NEARLYWED NEWS

Building on the success of award-winning Cove Vodka, Cove Damson Liqueur and Cove Coffee Liqueur, Devon Cove is delighted to introduce Cove Passion Liqueur. This exceptional hand-crafted liqueur is made by combining fresh passion fruits with their luxuriously smooth Devon potato vodka and the result is enchanting, exotic and delicious.

Try Cove Passion Liqueur over ice with a twist of grapefruit, with cloudy lemonade or in a cocktail. Presented in a stylish bottle with a wooden cork so you can easily reseal the bottle after use.

Commenting on the launch, the founder of Cove, Leanne Carr said: “We are thrilled to bring this product to the market. By using fresh passion fruits we’ve created a uniquely delicate liqueur which will not only excite those who like to make quality cocktails at home but also those who prefer something sweeter than whisky as a digestif since it works well on its own.”

Devon Cove creates exceptional vodka using King Edward potatoes lovingly grown by the sea on founder Leanne Carr’s family farm overlooking Hope Cove in South Devon. Low-carb and also gluten-free, Cove Vodka is as pure and clean as the sea air around it and uniquely smooth to taste.

Since its launch in 2019 Devon Cove has gone from strength to strength bagging a handful of high-profile taste awards, the most recent of which was a Gold award in the Ultra Premium category at the Vodka Masters 2022. Devon Cove has also expanded its range of liqueurs and launched a cocktail club subscription service so you need never be without a good cocktail at home. Leanne has become somewhat of a master mixologist and looks forward to featuring Cove Passion Liqueur in new cocktail kits to be released soon.

Cove Passion Liqueur with 25% ABV is available to buy from www.devoncove.co.uk 5cl (£5.95) and 50cl (£33.00). Less than two years since its launch, Devon-based independent online wine and spirit merchant, Wickhams has been included in the Decanter

Retailer Awards 2022 shortlist in not one but three categories; ‘Best

Specialist Retailer, England & Wales, ‘Best Specialist Retailer, South and

Regional France’ and ‘Best Small Online Retailer’. The 2022 Awards are more competitive than ever with entries epitomising the exceptional choice consumers have when it comes to buying wine in the UK.

Wickhams’ Founder Dan Farrell-Wright comments: “My aim with

Wickhams is to provide easy access to great wine for everyone so to be shortlisted in three categories in such a prestigious and important retailer award is hugely gratifying. It is an impressive achievement for such a young business and further proof we are doing lots right!”

At the core of Wickhams’ business is the desire to offer customers the chance to try new wines, whether in specially curated cases, the tasty mixed-case-of-six value option or via their tasting events. All Wickhams events are interactive, plenty of fun and come highly recommended. They are hosted by wine expert Pip Vanham and Wickhams’ founder Dan

Farrell-Wright, alongside other guest hosts. For online tastings, the wines are delivered through the letterbox in tasting-size packets large enough for two pours, before the event, ready for customers to enjoy from the comfort of their own sofa. Nearlywed The Winter Wine Discovery is taking place on Saturday 19th November between 12-6 pm at the Mercure Hotel, Exeter Rougemont. To find out more, visit https://wickhamwine.co.uk NEWS The latest news from both counties

Give the gift of choice this Christmas with New London Light, a bold collection of contemporary non-alcoholic spirits and aperitifs from the multi-award-winning distillers at Salcombe Distilling Co. Thanks to innovative flavour combinations and a pioneering production process, New London Light is setting the global standard in taste for the fast-growing alcohol-free spirits category, ensuring that alcohol-free no longer means second best.

Available in three expressions First Light, Aegean Sky and Midnight Sun, New London Light can be enjoyed straight up, with tonic, or as part of a cocktail. New London Light Midnight Sun is also now available to buy in selected Waitrose & Partners stores and would make a special gift for anyone who values choice when it comes to consuming alcohol. The New London Light collection would also make the perfect gift for those with an eye on Dry January and a healthy alcohol-free start to 2023.

Enjoy New London Light this Christmas with quality tonic and garnish, or push the boat out and serve one of Salcombe Distilling Co.s finest curated cocktails, Alpenglow.

For more cocktail recipes, serving suggestions and tasting notes, visit www.salcombegin.com/new-london-light-mixology

After months of planning, preparation and building, locals have had their first glimpse of the new-look Fever & Boutique, as the doors to the transformed club finally opened.

The refurbishment, worth more than £1,500,000 and over three months in the making, saw the building stripped back to bricks and mortar, with the extensive refit creating an all-new space. There are new bars, new furniture and new lighting.

Across the club’s two rooms, partygoers can expect a bigger and better experience than before. In Boutique, the club’s largest room, there are dance podiums and VIP booths. In Fever, the second room, there’s a light-up dancefloor.

Dominic Borg, general manager of Fever & Boutique, said: “We’ve been excited to unveil our new look ever since we shut for refurbishment in June, so our reopening certainly feels like a long time coming! After such a huge renovation project, it’s great to see our dance floors full once again!”

For more information and to get your ticket, visit: www.feverbars.co.uk/exeter

SHARP’S RELEASES ATLANTIC PALE ALE IN A CAN

Multi-award-winning Atlantic Pale Ale is proving to be so popular that Rock-based Sharp’s Brewery in Cornwall has launched it in a four-pack of cans. Available now in retail outlets across the UK, the 500ml cans are encased in a recyclable cardboard sleeve meaning they are completely plastic-free.

Sharp’s is responding to an increasing demand amongst consumers for different ways to enjoy their beer at home or social events. Loaded with tropical notes and a refreshing flavour, it is a popular choice in pubs, bars and restaurant settings as well as at home.

Inspired by the dynamism of the Atlantic Ocean, Sharp’s Atlantic Pale Ale is deep golden with the aroma of stunning citrus notes, juicy tropical fruits and fresh-picked hops with a touch of candy floss. The flavour has a delicate sweetness with fruity succulence and citrus spice brought to the fore. The finish is sweet at first becoming dry and lingering with hop zest. All this, along with Sharp’s trademark complexity and balance, gives a beautifully refreshing pale ale without the intense bitterness sometimes associated with New World pale ales.

Many brewers now offer their beers in a can because cans limit exposure to both light and oxygen, keeping the beer inside fresh and flavourful for longer. Consumers are increasingly seeking new ways to enjoy their favourite products.

Sharp’s Atlantic Pale Ale has been repeatedly recognised by consumers and experts alike for its taste and quality. Testament to this is the numerous awards the beer has won. The ale recently won bronze in the World Beer Awards 2022 and the World Beer Awards 2021. In addition, it also won gold in the International Cask Beer category in the 2021 International Beer Challenge.

Sharp’s Brewery’s marketing controller, James Nicholls, said, “Atlantic Pale Ale is proving to be so popular with our customers that we are investing in a new can format. We also know more people are enjoying at-home social occasions, so the launch of these multipacks is ideal for this trend.”

In other news, Sharp’s Brewery and Cornwall’s smallest nano-brewery Bluntrock brewers have united in collaboration and produced a new limited-edition Camel Trail Pale Ale available in both cans and kegs. Due to their proximity and a shared love of brewing and history, the two actually couldn’t be more excited to be working together. Their first co-conceived small batch brew, Camel Trail Pale Ale, is a hoppy, hazy 4.5% beer, brewed using a special American IPA yeast strain.

Sharp’s is the largest brewer of cask ale in the South West, and Doom Bar is probably the most successful cask beer of its generation. Doom Bar is currently the UK’s no.1 cask beer brand alongside national favourites such as Atlantic, Sea Fury and Offshore. In comparison, Bluntrock is one of Cornwall’s newest breweries, having set up in August 2021, with a focus on modern styles of beer, from hop forward hazy IPAs to fruited kettle sours. Sharp’s sells its beer from John O’Groats to Land’s End, whilst everything Bluntrock brews are sold from their onsite Taproom, which is right next to the nano brewery.

George Collins, Bluntrock’s head brewer has joined forces with Sharp’s head brewer Aaron McClure and technical brewer Jon Wide, all of whom worked together at Sharp’s Brewery in the early days of their brewing careers, to collaborate on this new limited-edition beer. Camel Trail Pale Ale is named after the local cycle track where people regularly use tandem bikes. It will be available at local Cornish outlets including The Mariners in Rock and as a canned version from both the Bluntrock and the Sharp’s Brewery shops.

Jon Wide says, “It’s been really fun to work with George and to create the same brew on both of our brewing kits. George’s nano-plant makes 150 litres and our small-scale pilot plant makes over 1,000 litres per batch, whereas our normal scale is up to 25,000 litres per brew so it’s great to brew at different scales and on different equipment. George’s beers are big and bold and he challenged us to step out of our comfort zones and create something different from our norm. We’ve used liquid hops in this beer, which Bluntrock Brewery use a lot, but which we’ve not used before at Sharps. It’s been a really interesting journey, and just brilliant to be collaborating now as close neighbours.”

George Collins of Bluntrock says, “This has been exciting for all of us and it’s good to see that a brewery with Sharp’s success is still keen to engage with a tiny brewery like ours at Bluntrock. For me, it’s been great to be able to go back to where I started brewing and be made to feel so welcome all these years later. It’s also been really good to see how a brewery like Sharp’s has approached collaboration with a different brew style like ours, and how we’ve been able to complement each other’s brewing styles in the process. Sharp’s help us out a lot, and we’ve all enjoyed creating this new, and very tasty, beer together.”

To shop, visit www.sharpsbrewery.co.uk

EAT, EAT, EAT! ENJOY A MATILDA-THEMED AFTERNOON TEA

In partnership with The Roald Dahl Story Company, Luxury Family Hotels has created a Matilda Afternoon Tea - a magical dining experience themed on the iconic children’s story. To commemorate one of the best children’s authors of all time, Roald Dahl Day is celebrated every year on his birthday – the 13th of September – to remember the magic that he brought and continues to bring to children all over the world.

The Matilda Afternoon Tea is currently available at all five Luxury Family Hotels properties until April 2023 including at Fowey Hall in South Cornwall.

The perfect modern tale of triumph over adversity, Matilda is the story of a smart young girl who, through bravery, sheer determination, and a little help from her friends, overcomes the much bigger bullies in her life and changes her story for the better.

As a much-loved tale by many, Luxury Family Hotels were thrilled at the unique opportunity to collaborate with The Roald Dahl Story Company and bring the delightful story, with all its wonderful foodie moments, to its hotels.

Eat, eat, eat! The Matilda Afternoon Tea experience includes both an adult and children’s menu and has been lovingly crafted to celebrate the story’s iconic food moments, from the cosy after-school sharing of bread and margarine in Miss Honey’s cottage to Bruce’s formidable battle with an enormous chocolate cake – and of course who can forget the infamous newt slipped into the Trunchbull’s water jug!

Families of all ages can share in the surprise and delight of the tale together, enjoying the scrumptious and theatrical creations crafted by the Luxury Family Hotels culinary team.

The magic starts with a selection of carefully curated sandwiches followed by delicious sweet treats and homemade scones alongside a selection of teas, coffees and – of course – newt juice!

The adult menu is priced at £35 per person and includes: •Crunchem Hall Sandwich selection •Break Time bread and butter •Lavender’s macaron’s •Matilda & Miss Honey’s after-school cream tea •Bruce Bogtrotter’s chocolate cake •Newt Juice (apple juice, banana, spinach and mango)

The children’s menu is priced at £15 per person and includes: •Crunchem Hall sandwich selection •Miss Honey’s garden vegetable crudities •Blueberry Newt Cookie (with mini-icing bag) •Matilda & Miss Honey’s after-school cream tea •Bruce Bogtrotter’s chocolate cupcake •Newt Juice

As an extra treat, a recipe for Luxury Family Hotels’ take on Bruce Bogtrotter’s chocolate cake is also tucked into the menu. Guests are encouraged to share their creations with the social tag #MatildaLuxuryFamilyHotels.

For families wanting to make the most of the Matilda experience, Luxury Family Hotels offers the Magical Matilda Escape overnight stay package at all five properties. Carefully curated to include the Matilda Afternoon Tea with activity sheets for younger guests, overnight family accommodation and a full breakfast the morning before guests depart plus a Matilda book to take home included.

The Magical Matilda Escape overnight stay package starts from £270 per night based on two adults and two children sharing. The package includes overnight accommodation, a guaranteed sitting for the Matilda Afternoon Tea experience, breakfast and a Matilda book to take home.

The Matilda Afternoon Tea is available at all Luxury Family Hotels for £15 per child and £35 per adult. For more information or to book please www.luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk/news/matilda-afternoon-tea

RICK STEIN OFFERS CORNISH WINTER STAY PACKAGES

Padstow in Cornwall makes for a brilliant winter honeymoon destination. During the summer months, accommodation, restaurants, parking and square inches on the beach are hard to come by in the area but during the winter months, this bustling harbour town quietens down, yet still has enough to keep visitors entertained.

Rick Stein offers numerous accommodation and restaurant options in the town, as well as homeware and gift shops, a fishmonger and a world-renowned cookery school. From evening classes to two-day courses, the cookery school provides the perfect entertainment for outof-season visitors, allowing them a true taste of Cornwall by learning all aspects of seafood cookery, with Rick Stein-trained chefs and produce straight from the local waters.

Just outside Padstow in St Merryn, Rick Stein’s pub, The Cornish Arms has roaring log fires and hearty pub food to warm chilly fingertips after blustery walks. Padstow is also home to one of the UK’s largest Christmas festivals (from 1st - 4th December) with demonstrations from Rick, Jack and Charlie Stein, alongside other famous chefs such as Angela Hartnett, Nathan Outlaw, Paul Ainsworth, Clare Smyth, Matt Tebbutt and Michael Caines.

Rick Stein, usually fully booked throughout the summer, is offering a special two-night dinner, bed and breakfast winter package from just £442 for two people. Accommodation is at any of the Rick Stein Padstow-based hotel rooms, and dinner is at a choice of the flagship Seafood Restaurant, St Petroc’s Bistro or Rick Stein Café.

To find out more and to book, visit www.rickstein.com/two-nightdinner-bed-and-breakfast-break-in-cornwall CONGRATULATIONS!

The finalists and winners of the prestigious 11th Food Drink Devon Awards were recently announced which included many of the country’s most respected and influential artisan food and drink producers. The esteemed panel of judges and industry experts have sampled, tasted and scored more than 270 products, visited 80 hospitality establishments and scrutinised 30 retail outlets across Devon to select the finest.

This year also saw the launch of their Sustainability Pioneer Award, designed to celebrate and promote sustainability, and shine a light on businesses going that extra mile in their endeavours to be environmentally friendly.

The winners were announced during the organisation’s glittering black tie award ceremony at the Crowne Plaza, Plymouth, announced by Tony Hawks, Devon-based comedian and author who regularly appears on BBC Radio Four panel shows Have I Got News For You, Just A Minute and I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue.

Finalists, who were also automatically in the running for Food Product and Drink Product of the Year included Baked to Taste, Blakewell Smokehouse, Devon Sea Salt, Owens Coffee, Sandridge Barton Wines, Stone’s Honey, Huxbear Vineyard, Torbay Distilling Company and WILD Gelato as well as others.

In the retail categories, entries were for 12 for the Best Retailer and Best Online Retailer from top-end delicatessens to village stores.

Food Drink Devon board director and award-winning Masterchef of Great Britain, Peter Gorton, said: “The standard and quantity of products we received for judging this year was amazing. It is wonderful for us to see such variety and such a consistently high standard of entries.

For a list of winners, visit https://fooddrinkdevon.co.uk/awards