here, but I'm sure you get my point). 

If you have someone in your life that is serious about Coffee then introduce them to Pact Coffee.

Their coffee is bought directly from the best farmers across the world then roasted in small batches at Pact HQ in Bermondsey, to ensure the very optimum quality.

Grooming

A lot of us feel begrudged leaving the house at all these days. Especially in this inclement weather and for something so perfunctory as razor blades. 

Why not save someone else the hassle as well by treating them to a razor blade subscription service by the Bearded Colonel. Made in Germany, the high water mark for quality razors.

Delivered direct to your door and small enough to fit through the letterbox so you needed hang around waiting on the postman. 

Music

A promise I've made to myself in the new year is that I'm going to rekindle my passion for vinyl. Really Carl? You're such the go-getter trend setter. 

I know, it's about 20 years too late, but I'm a sucker for nostalgia and I've already got the beard so I feel like I'm halfway there. 

If you know someone that is an avid music goer or has seen High Fidelity and   on a regular basis why not sign them up to Flying Vinyl.

They're a company that sends its members a monthly box filled with the best new alternative music printed onto beautiful 7” vinyl records. 

Shirts 

Ok well you know I'm no shrinking violet when it comes to self promotion. I like to think I tread that fine line of eagerness and persistence. My Hawkins & Shepherd shirt subscription service is the ultimate gift for that man in your life that is career driven, professional and scrupulous about his personal style. 

Save him the hassle of going out and finding new shirts every other month and keep his wardrobe enlivened with new design led, sophisticated hand crafted shirts every month 

Delicacy

Finally, avoid the hustle and bustle of the farmers markets by signing up to the Neals Yard Dairy cheese subscription service. 

Treat your palette to a wonderful myriad of different British farmhouse cheeses. If anyone is looking to get me a gift for Christmas I'll be pleased as punch to receive this. 

Ideal for people who enjoy entertaining or those who like having a few hearty pieces of cheese to hand for both cheeseboards and cooking.

*This sponsored post was created in collaboration with DiscoverBrew

Don Papa Rum unveils Sherry Casks Finish with Harvey Nichols Christmas exclusive

November 2018 Don Papa Rum, the premium small batch rum from Negros (Sugarlandia) in the Philippines, has launched its newest expression, the Sherry Casks Finish – a limited edition premium rum, available exclusively at Harvey Nichols, in-store and online.  

I was asked earlier in the year, to quote the Bear Necessities, to forget about my worries and my strife, and embark on a pilgrimage across the Philippines, the birth place of Papa Rum and home to the 3rd largest rum market worldwide. 

It's amazing what can be achieved with a little bit of smart engineering. Don Papa Sherry Casks Finish is a column distilled molasses based rum, first aged for four years in American Oak ex Bourbon casks followed by 18 months in four different types of Sherry Casks: Fino, Pedro Ximenez, Cream, and Palo Cortado.

The rums in these four casks are then carefully blended by Don Papa’s Master Blender to produce a unique limited edition rum, unfiltered and bottled at 45% ABV to further enhance its distinctive taste. 

And I thought Christmas only came once a year? Yes that gag has been lifted from The World is not Enough, but it somehow encapsulates perfectly my feelings around this announcement. Don Papa are firmly exploiting their huge reservoir of talent, from tastemakers, distillers to the farmers that garner the crop and make it all possible. 

What's so special about these Sherry Casks Finish? 

This release from Don Papa embodies all the notes and flavours of a perfectly rounded festive palette; moist Christmas cake, prunes soaked in Madeira, mince pies and Sherry, Port and figs, cherry liqueur dark chocolates, plums stewed with star anise, roasted almond marzipan, pomander, unctuous caramel and spices nuts. 

The only thing that's missing are the After Eight's! (I jest. Or do I?) 

Everybody knows someone that is an ardent fan of Rum. This is a perfect gift for that rum-lover in your life or making yourself the kingpin of the party by turning up with a bottle. 

The Sherry Casks Finish is presented in a unique baroque-inspired design reflecting some aspects of the island’s Spanish heritage whilst keeping the irreverence of Papa Isio’s story, originally a foreman in a sugar plantation turned revolutionary hero who battled for his country’s independence.

Don Papa Sherry Casks Finish (70cl) is available exclusively at Harvey Nichols, priced £69.50.

Introducing DiscoverBrew | Craft Beer with a Personal Touch

Today I want to talk to you about a new monthly beer subscription service that has hit my radar called DiscoverBrew. This has landed just at the right time for when time is stretched and gift buying for those awkward non-hobbyists suddenly makes you wonder whether you know people at all. 

Each month 6 of the best beers in the world are dispatched to BrewBox subscribers, arriving in a beautiful box that has the essence of something that was lovingly prepared. Aside from the packaging I'd like to highlight some of the admiral qualities of the DiscoverBrew subscription.

PERFECT GIFT FOR MR AWKWARD

It really is the gift that keeps on giving for each month that you subscribe and there’s no minimum term making it even more flexible. Despite having endless commercial optionality, we all have that friend or relative that we struggle to buy for. This gift is rather exceptional in a way because the recipient gets monthly reminders of what a good altruistic soul you are. 

THE QUALITY

Each beer in the box is hand-picked from hundreds that are tasted by the DiscoverBrew team, and only great beers make it into each box. So there are no dregs (pardon the pun) or runts of the litter when it comes to these crafted beers. 

It also differentiates DiscoverBrew from other beer subscription services where the beer can seem to be whatever was in stock or what they could get cheap that month.

PERSONAL TOUCH

Every beer that arrives on the doorstep comes with a personal message from Conor, the ‘Brewmellier’ of DiscoverBrew. I like that name Brewmellier, sounds like one of the Musketeers. 

Under the tutelage of Conor, I can now understand what tasting notes my palette is trying to discern. I can heighten my tasting experience by pairing each beer with a recommended culinary dish.

I can also then extend my new-found knowledge onto other like-minded craft beer lovers so we can all reach the same equilibrium of beer enlightenment.

As Bill Hicks so famously said, "It's my duty to pass on information at all time so we can learn, evolve and get off this planet.”

There is no minimum subscription length and the subscription renews automatically each month but can be cancelled at any time. 

SUBSCRIBE TO MONTHY BEER DELIVERIES FOR YOURSELF OR AS A GIFT

*This sponsored post was created in collaboration with DiscoverBrew.

The Best Laurent-Perrier Champagne & Food Pairings

For those asking if my recent jaunt to Reims was as good as it looking in my Instagram pictures, it was. 

You probably guessed that I was there on behalf of Laurent-Perrier to celebrate 50 years of the esteemed Cuvée Rosé. A champagne with an illustrious history. Perfected in each stage of its making, remarked for its consistency and its high quality. 

The city Reims can be found in north-eastern France's Grand Est region. If you're heading there by train from Paris take the train from Gare de l'Est. 

This vast campestral Champagne wine-growing region is truly the most heralded. Laurent-Perrier holds its Headquarters and Vineyards there. For the most discernible of wanderlust Vloggers the vineyards and wine cellars of Laurent-Perrier are incontestable. We (motley crew of well-heeled bloggers) sauntered up and down the vineyards doing impromptu boy v girl catwalks, before being escorted off down a long cobbled tunnel on a tour of the cellars. 

Allow me to give you some of the findings of my tastings. 

Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé

It's what we all came to see. The headline act. You don't have to take my word for it that the Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé is truly a Champagne made with elegant design. It's been lauded by many wine connoisseurs and sommeliers across the globe as the apex of Rose Champagne. 

Made from 100% grape, the Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé delivers a cocktail of red ripe fruit aromas, high intensity with an astounding aromatic depth. It's an extremely supple and well-rounded wine. Your palette will be awash with black cherries and red currants. 

Best paired with? 

The food on the tour was sublime. The Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé is best teamed with marinated raw fish, grilled prawns, or Parma ham. 

Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut

Sounds like a planet eating Transformer. Seriously, it's known collectively in the upper echelons of champagne aficionados as 'the great wine without sugar'. It too has an esteemed history, launched in 1981. 

The Ultra Brut is a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blend which is delicate, with a surprising length. You'll get an instant plume of citrus and white fruit notes, which quickly diffused before the honeysuckle arrives and steals the show. 

Best paired with? 

If you're serving this at home, why not prepare a seafood dish. The citrus notes are enlivened white fish ceviche and feel free to flirt with other sushi dishes, you can't really go wrong. 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siecle 

Sounds like something Elsa shouldn’t have crossed in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The Grand Siecle is created from 3 exceptional years, blended for a following 8 years before it can be enjoyed. An esoteric, almost other-worldly unique expression borne from a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blend.

This champagne is ameliorated by the clever injection of grilled almonds, a subtle layer of honey, a dalliance of fresh pastry which combined, provide a perfect balance between strength and delicacy.  

Best paired with? 

You really can't put this with your bangers and mash. A Champagne that boasts this level of personality, has to be served with refined dishes such as surf and turf. Of the posh kind. 

That's it from me on this one. Happy birthday Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé, hope to see you around for my 50th.

SHOP THESE INCREDIBLE CHAMPAGNES

THE PERFECT GIFT

Books + Beer | Time to Bin the Box-sets

Today I'd like to talk to you about Books and Beer. Sounds a great cop-buddy duo from the 70's right? Books is a learned detective with 10 years on the force. He has a resplendent moustache and immaculately dressed in 3-piece city tweed suits. Beer can do shoulder rolls across the hood of an SUV and doesn't wait for back up. 

I'll be the first to admit that in the advent of Netflix, box-sets etc, there's been a huge disparity between the books I currently own and the books I've read. Meaning I have every intention of reading books when I buy them, yet find the months tick by and they've sat on the shelf, unmolested by eyes and hands. 

Well today's the day I end this procrastination. Especially with the launch of Books + Beer, a brand new subscription box inviting members to relax and take time to broaden their minds with fascinating reads and a couple of the finest craft beers.

Reading has always been a stabilising influence for me. However, I spend so much time reading and researching articles, that I've become like the chef in the restaurant that orders a take-away when he gets home because he can't stand the sight of his own kitchen. 

Books + Beer aims to provide a monthly prompt to slow down, with all you need for a relaxed night in, in a box – the perfect chilled-out moment to enjoy the simple pleasure of reading. 

Members select their preferred genre - (I've opted for business and self-development) and receive a recently-published paperback, along with two craft beers. Doesn't that sound like a better night in that thumbing through endless reams of odious and self-congratulatory social posts. What nourishment are you really going to get from seeing someone’s birds eye view of a bowl of pasta? 

What about the craft beer Carl, are those any good?

Each box features two interesting cans or bottles, from pioneering, up-and-coming breweries. They choose brews to suit most palates – and also include tasting notes and recipe suggestions plus a curated soundtrack, so you’ve got a chilled night in, in a box! 

Need one more reason to sign up? 

Books and Beers have also partnered with CALM, with a 50p donation from every single box benefiting the male mental health charity and its vital work. Suicide remains the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK, what a horrible fact! This is a worthy cause and a great subscription service. 

And the price? 

Books + Beer costs £10 per month, plus P&P, with discounts of 5% and 10% on six and twelve month subscriptions - and including a donation to CALM.

Holly Harwood | Her Inspiring Journey, Making Her Own Gin

My passion with gin started when working at Dolly's Gin Palace in Falmouth (whilst studying for my history degree). This was about 8 years ago and I actually had my eyes set to create my own gin then. However I felt I needed more experience in the industry. After a big move to London and many hours working in pubs, bars, gin festivals, a role as a gin brand ambassador and drinks blogger... I still couldn't get making my own gin out of my head! 2 years ago with a lot of support from my family and friends, I started Holly's Gin.

The Gintern

Some people reading this may be following my story as Gintern for ILoveGin.com. This was a viral job advertised last year for a gin lover to visit distilleries and create gin recipes and content. It really is the best job ever and I couldn't believe I actually landed my dream job at the beginning of this year. My journey has influenced my own gin massively, from the design of my bottle to the botanicals I used to create the recipe.

The Design

I was very fortunate to work with my talented friend Ryan on the design of my bottle, as well as Allied Glass believing in my madness! I love anything Art Deco and have a fascination with this era. I really wanted to give the bottle an antique feel. The frosted green really stands out, and I love how the gold shines in the light. The shell logo was inspired by my love of Cornish beaches and the gold leaf design has some of my key botanicals added in! The design is actually printed onto the bottle itself which really looks fantastic.

The Taste

I love London Dry Gins and just knew I had to make one! I also wanted to use some unique botanicals and create something a little different. There are 9 botanicals in total. The 3 key ones are Orange, Gentian root and Passion Flower. I actually drank passion flower tea for years, as it is recommended for its calming benefits. The flower looks pretty cool too! It doesn't taste too floral but perhaps similar to Meadowsweet. There is definitely an earthy, rich aroma. The gin itself is fresh, vibrant and perfect with a premium tonic water!

Cornwall

It was very important to me to have my recipe distilled in my treasured home county of Cornwall. After a meeting with Trevethan Distillery, I knew I wanted it to be made there! Not only do they have Art Deco inspired bottles with a history dating back to the 1920s, but John the distiller has so much expertise and has been fantastic at knowing how to scale up my recipe correctly. This is something that was trickier than I first thought! With the help of John and the team, it tastes wonderful. John will be using their two 300L Copper Pot Stills, called Doris and Rose. Each still will produce around 300-350 bottles each. I will be bottling and sticking the back labels and seals on myself, so you really know it is handcrafted!

Pre-Order Now!

I am crowd funding to make the first batch and make sure the bottles go out before Christmas. All the money raised will go into the production (bottles, labels, corks, distillation, duty), as well as helping me actually get the gin out to you! This is a true labour of love but I am very excited! The support I am receiving means the absolute world to me. I am doing this on a very small budget, but I am determined and just know everyone will enjoy my gin as much as I do!

http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/hollys-gin

A Quick History of Menabrea | Italy’s Iconic Brewery

What an incredible place Milan is. It has a unique energy, steeped in history, the architecture is beguiling and importantly, the beer is sensational. Last week I was introduced to the wonderment that is Menabrea beer, with a guided tour of Italy’s iconic Menabrea Brewery with Menabrea’s master brewer and 5th generation of the Thedy brewing family, Franco Thedy, as my personal guide.

In 1846, Giuseppe Menabrea travelled to the town of Biella in the foothills of the Italian Alps. There he discovered an underground cave system, ideal for the traditional process of 'lagering'.

The combined elements of pure water and cold fresh air of the region made conditions conducive to build a brewery.

Fresh off the plane, a lunchtime arrival in Milan and I was quickly chaperoned through the provenance of authentic Italy, stepping off the beaten track to explore the historic town of Biella. There, residing in the foothills of the Alps – the birthplace of Italy’s premium Birra, the Menabrea brewery. 

When you visit Biella, you'll still find Menabrea brewing their award-winning beer on the same site, made in the same way, by the same family, with the same ingredients, passion and care.

Biella is a northern Italian town situated midway between the two historic cities of Milan and Turin; it’s nestled in the Bo mountain range in the foothills of the Alps – an area rich in springs and lakes.

The brewery has that inimitable Italian beauty, an eclectic blend of historic brickwork, vaulted ceilings, now modernised with sophisticated production lines carefully manicured by the dedicated staff that oversee operations. 

Both varieties of Menabrea (Blonde and amber) are matured gently in the perfect temperature of the brewery’s cave cellars for a taste of superior clarity, made with alpine water, and distributed around the world.

The blonde (Bionda) is my go-to beer, a sumptuous blend of citrus, bitter tones and floral, fruity undertones giving a consistent and refined flavour. It has a complex malty, hoppy taste with exceptional head retention due to the quality of the ingredients and maturation process.

The Amber beer (Ambratta) is served at a  A 5.0% ABV amber beer, full bodied and well rounded, with a moderately bitter flavour. Amber in colour with bronze undertones, this lager is another example of the brewery's exceptional capabilities.

Whilst in the UK we serve scampi fries and pepperoni's to caveat the blandness of our beers, in Italy there is no need for such apology.

In classic establishments, serving a Menebrea is usually accompanied with an aperitivo - traditionally a bowl of olives or nuts as something to whet the appetite so you can sit back and savour la birra perfetta. We also had a chance to attach some ‘Sbirro’ to the tasting, a Menabrea-infused cheese fresh from the cheese factory situated next door. 

Milan is the metropolis of northern Italy, the global capital of fashion and design, and a hub for first class arts, culture and hospitality in Europe.

Biella is a nippy one hour drive from Milan and well worth the detour should you be looking to escape the city for a day or so. You can enjoy lunch al fresco at Menabrea Brewery Restaurant before taking a tour of the brewery and cheese factory.

Milan of course is dripping with fantastic bars and restaurants that I was lucky enough to frequent during my brief stay. The famous Duomo di Milano, Galleria et Emmanuelle (don't forget to twist your heel in the mosaic Bulls' testes 3 times for good luck) not to mention the Italian nightlife culture along the famous Ripa di Porta canal.

Lastly, I know I get a lot of comments from people saying how they're super jealous of me travelling here there and everywhere. Well soon you'll also be able to enjoy a pint in northern Italy’s beautiful town of Biella, exploring Menabrea’s historic brewery. 

That's right I'm talking about my new teleport machine that I've toiling away with for the past couple of months. You've all seen The Fly? Imagine that, without the wires. And the carnage. 

Of course I jest, but a visit to the Menabrea brewery is made possible through virtual reality technology. Menabrea will be touring restaurants and premium bars across the UK with the VR experience - offering a 360degree tour of Italy’s oldest brewery. 

The VR tour can be experienced later this year in selected bars in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. More details will be available at Menabrea UK on Facebook.

Water Wednesday | Wake up and Smell the Addiction

Has coffee become the nation’s scourge? My beloved pubs are taking a battering in light of societies palpable shift from Carlsberg to Costa (other watering holes are available) and at the current rate of growth, researchers expect coffee shops to outnumber pubs by 2030.

Charlie and I have too much of a steak dependency to embrace 'No Meat Monday' but I can get behind the new Water Wednesday initiative set by Aqua Optima. It's aimed towards encouraging more people across the country to give up their caffeine fuelled beverages and calorific drinks in exchange for water every Wednesday. 

Coffee is like any form of ritualism. You must first recognise your dependency, and accept the substitutes will be more beneficial. Replacing water with these drinks borne out of a fraught medley of societal dictum and egregious commercialism, will be no mean feat. Going against the grain; breaking patterns, I know, it's time to start moving to a strange new rhythm. 

Breakfast: Coffee? Of course. How many of us hit the kettle before we pull our eyes into focus? Drinking water stimulates the metabolism which is far more productive for your body.

The six to eight hours of recommended nightly sleep is a long period to go without any water consumption. "Drinking a glass or two of water right when you wake up, however, is a good way to quickly rehydrate your body," says Rania Batayneh, MPH, a nutritionist and the author of "The One One One Diet," about the potential benefits.

"Most people have their coffee first thing in the morning," she says. "Although it is a good source of antioxidants, it is also dehydrating. You can offset this with water."

Lunch: Oh coffee. Let's just meet for coffee. Of course you drink soya milk which is an extra 50p in every damn coffee house. Of course you want to try a hazelnut cappuccino because it's the most expensive damn thing on the menu.

Let's just reign in it shall we with this lunacy. Let's also stop turning everything into a damn hashtag, no one is interested in your flat lay laptop and coffee Instagram pictures. Knock that off millennials, please. 

I switched my flat white to a cup of hot water with lemon, and when my lunch date arrived I ordered a bottle of large Evian for the both of us. I offered her a hot water with lemon and of course she ordered a macchiato. What can you do, I tried. 

Afternoons: I normally take a bottle of water to my KOBOX boxing workout, but sometimes slip into vending machine mode. They say you shouldn't shop in a supermarket when you're hungry, same goes. Don't hit the vending machine and think that sugars going to be the antidote for your dehydration. 

I know a blogger that has given up alcohol that talks about hidden triggers. What lies down the track that could cause imminent derailment. The vending machine is one, the McDonalds on the way home is another, and the cinema! Don't get me started. Well actually, let me finish with that. 

Evenings: I've been feeling good all day. I haven't lapsed into a coma or felt like my eyelids are tied to 10k dumbbells. In the evening I took a friend to the cinema, and I figured out why I love the cinema. It's just a glorified Willy Wonka Factory for adults. There is a 100g of Sugar in a large 32oz post mix Pepsi. It's lunacy. 

Of course every assistant encourages the bumper bundle large drink and popcorn deal, that should come with a list of all the local dentists you'll need to fix the holes in your teeth once the movies over. 

I ordered a bottle of water and snuck in some apples slices, of course my friend had the sugary treats and I just cried all the way through the movie. Maybe I should move movie night to the Weekends. 

It's a great idea, 'Water Wednesday'. Shame it's only once a week, but it’s a start. 

The Best of the Summer Wines | Tasting & Education with WSET

We all love wine right? We all know that Bordeaux is a Claret thanks to Faulty Towers, and that connoisseurs feel indifferent towards Merlot thanks to the movie Sideways. But how easy is it to search beyond the vines and really discover what is going on in the glass? Turns out pretty easy, if you're keen to learn and have someone walk you through the differences.

In this article I'm going to recommend to you 5 of the best wines that will be a perfect fit for your cellar this summer.

I was recently invited to a wine tasting hosted by WSET, (the Wine & Spirit Education Trust) who are the largest global provider of wine and spirits qualifications. They offer beginner to expert courses in wine, spirits and sake through Approved Programme Providers across the world for enthusiasts and professionals.

Their flagship, WSET School London, is on Bermondsey Street, which is just a short walk from London Bridge. They offer a full suite of courses, from one-day Level 1 Awards in Wine, Spirits or Sake to the expert Level 4 Diploma, and also host regular tasting events and introductory sessions for people looking to learn a little more about wine but aren’t quite ready to commit to a course.

That's where I come in! The night was excellently curated by a trained sommelier and wine maker and he walked us through 8 varying bottles. 

Great Carl, so you drank a whole lot of free wine, but what wines should I be stocking up on this summer? 

No problem, I've got you covered. As promised here are the best wines I personally recommend for your summer parties and why! 

Prosecco Le Celline Extra-Dry Millesimato 2017, Italy 11.5%

This is not only an amazing wine, but a great conversation stimulator. You can talk about the light, fresh, simple nature of the flavours.

You can highlight the yeast-y after taste as the yeast is applied to the fermentation process to eat the sugar. As this happens, it bubbles and that C02 doesn't escape, hence the reason we have carbonated wine. See that's something I didn't know. 

TOP TIP! You can mention how it tastes of pear drops and your guests can nostalgically reminisce how awesome Pear Drops were back in the day. When someone asks if you can still buy Pear Drops quickly whip out a bag of Pear Drops that you bought from Marks & Spencer’s earlier. You sly boy scout charmer you. 

Riesling, Felton Road Block 1 2016, Central Otago, New Zealand 9%

I'm going to mirthlessly tease you with this one because it's not actually available in the UK. Not for retail anyway. BUT if you attend a WSET class you can sample the joys of this formidable wine as they have the 100% UK allocation of it. 

It comes from the most southern wine region in the world, and is extremely rare. 

You'll pick up odd notes of petrol and rubber underpinning a vibrant rush of floral notes. Very much like smelling a bouquet. There's also some heightened scents of grapefruit and peaches mixed in. 

TOP TIP! Just because it's lower in alcohol 9% don't think it's any less calorific. Apparently what it lacks in alcohol it makes up for in sugar. So don't think of this as diet wine. 

 

Muscat Reserve, Trimbach 2015, Alsace, France 13% 

It might sound like bunkum, but this is the only wine from the menu (and possibly from a lot of other wines also) that smells of grapes. It contains other floral characters too and is less acidic than say a Ca' Nova 2016. 

TOP TIP! You can pair this nicely with goat’s cheese, asparagus and any first of the year salads. 

Mercurey Premier Cru Clos L'Eveque, Domaine de Suremain 2015, Burgundy, France 13%

This wine considered by many is considered the nectar of the gods. Quite literally! During the early years the winemakers believed they thought that God had myopically blessed this vineyard because the wine tasted so good. 

Truth is the conditions are sublime for this vineyard. It sits on a slope on a hill facing the sun, just conducive for winemaking. 2015 was an especially exceptional year weather wise. You put all the elements together; great year, great location, great vintage, you have a colossal wine on your hands. 

TOP TIP! When asked what kind of flavours you're getting let everyone do the red berry rounds. Red cherry, raspberry obviously, but when it come to your turn say "I'm getting more 'forest floor'. There's something leafy, leafier than fruity". 

Valtelline Superiore Riserva La GAtta, Triacca 2013, Italy 13%

What will you get from this? Naturally the warmth from the alcohol. The Valtellina comes from the same grape as the Barolo grape which is one of the heavyweight grapes in the wine world. 

It has a very full body (which always makes me think of John Cleese picking up the wine bottle and jiggling before agreeing with the supposed Hotel Inspector) it's awesomely fragrant as you'd expect from a wine nurtured close to the Swiss border. 

It's not as viscose or gloopy as some red wines, and as a result, you might not be a fan of this wine if you're die hard Barolo fan. 

TOP TIP! This wine was perfectly engineered to be paired with cheese. A nice Wensleydale will soften the edges.

That's it! Do let me know if you're in agreement with my choices, or if you've gone on and done more classes with WSET. You can achieve a diploma in this kind of stuff you know! Now why wasn't that on the curriculum at school? 

Top Five Beers on my Radar | The Perfect Father's Day Gift

It's festival season. Time to all sing about how great it would be to rid our world of plastic cups, how Trump is going to kill us all, how capitalism has capitulated under the weight of its own failure, then do nothing about it. 

As an aside the beer festivals are the ones that can be the most fun. Less mosh pits, less queues, more optionality than over-priced watered down fosters. 

The one beer festival I have inked into the calendar will be The Great British Beer Festival at Olympia, 7-11th August. Of course if anyone out there is looking to put a wolf pack together for the Oktober Fest later this year then drop me a line. 

Wait Carl, what about a craft beer I can order for Father's Day?

Well talking of wolf packs, there is a craft beer that will sort your Dad out a treat. 

Introducing, Beerwulf.com (Also the support of this article). 

Beerwulf.com is an online retailer that specialise in craft beer. They have also been working on a really special project with Kompaan brewery in the Netherlands to create a limited edition beer called ‘The Mentor’ to celebrate Father’s Day which is only available from Beerwulf.com. 

There's no better way to celebrate father’s day than sharing a beer and talking about how crap modern music is. 

OK tell me my beer guru, what are the show ponies coming up at The Great British Beer Festival

Straight out of the traps I'm going for one from the Beer Monkey stables, UNCLE MONKS. You're going to get a direct hoppy hit, followed by a slightly sweet & growing bitter balanced flavour. 

When tasting say: Those Americans know how to style an I.P.A right?  

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Bedlam Porter (5.0%)

The Bedlam Porter from the Bedlam brewery. Yes because the word Porter is synonymous with Menswear. But I'm also into pale ales and the boys at Bedlam have a strong team ethic brewing the finest beer they can. This limited edition is blended with fresh Fuggles and Goldings hops. It arrives Pale, Crystal, composed with Brown and Chocolate malts. 

When tasting say: Anyone else getting some coffee flavours?

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RED RYE 4.7%

I'll admit I've gone purely on the name on this one. Of course from the film Cocktail where Doug asks his young apprentice, know how to make a red eye young Flannigan. This beaut from the Hooky Beer Keg Range is a Pale Ale Malt underpinning a symphony of fruitiness from Willamette, Sovereign, Citra, Amarillo and Chinook Hops. 

When tasting say: Jim Carrey and Charlie Sheen were considered for the role of Brian Flanagan in the movie Cocktail, which in the end was cast with Tom Cruise.

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XT Brewing have released Squid Ink; bold beast of a beer with its blend of Columbus, Summit, Galaxy and Chinook hops. Yes, it's dark, (not my normal go-to) but you need to prove you have range on your palette.

When tasting say: It's thought that squid ink could be the cure to heart disease in humans.

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But what if I don't drink Carl? 

For my non-drinking friends there is also something here for you too. 

Be sure to check out Braxzz Brewery. A is a recent newcomer into the alcohol-free & low-alcohol category, their 'The Porter' edition is dark coloured and aromatic with notes of strong espresso, chocolate with hints of date and figs. 

When tasting say: Does anyone else have weird drunken dreams.

Rum Cocktail Recipes | Top 3 Rum Cocktails Ever Made

You hear the word RUM and what springs to mind? For me Rum is synonymous with capricious summer days spent on the common, where all the best laid plans go to waste simply because the sun decided to shine. 

Nowadays I've tempered the urge to down tools and lose a day simply because it's got above 25 degrees for the first time in 6 months. However, the appreciation for a decent rum cocktail has not diminished. 

As many of you know I've been working alongside Don Papa this last month, exploring their distilleries and sugar mills in Mount Kanlaon, where sugarcane thrives on its lush, fertile foothills. It's reacquainted my love affair for rum and given me license to exercise my creative mixology skills and here are my top 3 Don Papa Rum Cocktails.

1. THE NEGRENSE SOUR

This cocktail paints a vivid portrait of Sugarlandia. Charged with agave syrup and lime, it’s straight from a place that believes in revolutionary ideals. Take a sip and enjoy the smooth flavour of a nation’s pride.

Ingredients

• 4 parts Don Papa Rum
• 2 parts fresh lime juice
• 1 part agave syrup (or brown sugar syrup)
• 1 egg white

Method

In a shaker pour in the Don Papa Rum and add in agave syrup instead of sugar. Squeeze in the juice of half a lime and add the egg white. Shake vigorously so that you create a light foam. Now add some ice and shake again. Serve in a whiskey glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime peel and finish with 3 drops of bitters on the foam.

2. THE PAPA NEGRONI

This Don Papa twist on the classic cocktail will inspire and liberate your senses through its balanced taste of bitter and sweet, much like the life of the legend himself.

Ingredients

• 4 parts Don Papa Rum
• 2 parts white vermouth
• 3 parts Apérol

Method

In a mixing glass filled with ice, add the bitter Apérol, white vermouth and Don Papa Rum. Stir gently. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a grapefruit wedge.

3. THE DARKER DON

We celebrate the Don’s burning passion for independence. Experience the resilient spirit of Don Papa with this refreshing cocktail. Taste the wild lime juice which twists the palette, causing an explosion of sweet yet sour flavour.

Ingredients

• 4 parts Don Papa Rum
• 1 part fresh lime juice
• Ginger beer • Mint

Method

In a highball glass filled with ice, squeeze the juice of half a lime. Charge with Don Papa Rum and top with a spicy ginger beer. Stir with a cocktail spoon and add a mint leaf sprig to garnish.

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ABOUT DON PAPA RUM

Don Papa 7

The original Don Papa Rum. Light and fruity on the nose, smooth and delicate on the mouth, with a long textured finish. Don Papa has a light amber colour and offers flavours of vanilla, honey and candied fruits.

Don Papa 10

The first Limited Edition from Don Papa. Deep, rich and powerful on the nose, with a delightful tingle on the mouth. Don Papa 10-year- old has a dark amber colour andoffers flavours of dried fruits, cacao and just a hint of oak.

Don Papa Rare Cask

This new limited edition small batch rum has been aged in specifically selected and over toasted casks. Rich and fruity on the nose, with a hint of spice on the mouth, Don Papa Rare Cask has a dark amber colour and offers flavours of rich fruitcake, cacao and oak, as well as hints of wild mint on its beautifully long finish.

To enhance its distinctive taste, the cellar master decided to keep the rum unfiltered and unblended, bottling at high strength (50.5% ABV). This rare and unique rum is presented in numbered bottles and in a beautiful wooden presenter box. Only 6,000 bottles were produced. 

SHOP DON PAPA RUM IN THE UK

The Philippines: Home of Don Papa Rum & The Land of Smiles

The Philippines is a fascinating country of contrasts; of tranquil countryside and noisy urban sprawl; of vertiginous mountains and golden beaches; grinding poverty and ostentatious wealth. Many of the rural farmers carry on as though the last couple of hundred years never happened, while just up the road are humming mega-cities that appear transported from the future. It’s not a place for doing things by half.

I was lucky enough to spend the very best part of a week here recently at a few contrasting hotels. The first was a high rise in the relatively sleepy Bacolod City. The other, an oasis of calm in the chaos of Manilla, all thanks to Don Papa rum who invited a selection of the UK's top press and bloggers to experience this beautiful country where they make their famous rum. 

Don Papa Rum is a genuine Philippine premium rum, inspired by the island’s legendary revolutionary leader, Papa Isio and the dream-like landscape, Don Papa was launched in 2012 and now present in over 20 countries including France, Germany, Spain, UK, United States of America, South Africa, Belgium, Italy, and Japan.

The Seda Capitol Central hotel is smack bang in the middle of the ‘City of Smiles’ – Bacolod which is the capital of Negros island aka Sugerlandia, where Don Papa grows, harvests and processes the raw material sugar cane which produces the molasses for their rum. Efficiently, a short drive away is the Bago Distillery where the molasses is fermented, distilled, aged and turned into the finished product ready to be shipped and bottled.

“The Philippines is the 3rd largest rum market worldwide with annual volumes of c. 15 Million cases, although most of this is for domestic consumption.
Starting from a small base, exports are increasing rapidly with annual growth of + 30% vs LY.”

— Stephen Carroll, Don Papa's Founder

The first of these smiles was waiting for us at the airport, where our super friendly driver, Bayani, greeted us. It’s often said of a country that its greatest natural resource is its people. This isn’t always true, but it definitely is with the Philippines. The genuine friendliness and willingness to go out of their way to help were a constant throughout our stay.

Once at the hotel we were ready for a siesta, so after a long trip it was a relief to find that it errs on the side of luxurious. The entire hotel is very tastefully furnished – light and airy, rather than cosy, which of course is the last thing you need here! There’s good wifi throughout, much-needed air conditioning and an excellent, also much-needed, pool. The bed was one of those King-size+ jobs; you almost needed Satnav to find your way out. 

The brand new building overlooks the Provincial Capitol Lagoon, the Negros museum and the capitol building itself. Of course, being so central, it’s walking distance to everything, including Pala Pala seafood market, barely five minutes away and another five to the spectacular San Sebastian Church. As usual, when this close to the equator I divided my time between sightseeing outside and ducking into shops or popping back to the hotel for a little air-conditioned relief. It was great having such a central base that allowed us to do this. 

Before heading to the airport we had to fully immerse ourselves in the Filippino lifestyle, which for us Brits is a visit to a secluded island staying in traditional beach huts and we found this paradise in Lakawon. Finally we left time to visit the beautiful Ledesma ruins in neighbouring Talisay City. This was a little different to the English ruins I’ve become accustomed to. While those date back to medieval or even Roman times, Ledesma was built only last century. Despite the condensed history it’s well worth a visit, especially if you can arrange one around sunset. It made for a beautiful, romantic end to our visit to the city of smiles.

Flights from the UK: I flew with Philippine Airlines where you can experience service from the heart onboard the Philippines' only 4-star airline. Flying non-stop daily between London Heathrow and Manila, Philippine Airlines has full-flat beds in Business, with Economy Class also equipped with personal TVs, USB ports and onboard wi-fi. Enjoy in-flight dining with a vibrant mix of Asian, Spanish and American cuisine offering a mosaic of flavours that are all passionately prepared.

Here are the lead-in fares: 
LHR-MNL from GBP 579
LHR-BCD from GBP 670
 
Business (promo):
LHR-MNL from GBP 2989
LHR-BCD from GBP 3079

salamat sa pagkakaroon mo sa amin (thank you for having us).

Next stop, Manila…

Try Protein Pancakes with Oppo Ice Cream this Pancake Day | The Healthier Option

For those of you looking for a healthier alternative option this Pancake Day, look no further, this recipe is not only a healthier option but it also tastes great too. I've been cooking these pancakes for years now, as a breakfast meal after the gym or some HIIT training and have adapted the toppings to suit my cravings today on Pancake Day. Although it doesn't have to only be eaten on this one day, its great as an after exercise meal, snack or dessert. It leaves you feeling full and fulfilled.

 Okay so here is what you'll need to make these epic pancakes...

2 x Eggs
Coconut Oil for Frying
Splash of Almond Milk
1 x Banana
Tablespoon of 0% Fat Greek Yogurt
1 Scoop of Banana Protein Powder
1 Scoop of Rolled Oats
1 Scoop of Oppo Ice Cream
Handful of Hazel Nuts (Optional Garnish)
Canadian Maple Syrup (Optional)

..and here's the instructions.

Put the eggs, almond milk, half of the banana, Greek yogurt, protein powder and rolled oats all in a blender and blend. I've used a Nutribullet for this as I find it mixes quick and you'll get a nice smooth creamy texture. The texture should be thick as these are American style pancakes and not thin such as French crêpe style ones. Heat some coconut oil in a frying pan on a medium/low heat them pour in the mixture into circles. You know that one side is cooked because you'll see a few bubbles appearing on top of the uncooked side, once you see this, turn them over and cook the other side. Once fully cooked, layer the pancakes on top of each other with sliced banana in-between a few layers (with the half you have left over), then add some maple syrup if required. Top off with Oppo Columbian Chocolate & Hazelnut ice cream, a handful of hazelnuts and any banana you may have left over. If you find that it is too dry, then add extra ice cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt.

Enjoy!

Try Oppo Ice Cream Today. They make a Great Taste Award winning ice cream with less than half the calories and sugar of regular ice cream.

Take the Christmas Cocktail Generator & Discover Your Perfect Christmas Drink

I love cocktails but there's one thing I love more, and that's cocktails at Christmas or cocktails with a Christmas twist like a Spiced Haig Club Espresso Martini or Gingerbread White Russian. Christmas Eve has traditionally been my favourite nights of the year to go out, much better than New Years Eve in my eyes. It's a day where everyone that moved away from where they grew up, go back to visit their families, so the evening is full of old school friends and old girlfriends, which can get quite awkward if you had as many as I did! 

But this year, I'm doing something different and not frequenting this annual tradition of mine but instead just staying in with my mum, dad, brother, sister and her family. I'm actually really looking forward to it and now I have found this fun Christmas Cocktail Generator I think we'll be taking it in turns to create our favourite cocktails. 

The Christmas Cocktail Generator will take into consideration your personality by putting your answers to their questions into an algorithm which will then calculate the perfect cocktail for you from around 60 recipes. When I first took the test, I got my favourite cocktail the 'Espresso Martini' although being Christmas I created my own favourite take on the classic. For example, I replace the vodka with Haig Club Clubman Whiskey because it gives an incredible vanilla taste which combined with the coffee gives a smoother consistency to your cocktail. Once shaken and poured, I then sprinkle a mixture of ground brown sugar, chocolate and cinnamon to the top. Then of course the traditional 3 coffee beans to decorate as well as a stick of cinnamon. Each mouthful will combine the flavours of the vanilla in the whiskey, coffee, cinnamon and chocolate, for a perfect combination.

If you love the Espresso Martini, you'll also love a White Russian due to using similar ingredients and it's another one of my favourites. It's said to look like a cup full of snow-capped deliciousness, so make the flavour match it's festive appearance with a touch of gingerbread, for a drink that looks, tastes and smells oh so Christmassy.

Ingredients & Method

100ml milk, 100ml vodka, 100ml Kahlua, 2 tsp sugar, half teaspoon ground ginger, cinnamon stick garnish

In a ice-filled class, pour in your vodka and Kahlua. In a jar, mix the milk, sugar and ginger and pour over the back of a spoon onto your booze for a pretty layered effect.

Take the Christmas Cocktail Generator Test Today

10 Festive Beers to try this Christmas

With the countdown to Christmas now on, there are plenty of festive tipples in the shops to get us into the holiday spirit. Warming mulled wine and fruity sloe gin may be most peoples first choice, whereas Christmas beers are usually pushed to the bottom of the festive booze cupboard. Belgian breweries however have been producing popular winter ales for centuries, and over the past few years craft breweries and supermarkets have also upped their game for Christmas! Full of warming ingredients, here are 10 amazing festive beers to enjoy around the fire this month.

1. Brouwerij Noordt Christmas Session Ale

This Christmas Ale is from Rotterdam, Netherlands. Light coloured and very easy to drink, it has a lovely balance of slightly sweet malt and bitterness. Fruity with subtle hints of chestnut gets you in that festive mood from the first sip. 5.0% AVB, £2.69 each available at beerwulf.com

2. Anchor Christmas Ale

From San Francisco, this years Anchor Christmas Ale has a strong malt profile that is enhanced with wintery spices. Anchor brewing describe it beautifully “the beer pours a deep, dark, mahogany brown with a creamy, tan head. It has flavours of creamy bittersweet chocolate, coffee, roasted malts and toasted nuts, with a rich, smooth, velvety mouthfeel”. 5.5% ABV, £2.79 each available at beerhawk.co.uk

3. Greenwich Winter Spiced Porter

A well balanced traditional London Porter with warming, aromatic cinnamon and allspice. Perfect to enjoy chilled with some cold meats, a cheeseboard or a rich fruity pudding. 5.5% AVB, £2.50 each from marksandspencer.com

4. Batemans Rosey Nosey

This English pale is made at one of the country’s oldest breweries, in Wainfleet, Lincolnshire. Refreshingly rich and fruity, with sultanas and raisin flavour balanced by the nutty crunch of crystal and chocolate malts. Challenger hops produce a spicy aroma, perfect with a Christmas sarnie! 4.7% ABV, £2.89 each if buying one case, available at bateman.co.uk

5. Shepherd Neame Christmas Ale

Made in Faversham, Kent, this ale is brewed using 100% natural ingredients. Drawing chalk-filtered mineral water from the artesian well deep below Shepherd Neame’s site, along with the finest malting barley and Kentish hops. For this Christmas Ale there are lots of warming notes of fruits and spices. Dried fruits come through in particular, like raisins and dates. This is a beer with a long lingering finish! 7.0% ABV, £2.50 each, available at shop.shepherdneame.co.uk

6. De Dole Stiller Nacht

A Belgian strong Pale Ale style beer brewed by Brouwerij De Dolle Brouwers in Esen, Belgium. Stille Nacht (Silent Night) was first brewed in 1982. It’s golden in colour, smooth and full of sugar and spice. this beer has the highest density of any Belgian beer (27°Pl), has been boiling for 5 hours, brewed with pale malt with white candi sugar in the kettle. It is delicious and a perfect treat for the holidays! 12% ABV, £4.55 each, available at beautifulbeers.co.uk

7. Hogs Back Advent Ale

A deep, dark chestnut coloured ale, brewed with the finest English malted barley and local hops. Brewed in Farnham, Surrey, this festive ale is fruity, with a sweet liquorice and rich dark chocolate aftertaste. 4.4% ABV Approx £2.20 each when buying a case of 12, available at hogsback.co.uk

8. March of the Penguins

Williams Bros. Brewing Co. is located in Alloa, Clackmannanshire. This Scottish stout is creamy and deep chocolate in colour. It has a nose of roast malts, coffee, liquorice & orange peel. The taste of orange will get you in the Christmas spirit, and it is sure to warm you up this month. 4.9% ABV, £1.74 each, available at shop.williamsbrosbrew.com

9. St Bernardus Christmas Ale

The Belgians really know how to make an amazing Christmas beer! St Bernardus Christmas Ale pours thick and is a delicious dark ruby colour. The traditional Belgian yeast flavour comes through straight away, along with warming Christmas spices. It is also full of the sweetness you want from a strong Belgium beer! 10% ABV, £4.19 each, available at beerhawk.co.uk

10. To Øl Frost Bite

To Øl is a Danish microbrewery making some of the world's most admired craft beer. They have really gone for it this year with their Christmas range. Frost Bite is their pale ale that has the addition of orange peel and pine needles. Could you get more Christmassy? 6% ABV, £3.49, beerhawk.co.uk