Men: Home Brewed Heaven: DIY garden pubs

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There’s nothing quite like a warm summer evening sitting in the garden with a few friends, chatting away over a drink or two. What could be better than your own bar in the garden, complete with a selection of craft beers and locally produced spirits?

Most local shed building companies are experiencing shortages of timber and a backlog of orders, so you may need to try a few places or buy one online if you are in a hurry. Cordiners offer garden pods, shed and summer houses. If you want something more spacious, try DabDen for a bespoke garden room, or have Papillon Landscaping design your dream space. Maybe create a multi-purpose space that can serve as a home office then convert to a games room and bar? You’ll need somewhere to keep your beers cold, so think about an ice chest or cooler if you don’t want to keep traipsing into the kitchen all night. You can also install a fridge in your bar shed.

There are around 25 active breweries in the North-east, so considerable research may be required when it comes to deciding what to stock in your garden bar. Then there are at least 20 local artisan gin makers and Speyside offers some of the world’s best whiskies, so be prepared to invest considerable effort in this phase of creating your perfect garden bar. Outdoor heating is a must, especially if you want to use your space all year round. Patio heaters are one option, but a fire pit provides a great focal point as well as cooking possibilities. Rustle up some baked

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potatoes or a few sausages on your fire, or opt for a BBQ if you fancy a wider range of culinary delights. A pizza oven is another option, but ordering for delivery or buying in some treats you’re your local deli may be easier.

Look for comfortable seating that encourages relaxation. You’re looking for something you can slouch in and unwind for a few hours, rather than something stylish but uncomfortable. Lots of cushions and cosy throws mean you can use the space when nights become a little chillier. Gazebos or a bell tent offer shelter and can be packed away for the winter.

There are plenty of lighting options, but some of the prettiest are outdoor lanterns or strings of lights that can be hung from trees. Solar powered lights are a good choice unless you plan to use the space on winter evenings, if which case, battery powered choices may be more reliable.

The only other things you’ll need are some glasses and a bottle opener. Cheers!

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Lava's Jacqui gets the chop for a good cause

When Jacqui Grant, director at Lava Jewellery Design in Peterculter, recently turned 50, she decided to donate her gorgeous copper lockdown tresses to the Little Princess Trust. The discarded lengths are used to make natural wigs for children who lose their hair during chemotherapy for cancer. The wigs are provided free of charge. Jacqui’s new style was created by Dean at Chez Dean. You can find out more about the charity at littleprincesses.org.uk

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Balfour+Manson boosts family law team

Legal firm Balfour+Manson has bolstered its family law team in Aberdeen with the hire of Katie Albiston from Taggart Meil Mathers.

Lynne Mulcahy, one of the Partners who head up the family team in Aberdeen, explained, ‘We’re delighted o have Katie, who is a very talented and enthusiastic young solicitor, on board.’

Katie, who qualified as a Solicitor in June 2020, commented, ’I’ve worked in several different areas of law, but family law has always been my primary interest. I’ve worked with Avenue Aberdeen, which provides family mediation, child contact and counselling and have previously volunteered with ChildLine and Grampian Women’s Aid. I want to help people find a way through often challenging times in their lives and I’m really excited to get started with the team at Balfour+Manson.’

M.07780682732 E.garethjsthomson@gmail.com gthomsonmusic

celebrates growth & team promotions

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The company has expanded its portfolio with new clients including, Dolphin Drilling, sustainable solutions provider, ACCIONA, offshore training providers AIS Survivex, pipe care specialists Ramco and the jewel in Aberdeenshire’s hospitality crown, Ardoe House Hotel & Spa.

Annabel Sall, CEO of think Group, said, ‘It is testament to the think team that even throughout these difficult times, we have continued to steadily grow and diversify our portfolio. The range and amount of work secured highlights our ability to raise company profiles through tailored support and sound customer service.

‘I’m immensely proud of the team at think - their hard work, commitment and growth. With the leadership of our Managing Director Rachel Creegan, the level of service and commitment to our clients has been second to none. We are excited to look forward with new appointments, as well as continuing to recognise the highly skilled team we have in place.’

think also continues its commitment to supporting local charity initiatives, by announcing the donation of its time and expertise to aid a high profile charity event in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, due to take place in 2022.