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The Chronicle
September 26, 2008
TheChronicle September, 2008
The Plough Inn
National Champion, Gastropub 2008 On Thursday 18th September The Morning Advertiser newspaper threw a glittering black tie dinner for a 1000 guests made up of the country’s leading companies in the entertainment and hospitality industry at The London Hilton, Park Lane hosting ‘The Great British Pub awards’. The event was presented by Hugh Denis of BBC and by Andrew Pring, editor of The Morning Advertiser. At this event The Plough Inn, Christleton, Chester won ‘The National Champion, Best Gastropub 2008’. They also picked up the award for ‘North West Champion, Best Pub 2008’. The judges commented at the awards ceremony that these were two men (Raph Boydell and Philip Harland)
who had taken their pub ‘that extra distance’, providing top class food, much of it home-grown or reared at the premises whilst sustaining a wonderful traditional pub atmosphere. Asked to comment at the end of the awards ceremony Raph and Phil said they were not only delighted to win such a prestigious award but to bring it back to Chester, remarking with glee that the small area of Christleton was being talked about as Britain’s No 1 gastropub and place to visit. Raph with a wry smile said ‘it gives a whole new meaning to feeding the pigs and collecting the eggs from the chickens. They’re also prizewinners!’
The Plough Inn has quickly become one of rural Chester's most popular venues. You can enjoy the colourful local atmosphere of the pub or eat in the cosy restaurant with its traditional country pub ambience and exceptional standard of freshly prepared food.
Free-range Pork, Poultry, Eggs. Yes, Pigs, Chickens, Turkeys and Geese raised and nurtured at The Plough to ensure maximum quality and minimum 'food miles'. Vegetables, too are from the large kitchen garden and extensive use of scores of herbs in the freshest of food. The rare-breed pigs mean pork forms the basis of some of the most popular dishes on the menu. The pigs are also used to produce the pub’s own bacon, sausages & hams.
The real ale lover will find
a wide range of cask ales (up to nine at any one time) including Waverton's very own Spitting Feathers brews. The Plough Inn is listed in the Good Beer Guide 2008 as well as achieving Cask Marque status. There is also an excellent choice of wines from Europe and the New World.
PLOUGH LANE • CHRISTLETON • CHESTER CH3 7PT
01244 336096
www.theploughinnchester.co.uk e-mail: pipland7@aol.com OPENING TIMES: 12am - 12pm daily Food served daily lunch and evening. 12-8pm Sunday
Directions... From the Sainsbury's roundabout take the A41 (Whitchurch Road) and turn left after 400 yards at the Christleton turning. Turn right at Christleton centre and left at the High School on to Plough Lane. You will find The Plough Inn after 1/2 mile just on the other side of the crossroads.
Book now for Christmas!!
OFFICE PARTIES & FAMILY GROUPS WELCOME. CALL FOR DETAILS
Time to book the Christmas party A lthough many of us may still be dreaming of an Indian summer or perhaps dusting off the sand from those holiday suitcases, now is the best time to book your Christmas meal.
It may only be September, but many restaurants and pubs in the area are already advertising the festive celebrations and some may offer discounts for early reservations. Early booking will pay dividends and ensure that you have a choice of the best venues – at a date and time to suit you. There is a world of choice on your doorstep. And whether you’re arranging a romantic dinner for two, for your extended family or the office bash, Chester and the surrounding areas boast a wide range of places to please all tastes and, GIPIFVEXI> Fsso ievp} erh }sy ger psso jsv{evh xs }syv Glvmwxqew tevx}2 importantly, budgets It makes little difference whether you’re looking for a roast turkey with all the trim- reservation. And ask for conswish restaurant, a cosy eat- mings – even if it is Christmas. firmation of the booking by erie, club or pub, just follow a Check out the cost of the letter or e-mail. few simple guidelines to help menu. Ensure it fits your Check out entertainment, if the festivities run smoothly. budget. Some restaurants offer any, and ensure it’s to everyFirst of all decide where you special deals for large parties one’s liking – what suits great want to eat and check that the at Christmas. uncle Harry might not be first venue is suitable and accessible for the twentyConfirm numbers with part- choice for people in the party. ners or family members. somethings. Check that the establishment There’s nothing worse than But most of all, be sure to caters for vegetarians, after all, having to alter the size of the book early to avoid any disnot everyone wants to tuck into booking, once you’ve made a appointment.
R EA E Y 08 H 20 F T 7/ O 0 L 20 TE S O LE H WA
NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR CHRISTMAS,
12422
BROCHURE AVAILABLE
H OT E L & S PA
THE PERFECT PLACE TO RELAX AND UNWIND THIS CHRISTMAS GET YOUR FESTIVE CHEER AT THE QUAY THIS YEAR WITH OUR FANTASTIC SEASONAL MENUS CHRISTMAS PARTY DINNER - £35.00 per person Friday & Saturday • £30.00 per person Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday Includes drink on arrival, 3 cource dinner & disco CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH - Adults - £70.00 per person. Children under 12 - £35.00 per person BOXING DAY LUNCHEON - £32.50 per person £15.00 per child under 12 years NEW YEARS EVE GALA DINNER - 5 course dinner £95.00 per person To assist you with your booking, please contact the sales office on 1492 564100 Tel: 01492 564 100 Fax: 01492 564 115 email: info@quayhotel.com www.quayhotel.com Quay Hotel & Spa Deganwy Quay, Deganwy, Conwy, North Wales LL31 9DJ
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The Chronicle
September 26, 2008
TheChronicle September, 2008
3
Perfect venue for Yuletide festivities Ehzivxmwiv7w errsyrgiqirx
Christmas & New Year at
Ruthin Castle castell rhuthun
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inter dreams are made of spending long nights feasting and laughing with friends and family, in front of roaring open fires, within the warmth and comfort of towering castle walls, while the world outside is blanketed in snow... and Ruthin Castle offers just that. Welcoming open fires, wonderful seasonal food, large twinkling Christmas trees and an impress-
ive red castle set in acres of parkland – little more than 20 miles from Chester – make Ruthin Castle perfect for this season’s festivities. For centuries the castle hosted monarchy and nobles within its ancient walls. It continues that great tradition of warm hospitality with pre-Christmas party lunches and dinners in the award-winning Bertie’s dining room, which boasts glittering chandeliers and a sprinkling of seasonal live jazz. The newly refurbished deluxe
bedrooms are romantic, cosy and warm for those looking for a Christmas or a New Year break, complete with celebration dinner, casino games and dancing. The world famous party night Medieval banquets offer a fun alternative to traditional preChristmas events and include an evening’s entertainment of comedy and music from the Ladies of the Court and Court Steward, while feasting with dagger and fingers by candlelight around the flickering open fire.
BOOK NOW!!
• • • • • • •
Mediaeval Banquet pre-Xmas party nights £42.50 Mediaeval Banquet New Year’s Eve party £65.00 Pre-Xmas Seasonal lunch or dinner in Bertie’s from £25.00 Xmas Breaks from £420.00 Xmas Day lunch £65.00 Boxing Day lunch (Sunday lunch style) £18.95 New Year’s Eve Celebration Dinners & Breaks with Live Jazz, Dancing, Fun Casino and Fireworks from £99.00 • New Year’s Day Brunch £21.95 Open fires, twinkling Christmas Trees, food from award-winning Chefs and lots of seasonal fun!!
Ruthin Castle, Ruthin, Denbighshire LL15 2NU Tel: 01824 702664 www.ruthincastle.com
MACDONALD PORTAL HOTEL CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS
MACDONALD PORTAL HOTEL GOLF & SPA TARPORLEY It’s the most wonderful time of year and what better way to celebrate than at the luxurious Macdonald Portal Hotel. From the moment you enter our sweeping drive you will instantly feel that you are going to have a very special experience.
BRING YOUR PARTY TO OUR PARTY
• Disco Party Nights and Boogie Nights available throughout December
• Prices from only £27.50 • Fantastic food prepared by our award winning Chefs • Stay overnight in one if our luxurious bedrooms and enjoy full use of our stunning leisure facilities and spa
Hotel Group of the Year Winner 2007-8
Call our Christmas Co-ordinator now and you will receive one free place for every ten booked! www.MacdonaldHotels.co.uk/ThePortal Telephone
0844 879 9082
Remember to quote ‘Chester Chronicle’ when you call
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The Chronicle
Sit back and enjoy the festivities
Plas Ifan Hotel
September 26, 2008
TheChronicle September, 2008
Christmas Party Nig hts
to December 23rd Served December 1st u en M s ma ist hr C the Day
Friday 28th Novembe r Saturday 29th Novem ber
Soup of with Fresh Bread r & Mango Chutney, Chicken Liver Pate, Pea ke with Brandy Herb Butter Chestnut Risotto Ca lnut & Stilton Salad Poached Pear with Wa stard & Lemon Butter Mackerel Fillet with Mu Leaves with Tartare Sauce ch ina Sp of bed a Cod Fish Cake on *** eat Stuffing ipolata & Sausagem Roast Turkey with Ch Green Peppercorn Sauce h 10oz Rump Steak wit Cumberland Sauce with Stilton Mash & Wild Boar Sausages rb h Rhuba Sauce Confit of Duck Leg wit & Dill Sauce wn Pra h Roasted Cod wit ssoulet Vegetarian Sausage Ca Cheese Mash h Goats wit Pie s erd eph Sh Vegetable *** with Rum Sauce Christmas Pudding t Crumble Apple & Blackcurran ecake Chocolate Mint Chees Mixed Berry Pavlova t on Shortbread Biscui Lemon Posset with Lem * ** Coffee & Mince Pie
Disco, Fun Casino & Full Christmas Menu £28 per person
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Christmas Day 5 course Dinner £55 per person £30 Children under 10
Village Road, Northop Hall, Near Mold, Flintshire Tel : 01244 831717 www.plasifanhotel.co.uk
£20.95 Evenings £17.50 Lunchtimes
Look what’s going on this Christmas at Crowne Plaza Chester!
Come and join us for a fun filled party in the afternoon, guaranteed to brighten up any winter’s day. From £16.95 per person including a three course party lunch and a disco. 28 and 29th November and 4th, 5th, 6th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 18th, 19th and 20th December 2008
Gimme, Gimme, Gimme and night to remember! It’s time to get out your flares and platforms as we take you back to the 70’s this Christmas. Join us to celebrate the timeless hits of the Swedish super group Abba with our tribute band ‘Mama Mia’. It promises to be a glittering, non-stop, fun-filled party! From £24.95 per person including a three course meal and a disco. 28 and 29th November and 4th, 5th, 6th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 18th, 19th and 20th December 2008
The highlight of the season is Christmas lunch, but with so many people to cater for and mountains of food to prepare, it can seem overwhelming. That’s why opting to eat this special meal in one of the area’s restaurants is the ideal solution. If you decide to eat out, get the date – and restaurant – reserved, and also make sure the choice is right. Do not automatically assume that because it is Christmas, every hotel and restaurant will be bursting at the seams with people.
Examine the menus – the last thing you may want is turkey and plum pudding. Make sure that there is something to suit everyone, including vegetarians and any children you may have with you. Many restaurants now provide entertainment to keep youngsters absorbed while they are waiting for their meals to arrive. This gives the adults the opportunity to relax and look forward to a stress-free meal. And once the meal is over and everyone is sitting back relaxing, there is an added bonus – no washing up! The perfect Christmas treat.
❆
❆ ❆ Glamour and sparkle
❆
It's never too early to start planning your Christmas party or event, so why not save your time later in the year and book now. With a winning combination of exciting menus and great entertainment you won’t be disappointed.
Make your Christmas Party a boogie wonderland!
W
Large hotels which normally bustle with reps e all look forward to Christmas. It’s a magical time of year and business groups during the year, may be – but our attempts to make quiet at Christmas. So decide whether it is a busy atmosphere you things perfect can often lead us to feeling are after, or a more intimate, cosy setting. stressed-out.
with De Vere St. David’s Park this Christmas
❄ Comedy Wednesdays ❄ ❄ Seventies Thursdays ❄ ❄ Disco Weekends ❄
❆
From £20.00 per person
❆
❆
❄ Accommodation from £70.00 per room ❄
New Year’s Eve Gala Ball Join us in the Kings Suite for this exclusive event. See in 2009 in style with superb food, fine wine, a live band ‘Perfect 10’ and our resident DJ. Price includes a Champagne and canapé reception, five course gala dinner, entertainment, novelties and a piper to see in the New Year. Dress code Formal. Bar open from 7pm, dinner served at 8pm and carriages at 2am £75.00 per person
New Year’s Eve overnight package From £145 per room based on two adults sharing a standard twin or double room and brunch the following morning.
Crowne Plaza Chester
Trinity Street, Chester, Cheshire CH1 2BD www.qmh-hotels.com/christmas/chester
01244 899988
To book call our Christmas Co-ordinator on quoting ‘Christmas Chronicle’ or email: christmas.cpchester@qmh-hotels.com
Book before 3rd October
for a FREE glass of bubbly for every guest!
❆❆
Early Bird New Years Eve Party Rate from £40.00 per person
❄ St David’s Park Hotel, Ewloe, Nr Chester, Flintshire CH5 3YB ❄ ❄ Tel: 01244 528 529 ❄ Web: www.deverevenues.co.uk ❄
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The Chronicle
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September 26, 2008
TheChronicle September, 2008
Top tips for festive party fun M
ost people love to party, especially at Christmas time. Whether it’s the office bash, a huge gathering of work colleagues or a dinner party for close friends, you want it to be a night to remember.
But you want to remember the event for all the right reasons. And if you want to ensure that your party goes with a swing, it may help to follow this 10-point plan. 1. If you are on a tight budget, get the balance right between food and booze. People may prefer to have another predinner drink rather than an extra round of mints and coffee. 2. Try to choose a venue where you can stay in one place – the mood will be lost if you need to trek from dinner to dancing. It is ideal if your venue can arrange entertainment after the meal as this will stop the crowds migrating to the nearest nightclub. However, such venues tend to
be the most popular so you will need to book early. 3. Take a vote before the party on whether partners are invited and what contribution they should make towards festivities if funds are limited. There is bound to be a mixture of singles and couples, so everyone’s feelings should be taken into account. 4. Keep the speeches short. While it is important to thank all the people who count, make sure that you keep the event low-key and relaxed. 5. Introduce some party games to involve the whole team. 6. Remember that not everyone will want loud music or dancing, so make sure that there is a flexible agenda that caters for all tastes and needs and a quieter area where people can escape for a bit of peace and quiet. 7. Have a seating plan. Make sure that everyone mingles. Don’t let the usual suspects huddle togeth-
er for the whole evening. A solution could be to arrange a swapping system where people can change places after every course. 8. Research shows that not all age groups enjoy the Christmas party as much as each other. Structure the evening so that people can slip away discreetly after the main meal, without feeling like Scrooge. 9. If you are the boss, then go home early. Allow your team to take advantage of your absence and let their hair down. 10. Make sure that everyone gets home safely. Either arrange transport with the venue first or make sure that your team and colleagues have a local taxi number.
MAID IN CHESHIRE CAN’T COPE WITH YOUR CLEANING?
Why not let our expert staff provide a commercial or domestic cleaning service. Office or home we can help.
For a FREE quote call:
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Celebrate‘08 Events & Parties
This year there really is something for everyone!
Glamour & Glitz Party Nights
Turkey & Tinsel Inclusive Party Nights
Enjoy a 3 course meal with dancing to our resident DJ until 1am. Friday and Saturdays in December £38.00 per person
3 course meal and inclusive drinks from 8 until 11pm. Music from our resident DJ until 1am. Friday 28th & Saturday 29th November Thursday 11th December £49.50 per person
Tribute & Cabaret Party Nights 3 course meal followed by entertainment from the tribute act and music from the resident DJ until late. Thursday 18th December - Robbie Williams Sunday 21st December - The Cheatles Monday 22nd December - Lionel Ritchie £35.00 per person
For further information call us on 0844 815 9001 ‘option 3’
or email us at csales.chester@ramadajarvis.co.uk
Ramada Chester, Whitchurch Road, Christleton, Chester CH3 5QL
Treat Your Friends and Family to a Country House Experience This Christmas! Disco Party Nights From £28pp Tribute Band Party Nights From £37pp Fabulous A La Carte Lunch And Dinner Menus Available Throughout December Fabulous Christmas Day Menu Available From Midday – 3pm Black Tie New Years Eve Dinner and Live Music
Call 01829 260309 today to book or visit www.wildboarhotel.co.uk Wild Boar Hotel, Whitchurch Road, Beeston. Nr Chester. CW6 9NW
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The Chronicle, September, September 26,2008 2008 TheChronicle
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Everyone can enjoy the celebrations this Christmas if you book transport to and from your party HOTEL ROMA
51 Lower Bridge Street, Chester CH1 1RS Tel: 01244 325091 Fax: 01244 315628
Dino’s & La Fontana Christmas Lunch Menu
Farmhouse Lentle Soup - Served with homemade Garlic Bread Traditional Roast Turkey - Served with Cranberry Sauce & Chipolata Sausages or Fillet Tails Medallion - Cooked in Red Wine, and Mushroom Sauce (The above are served with fresh seasonal potatoes and vegetables) or Vegetarian Lasagna al Forno - Baked Lasagna with Soy Beans and Fresh Vegetables Traditional Christmas Pudding - Served with Brandy Sauce or Coupe Romano - A selection of Italian Ice-Cream Including a complimentary glass of wine
£12.90 per person Dino’s & La Fontana Christmas Dinner Menu
Minestroni Soup - A delicate vegetable soup or Garlic Mushrooms - with White Wine and Cream sauce or King Prawns in Fennell - Cooked in a White Wine and Cream Sauce Traditional Roast Turkey - Served with Cranberry Sauce, Chipolata Sausages with Stuffing or Lamb Rossini - Lamb topped with Cheese served in a Madiers Sauce or Grilled Rump Steak - Cooked to your liking All served with fresh seasonal potatoes and vegetables or Oven Baked Vegetarian Kiev - Filled with garlic, carrots, sweetcorn, green beans, red peppers, garlic and cheese sauce Christmas Pudding - Served with Brandy Sauce or Lemon Roulade - served with fresh cream Fresh Coffee
£19.90 per person Special prices for accommodation from November to December 08. Double rooms £58.00 Single £42.00 including breakfast, also free parking available.
0* 4 £ AT
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Ensure you all get from the party E
njoying a drink or two at Christmas is part of the celebrations. The wine and beer will be flowing at any party you attend and even if you promise to limit yourself to just one glass, your resolve can weaken as the night wears on.
So if you know you are likely to be drinking, it’s wise to leave the car at home. A driving ban, or worse, doesn’t make for the most auspicious start to the New Year and memories of that night on the town could linger on for all the wrong reasons. According to the Department of Transport, nearly one in seven of all deaths on the road involve drivers who are over the legal limit. The risk of being involved in an accident increases rapidly with the amount of alcohol consumed. If you are going to an organised event then by far the best bet is to go home by taxi or hire a mini-bus. With a little forward planning, several friends sharing will help get you all home safely and keep the cost down. There is actually no fail-safe
guide as to how much alcohol you can drink and stay under the legal limit. The amount and type of alcoholic drink, your weight, age, sex and metabolism all play their part. The quantity of alcohol in a half pint of beer is approximately the same as in a pub measure of spirits or a pub measure of port or sherry
or a small glass of wine. If you are going to have a drink at Christmas time, then it is important to remember that a lot of beers and wines are actually stronger than ‘average’; that both wines and spirits may be sold in various measures; drinks poured at home are usually more generous than pub measures; cocktails are espe-
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Christmas Parties
Step into christmas at Oulton Park race circuit nearTarporley for a motorsport-themed evening of festive indulgence…
To check availability and to discuss your individual requirements contact
01474 875224 or corpsales@motorsportvision.co.uk For more info visit www.motorsportvision.co.uk/opparties *subject to availability and minimum numbers
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The Chronicle September 26, 20082008 TheChronicle September,
home safely cially potent and their high alcoholic content is often masked by the taste of fruit juice. It is also wise to remember that if you have been drinking heavily you are still likely to test positive for alcohol the following morning, so it is best not to drive to work. You may wake up and think you feel sober but the effects of alcohol can linger for many hours, and you may get caught out on your way to work. If you are booking a cab to and from your office party, it would be a good idea to book another one to get you to work the next day. Better still, take the day off and enjoy the party memories in peace.
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Lose weight fast the SureSlim way SURESLIM is a successful international weight and wellness company, based on scientific research into nutrition, metabolic processes, and hormone regulation. SureSlim corrects your glucose metabolism, so you can lose weight fast and for life. All SureSlim clients have a comprehensive blood test, which looks at you as an individual. The blood test is not a food intolerance test but a fasting blood test, which tests your full blood count, liver and kidney function, lipids, glucose, and thyroid function. A copy of this blood test will be provided for your GP, to ensure your notes are always up to date. The SureSlim doctor screens your blood test for abnormalities and the results of your test are used to design a weight-loss programme for you. Using your blood test results and an analysis of your medical history and medication, SureSlim designs an eating plan to correct your glucose metabolism and balance your hormone levels so that you can lose weight and get healthy. Your lifestyle, dietary restrictions, and likes and dislikes are also incorporated into your own personalised
eating plan. Laura, a SureSlim client, is full of praise, and said: “For the past 10 years I have been unhappy with my weight, trying every diet and pill I could. Struggling with my weight was making me unhappy and putting a strain on my relationship as I was insecure. “Six months ago, this all started to change with the support of SureSlim Chester. At my first consultation I was very sceptical as I thought this would be “another fad diet”. The clinic manager, Lesley, explained the programme to me and was very open and honest about the quick loss plan. “Six months on and four stone lighter, I feel like a new woman. I thought this diet would stop me going out and having fun but I have lost weight at every single weighin, even after two weeks in Florida I lost 4.5lbs. “I don’t see me dieting now, I don’t have craving, and I actually enjoy the foods I am eating. “SureSlim Chester has changed my life and all my friends, family and colleagues are jealous of the new me and my new found energy.”
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“Now I’m first in line to catch the bouquet!” Your SureSlim eating plan will include:
❥ Comprehensive blood tests ❥ Doctor’s analysis & nutritional advice ❥ Personalised programs for rapid and permanent weight loss ❥ Tailored to your food preferences and lifestyle using normal everyday foods ❥ One to one support all the way!
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18a Faulkner Street, Hoole, Chester CH2 3BD
www.sureslimuk.com
The scientific approach to weight and wellness
Let Amantola put the sparkle in your Christmas
Welcome to Christmas at Amantola! Amantola would like to welcome you to our Restaurant this December. Enjoy our mouthwatering dishes in friendly surroundings and let us bring the festive spirit of Christmas to your table… We are open 7 days a week throughout December, serving our A la Carte menu as well as the following party menus:
Christmas Lunches & Christmas Parties ★ Six
course Christmas banquet menu ★ ★ Available from 1st-31st December excluding Christmas Day ★ ★ £14.95 per person ★
All-inclusive Party & Disco Nights ★ FREE BAR* until midnight ★ Three course menu ★ Disco ★ ★ Friday 28th November ★ Friday 5th, 12th, 19th December ★
The ultimate Amantola Christmas party! Enjoy unlimited free drinks from our bar* until midnight as well as a special three course menu full of delicious traditional dishes and customer favourites plus a disco until the early hours.
£35 per person
Christmas Day
New Year’s Eve
★ ‘All You Can Eat’ Buffet ★ ★ Over 60 choices ★ ★ Traditional turkey dinner ★
★ FREE BAR* until 11.30p.m. ★ ★ Six course menu ★ Disco ★
Christmas Day at Amantola is going to be magical… Feast on our mouthwatering all you can eat Indian, Chinese and Thai Buffet or enjoy a traditional roast turkey dinner with all the trimmings.With three sittings, 12p.m., 2.30p.m. and 5p.m. – it is advisable to book early!
Adults £19.95 Children (under 10) £9.95
Amantola’s New Year Eve Parties are legendary! Bring in the New Year with great entertainment and superb food – what a fantastic combination… With a sumptuous 6 course New Year’s Eve menu, THE BAR IS FREE until 11.30p.m., disco with a DJ included until the early hours of the New Year. Bring in the New Year with a bang!!!
£49.95 per person
* Does not include Champagne and premium spirits, which will be charged at usual prices. Single measures only. All drinks will be charged for at usual bar price after midnight.
To book, call 01244 811324 • Open 7 days a week throughout December THE AMANTOLA – INDIAN RESTAURANT & BAR Welsh Road, Deeside, Flintshire CH5 2RF 01244 811324 FAX 01244 811383 EMAIL info@amantola-restaurant.co.uk WEB www.amantola-restaurant.co.uk
CALL
From Chester – 10 minutes from Chester Race Course along Sealand Road opp RAF Sealand • From The Wirral – 10 minutes from Two Mills Garage follow A550 to Deeside opp RAF Sealand From North Wales – follow A55 to Deeside just past The St. David’s Park Hotel, opp RAF Sealand • Ample Parking
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September 26, 2008
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The Chronicle September 26, 20082008 TheChronicle September,
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Go on... dare to be different
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T
he Christmas ‘do’ may be traditional – but the sort of party you arrange doesn’t have to be. You don’t have to opt for a dinner and dance just because that’s what you have done every other year. These days there are plenty of other options to try. Medieval banquets are a tried and tested way to introduce a themed idea, without shocking the uninitiated. This is especially good for a mixed age group. If you have a lot of young and fit partygoers why not try a salsa party? It is possible to book a venue, teacher and DJ, all with the salsa theme in mind and the frequent changing of partners as you dance round the room means that everyone gets to know each other very quickly. Or how about a murder mystery night, if dancing is off the agenda. It’s also a winner if your guests like to dress up and stay in
character for the whole evening. If you want a change but don’t want to stray too far from tradition, why not try a 70s or 80s disco? You could also ask everyone to dress up to add to the fun. If you fancy a gamble, then try a casino evening. Again you could dress up – this time with a black tie theme. Dish out some fun money at the start of the evening or let everyone play for small stakes to raise money for charity. If you think everyone attending the party is really up for some fun you could organise a beach party. It may be the middle of winter, but you can turn up the heat by asking everyone to wear their favourite beachwear, sip cocktails and dance under a few fake palm trees. Whatever theme you decide to go for, make sure you book early.
To Advertise in one our following
Christmas
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supplements 17th October 14th November 5th December Please call
10% off
all hair & beauty on production of this advert
01244 606357
N o r t h Wa l e s P re m i e r Unisex Hair & Beauty Salon
or
22 New Street, Mold, Flintshire, CH7 1NZ Tel: 01352 755388 www.absolutecutters.co.uk
01244 606352
Christmas at the Grosvenor
Pacinos Christmas Party Menu 2008 3 Course £22.95 Starters Chefs Homemade Soup of the Day Goats Cheese Cheesecake with Beetroot & Apple Relish Crab & Prawn Cocktail with Brown Bread & Butter Sardine Fillets on Toast with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Beef Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce Mains Lamb Shank braised in Red Wine, Tomato & Peppers Sliced Breast of Goose with Black Cherry & Port Sauce Chicken Breast with White Wine, Cream, Wild Mushrooms & Tarragon Grilled Fillets of Seabass with Lemon & Dill Butter Tagliatelle with Mushrooms, Rocket & Parmesan Choice of Dessert from the Blackboard Cheese and Biscuits please add a £1
1 New Town Close, St Annes Street, Newtown, Chester, Cheshire CH1 3HE T :01244 382 252 F: 01244 347 757 E: enquiries@pacinos-restaurant.com
Christmas Eve Menu £29.95 Served in Ciro’s Brasserie
Christmas Day Carvery Lunch £65/£32 under 12 years/£15 under 5 years Served: Grosvenor Suite 12.00pm-1.30pm Ciro’s Brasserie 2.15pm-4.15pm
Boxing Day Carvery
£27.50 / £17 under 12 years / £10 under 5 years Served in Ciro’s Brasserie
New Year’s Eve £45.00
Come & see the New Year in at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa
A fabulous night of food, drink and entertainment! Champagne & Cocktail Bar in Ciro’s Brasserie Disco in Nelson’s Bar, Buffet served from Ciro’s Brasserie Menus can be viewed online in our Christmas & New Year brochure or you can request a copy by telephone.
To make a booking please contact our events office on 01244 570 560 Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, Wrexham Rd, Pulford, Chester, Cheshire CH4 9DG events@grosvenorpulfordhotel.co.uk. www.grosvenorpulfordhotel.co.uk
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The Chronicle
September 26, 2008
A UTUMN Beauty can O FFERS be green B UY O NE G ET O NE F REE On all Pasta dishes and Pizzas
UNO
(Valid 29/09/08 - 09/10/08 Mon - Thurs all day)
DUE
Any Pizza/Pasta plus soft drink £7.50
(Valid 13/10/08 - 23/10/08 Mon - Thurs all day) TRE´
Two courses plus bottle of house wine £15.00
(Valid 27/10/08 - 06/11/08 Mon - Thurs all day)
LA FATTORIA ITALIAN RESTAURANT PIZZERA 25 LOWER BRIDGE ST, CHESTER. 01244 317330
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hinking about improving your beauty routine in the run-up to Christmas? Then you could go green.
If you are confused about what’s really in your beauty products – which are perfectly natural and which products contain more chemicals than your bathroom cleaner – you’re not alone. The demand for ‘green’ products is growing. More than 2,260 ethical cosmetics and skincare products were launched in Europe last year, according to Mintel research – a five-fold increase on 2006. But going green isn’t enough for some beauty sticklers who want to know precisely what they’re putting on to their skin. Korres is the first brand in the beauty industry to lift the lid on exactly what is in its products. Scheduled to hit shelves in November, the packaging on skincare will feature a ‘Formula Facts’ rundown with simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers to customers’ need-toknow questions. With consumers becoming more inquisitive about their products, it’s little wonder the grass is looking KVIIR JSV KPS[> Xli hiqerh jsv ixlmgep fieyx} tvshygxw mw kvs{mrk2 greener for organic beauty.
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Christmas Fayre 2008 CABARET NIGHTS & DINNER DANCES EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY EVENINGS FRIDAY 5TH & SAT 6TH DEC FRIDAY 12TH & SAT 13THDEC FRIDAY 19TH & SAT 20TH DEC INTERNATIONAL CABARET ACTFour Course Dinner & Disco. £35.00 PER PERSON
SPECIAL NIGHTS FOR CHRISTMAS
WEDNESDAY 17TH DEC ‘TAKE THAT’ BACK OUTSTANDING TRIBUTE ACT SHOW TO THE INCREDIBLE ‘TAKE THAT’ £35.00 PER PERSON
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THURSDAY18TH DEC – ABSOLUTELY LIVE FANTASTIC TRIBUTE TO THE MUSIC OF ABBA £35.00 PER PERSON SUNDAY 14TH DEC ‘OUR FAMOUS LADIES ONLY NIGHT’ £27.00 PER PERSON A NIGHT NOT TO BE MISSED – INTERNATIONAL DRAG QUEEN COMEDIAN & MALE DANCERS THREE COURSE HOT CHRISTMAS BUFFET, WITH A VARIETY OF DISHES AND AN AMAZING DESSERT SELECTION
HAFOD ROAD, MOLD, FLINTSHIRE TEL: 01352 700177 FAX 01352 755499 Email: reception@plashafodhotel.com Website www.plashafodhotel.com
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THE BIGGEST CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR NEW YEAR’S EVE 2008 GALA DRESSED BUFFET WITH FANTASTIC DISPLAY OF HANDCRAFTED CULINARY DELIGHTS & ICE SCULPURES HOT ENTREES & DESSERTS LIVE CABARET & DISCO £55.00 PER PERSON
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The Chronicle September 26, 20082008 TheChronicle September,
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Raise a glass or two to the festive season
e all tend to eat out more during the festive season – and a lot of people enjoy a glass of wine with their meal.
O B ct be oo ob fo k qu e r d ot 10 r a e 1 res e % nd 9 s C re th hr on of ce ic f ive le 27 9
Once upon a time, ordering a bottle of wine in a restaurant was fraught with tension. The sommelier would reverently lay the leather-bound wine list on the table and screw his face up in a disapproving fashion if you dared order from the lower end of the price scale. And woe betide you if you didn’t swirl the wine in the glass properly or ‘nose’ it in the correct fashion. But times have mostly changed for the better and you can usually count on most restaurant wine lists having reliable – and reasonably priced – options. Alvaro Marcos Garcia, head sommelier and wine buyer at Theo Randall at London’s swanky Intercontinental Hotel and winner of the 2007 International Sommelier Challenge, has some surprisingly straightforward advice for those who start to shake when a lengthy wine list appears. “Don’t be afraid if you don’t know what to have, just tell the wine waiter what sort of wine you like,” he says. “If you like wine from Spain, or fruity white
wines, tell them. That way they can start to narrow down what you might like and you can go from there.” If your choices are influenced by cost, Alvaro says there’s nothing wrong with opting for the house wine. “Can you trust house wine? Of course you can!” he says, explaining that house wine is often priced lower than other choices because the restaurant wine buyer has put the squeeze on their supplier. “In good establishments the house wine will be good quality at a good price. House wine is chosen to represent the restaurant, so it makes sense for it to be good.” What you choose also comes down to how important you see the food and wine matching element of a meal, he explained. “When I started as a sommelier I used to be shocked if a customer ordered, say, a sauvignon blanc if they were eating beef.” “But now I think, well, if they are enjoying it, that’s the important thing. It’s very personal.” If you feel that the sommelier is trying to push you into choosing a wine you really don’t want, don’t be shy to stand your ground. “We are not here to make people spend money, we’re here to give advice,” Alvaro says. “The sommelier is there for the guests’ benefit – and a restaurant wants the customers to come back, so we don’t want to give you bad advice.”
Belles of Chester
Designer Evening Dress Hire Fabulous new stock Evening & Weekend appointments available
From festive dining to Christmas parties and New Year’s Eve celebrations The Chester Grosvenor and Spa is the essential winter treat. Christmas Parties The perfect party destination for groups of 12 to 240, enjoy an exceptional three course meal with wine, novelties and entertainment from £60 per person. New Year’s Eve Celebrate in style with a glamourous Gala Dinner in The Westminster Suite or an exquisite six course dinner at Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor. Packages available from £199 per person, please call for further details. Delicious Dining ‘Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor’ will open for festive lunches Tuesday to Friday from 3rd December. Three fabulous courses for just £35 per person. Festive lunch in La Brasserie is available throughout December for £27.50 per person.
For reservations please call 01244 895618 or email hotel@chestergrosvenor.com Our festive brochure and menus can be downloaded from www.chestergrosvenor.com THE CHESTER GROSVENOR AND SPA EASTGATE, CHESTER CH1 1LT T:01244 324024 F:01244 313246
Christmas Party Nights 2008 Have a ball this Christmas with Robbie, Kylie, Wham, The Big Beat or The Mersey Beatles. All party nights include 3 course Christmas dinner & coffee, live entertainment/tribute act (with exception to 10/12/08) interactive DJ, crackers and Christmas novelties.
Prices from £20.00 per person
Get the red carpet look for a fraction of the cost (hire from £45 - £85) Free parking at rear
We look forward to welcoming you soon! Boughton Chester, Cheshire CH3 5BH www.bellesofchester.co.uk
Call now for an appointment
Tel: 01244 348889
Be sure not to miss out! Book your Christmas party now by calling the events office on 01244 570560 or email events@grosvenorpulfordhotel.co.uk
Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa Wrexham Road, Pulford, Chester, Cheshire CH4 9DG
www.grosvenorpulfordhotel.co.uk
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The Chronicle
September 26, 2008