Champagne & Oysters - Skaka Zulu

Champagne & Oyster-Infused Cocktails

 Launch at Shaka Zulu

Luxury restaurant, Shaka Zulu in Camden is set to launch a glamorous new Champagne & Oyster Bar. As well as serving an extensive champagne menu, the venue shall also be showcasing some truly innovative oyster-infused cocktails, set to excite your palette.

Shaka Zulu has created a delectable selection of Oyster infused cocktails made with a single oyster. Sample the Sipping Mary, a heavy bloody Mary mix with chilled Grey Goose vodka or the Smoked Vodka Oyster Martini, with a pouring of chilled smoked vodka both of which are served with the finest Fine de Claire Oyster delicately place within. Alternatively, and for those more daring guests, why not try the Oyster Shot, a favourite in Knysna in South Africa this is made with a single oyster and resposado tequila slammer mixed with tobasco sauce, black pepper and fresh lemon juice.

There will be a stunning variety of Laurent Perrier champagnes on offer alongside a number of other brands including Bollinger, Dom Perignon and Veuve Clicquot to put some fizz back into your life.

If you prefer your champagne with a dash of fruity sweetness, Shaka Zulu will also be serving an impressive array of cocktails to complement the menu. These include Cherry Lane, a dark red concoction of raspberry vodka, cherry puree, fresh lemon, cherry liqueur and bubbly, La Fizz, an effervescent and refreshing mix of Grey Goose vodka, elderflower cordial, fresh lemon juice and sugar syrup topped with Prosecco.

Shaka Zulu will also be serving a number of healthy cocktails as well as the supermodel’s favourite, Laurent-Perrier’s Ultra Brut. This light champagne is unique, being made without the addition of the sugar dosage found in most champagnes, the Ultra Brut can only be made in years when the grapes are at their optimum ripeness with a good balance of acidity and natural sugar.

To complement your choice of Champagne, the venue will be serving a selection of the finest Fine de Claire Oysters from the South of France. Whilst at the bar, watch the talented bar staff crack open the oyster before a delicious sauce is drizzled over the heavenly jewel located within, or alternatively have them in their purest form. Whether you prefer succulent or fiery flavour, Shaka Zulu have a tempting selection of sauces to choose from including Wasabi& Eldeflower Dressing for a taste explosion or for something seductively spicy, why not try the Smoked Chilli Jelly.

The Champagne and Oyster Bar stretches seductively over Shaka Zulu’s mezzanine level offering guests panoramic views across both floors of this breathtaking venue. Hand carved wooden murals cover every inch of the walls and ceiling and towering statues of Zulu warriors bring a sense of drama to the 850 capacity space.

John Walker & Sons Voyager

John Walker & Sons, the world’s leading luxury whisky house announces that John Walker & Sons Voyager, a super glamorous 1920s-style yacht will arrive in Europe this May to launch the new triple malt, John Walker & Sons odyssey.

The stunning yacht will begin its European voyage from Genoa in early May. It will visit Cannes, Monaco, Athens, Barcelona, Amsterdam, London, Hamburg and Copenhagen before finally docking in Edinburgh in August – returning to the brand home of Scotland.

At each destination, the John Walker & Sons Voyager  will play host to a series of high-profile events and experiences that will celebrate each port’s own story of progress and innovation and recognise national influencers who embody the pioneering spirit and vision of the Walker family. These ‘game changers’ who have each broken new ground and carved new paths for those around them will come together with the region’s most progressive influencers to engage a new generation of whisky drinkers and luxury aficionados in a world of quality craftsmanship, heritage and modern innovation. 

The Voyager will dock in London on 15^th, 16^th, 17^th July and Edinburgh on 12^th, 13^th, 14^th August 2013. 

 John Walker & Sons Voyager was inspired by the launch of a new blend, JOHN WALKER & SONS ODYSSEY, which commemorates the 80^th anniversary of one of Sir Alexander Walker’s greatest innovations – the creation of a decanter for use on luxury cruise liners which moved to match the motion of the sea.

Banca Ristorante Italiano

Acclaimed Italian restaurant Banca is bringing the romance and glamour of Milan to their prestigious Mayfair locale this February, with the launch of its luxurious Valentine’s Day menus. 

Diners can choose from a three or four course traditional Italian set menu, which fuses fresh, seasonal and authentic ingredients including oysters, caviar and truffles - ingredients that have long been associated with aphrodisiac properties.   

On arrival, guests will be presented with a glass of champagne, followed by oysters, and can then expect dishes including Warm Fassona Beef Carpaccio with Norcia’s Black Truffle or Grilled Beef Fillet with Aged Balsamic of Modena, and a dessert choice of Chocolate Fondant with Raspberry Heart and Madagascar Vanilla Sauce or Coffee and Petit Fours.

Banca is offering guests the choice of two seatings: 7pm (three course menu at £80) or 9pm (four course menu at £110).

VA VA VOOM THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

The Luxury, five-star boutique property, St James’s Hotel & Club has linked arms with Victoria’s Secret for a suitably seductive package that would make even Cupid blush!

A personal shopping experience awaits you in the Angel Suite at Victoria’s Secret’s flagship store on London’s New Bond Street. Armed with a £70 gift card to spend on what ever you or your partner desires, Let the Victoria’s Secret associates help you find the perfect fit for a fabulous you this Valentine’s!

The ‘Seduction’ package starts from £410+VAT, available throughout Valentine’s Week (11th – 17th February 2013). 

..It includes..
One night in a deluxe room, 
Breakfast­‐in-­bed, with morning papers delivered,
A delicious box of Victoria’s Secret Pink Champagne Truffles, created by Charbonnel et 
Walker,
£70 voucher presented in a Victoria's Secret gift box, 
And to finish off an Angel Suite experience at Victoria’s Secret’s flagship store on New Bond Street.

This is the perfect way to have your partners heart all a flutter!   

Armani EA7 event at Harrods and Soulmatefood treats

Wow, what a week it's been, we have had lots of food to make but our wonderful Soulmatechef's have still had time to create some delicious healthy treats for Armani's launch of their EA7 Sportswear at Harrods.

Hosted in the amazing fifth floor Technogym with 30 minute training sessions held by none other than celebrity trainer to the stars Joshua Holland. Here is a selection of our photos we thought we'd share for those who couldn't attend!

Harrods lovely staff welcoming people into the building!

 The lovely Technogym gang!

 Joshua Holland training hard!

 Healthy treats! Parma ham & Melon, and Protein Brownies & Skinny blueberry and Vanilla muffins!

Refreshing drinks after a good workout!

Virgin Atlantic brings the clubhouse treatment to Newark Liberty

Virgin Atlantic brings the Clubhouse treatment to Newark Liberty

Upmarket luxury in 'downtown' themed lounge

Virgin Atlantic has announced details of its latest investment in luxury travel - a brand new Clubhouse at Newark Liberty Airport which is set to open in October 2012.

Created by the same team as the JFK Clubhouse - New York based architectural practice Slade Architecture in collaboration with the Virgin Atlantic in-house design team - the Newark space is being designed with a mixture of NYC's downtown flair and Virgin Atlantic's warmth and individuality. The lounge will live and breathe lower Manhattan - think Soho boutiques, TriBeCa lofts and Meatpacking District chic.

The personalised food service will offer Upper Class passengers a local community experience with the opportunity to indulge in locally-sourced produce. To allow passengers the maximum time for relaxation before boarding, the Clubhouse will be located airside, after the security checks in Terminal B and close to the gates.

The Newark Clubhouse marks the final element in Virgin Atlantic's £100 million investment in its Upper Class product. During 2012 the airline has also opened a new Clubhouse in New York JFK, unveiled a new Upper Class cabin on its A330-300 aircraft as well a new Upper Class fine dining experience.

Luke Miles, Head of Design at Virgin Atlantic commented:

"Newark has always been an important market to Virgin Atlantic - it's where it all started with our first flight from London in 1984. The new Clubhouse has been designed to really reflect the spirit and heart of downtown New York and we are confident that it will continue to impress our passengers and give them an experience to remember each time they fly with us."

Virgin Atlantic offers two daily flights from London Heathrow to Newark as well as three daily flights from London Heathrow to JFK, with a fourth daily service beginning on 28th October 2012.

For more information, please visit www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en.html

The Grey Goose Winter Ball 2012

Grey Goose is to bring the Cote d'Azur to London

Grey Goose Winter Ball

To Benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation

Saturday 10 November 2012, London

Grey Goose, the world's best tasting Vodka, is set to host what has become one of the most hotly anticipated events of the international social calender: The sixth annual Grey Goose Winter Ball to benefit the Elton John AIDS foundation on Saturday 10 November 2012. Some of the most renowned characters from the world of film, fashion, food, art and music will come together in London, combining their unique talents to create an exceptional Grey Goose Winter Ball to benefit the Elton John AIDS foundation.

This year's Winter Ball will see one of London's most iconic  venues, Battersea Power Station, transformed beyond recognition into a scene from a 1950's Cote d'Azur summer. A firm favourite amongst the style leaders of London, the Winter Ball has previously taken inspiration from a Chateau in Cognac to a five-star Biarritz hotel, to the rooftops of Paris. This year, it will evoke the elegance of the south of France, a favourite region of Sir Elton John and David Furnish, during its glamorous heyday; pastel colour palettes, palm trees and poolside sophistication will be the talk of the evening.

Hosted by Grey Goose and the Elton John AIDS foundation attended by Sir Elton John and David Furnish, the Winter Ball aims to raise funds for the foundation, with which Grey Goose has enjoyed an eight-year partnership. To date, the ball has raised in excess of £2.3 million for the Foundation, supporting a range of hugely significant and worthwhile projects in Cambodia, Africa and the UK.

Each year, Grey Goose invites a hand-picked selection of character partners to design a unique lot that is auctioned at the Winter Ball. Past years have seen names such as Elizabeth Hurley, Christian Laboutin, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Lily Cole.

Guests on the night will be treated to an exquisitely prepared dinner by two Michelin-starred chef Helene Darroze.

The Grey Goose Winter Ball to benefit the Elton John AIDS foundation wouldn't be complete without a spectacular musical performance: following the dinner and auction, the award winning singer and songwriter Emile Sande will collaborate with producer and musician Labrinth to offer guests an unforgettable show.

Tickets for the Grey Goose Winter Ball to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation will be available to buy from ejaf.com with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the Elton John AIDS Foundation. (Charity registration no 1017336)

For much more, and any further information, please visit greygoose.com and ejaf.com

CIROC Ultra-Premium Vodka

Last night saw the 'CIROC Ultra-Premium Vodka' sponsored launch of Opening Ceremony's flagship European store, an exciting and ambitious clothing label that has already taken the rest of the world by storm.

Presenting a multifaceted retail environment comprised of shops, a showroom, a private label collection, Opening Ceremony reinforced its credentials to show why it has worked with some of the biggest names in fashion; including Chloe Sevigny, Levi's, Timberland, Keds, Robert Clergerie, and more.

To celebrate the launch of their new flagship European store in Covent Garden, Opening Ceremony stayed true to their name and put on a party which attracted a selection of international celebrities and fashion-lovers.

Henry Holland, Cara Delevingne, Dominic Jones, Jodie Harsh, and L.A's own Perez Hilton enjoyed an in-store DJ set and CIROC cocktails.

Outside was a hub of activity where in tune with the Pop-up American roots theme, food trucks gave away delicious mac & cheese, mini hamburgers, and coleslaw. They were then able to finish off the night with delicious ice cream cones from their very own van!

The new Toy Kingdom opens in Harrods

The best department store in the world has got even better, with a 26,000 square ft brand new Toy Kingdom.

The brand new Toy Kingdom department literally has everything a child desires - an enchanted forest, intergalactic science lab, a curious sweet emporium, a reading room, and a fair and toy 'grand canyon'.

All in all young children will love the new Toy Kingdom, and we think even the adults inner child will come out in what is a fantastic toy wonderland.

The Toy Kingdom also houses a 'big top' where you will be able to see circus acts, jugglers, magicians, costumes, rocking horses, and soft toys.

It also houses an incredible amount of delicious candy, ranging from chewy sweets to different flavoured bubble gum.

And the reading room offers a fantastic place for children to be able to pick up a good book and delve in to a magical mystery, surrounded by the huge array of choices that the Toy Kingdom offers.

The Toy Kingdom is located on the third floor of London's most favourite department store.

For much more information on the Toy Kingdom, and what else it has to offer, please visit http://www.harrods.com/content/the-store/news-events/2012/july/the-new-toy-kingdom/

Mark Zuckerberg's mortgage

It is a fallacy that wealthy people don’t need mortgages. If billionaire Mark Zuckerberg sees the need for a $5.95m mortgage on his home in Palo Alto, California, according to reports from Bloomberg, you can bet that those worth much less than his $15.7bn could also benefit.

Bloomberg reports that Zuckerberg has a ’30-year adjustable rate loan starting at 1.05 per cent’. It is likely that he has chosen a variable-rate deal, linked to Libor (the London Interbank Offered Rate) because the Federal Reserve has suggested that rates will be kept near zero for the next couple of years at least. Presumably he can also cope with fluctuations in his monthly mortgage payments, which is why he didn’t opt for a restrictive 30-year fixed rate instead.

The most interesting part is that he has a mortgage at all. But really, it makes perfect sense. If you can borrow money at such cheap rates, you can invest ‘spare’ cash you have where it will generate better returns. In this way, the wealthy can use other people’s money to make more money, which will make them wealthier still.

The other advantage the wealthy have is that they can get more favourable terms than the rest of us. Far from offering higher rates and charging bigger fees than high-street lenders, private banks often offer much better terms because they wish to attract the wealthiest borrowers. Lending is almost secondary; it is all about the client and their appetite to do other business, either at the present time or in the future.

The private banks understand that if they get someone through the door via their lending services, their wealth management side should be able to help with their investments. And for many private banks, this side of the business is far more lucrative than lending.

Some of our wealthy clients need to raise finance because they are not in a position to purchase solely with cash, while others choose to borrow against their property to assist with financial planning and to mitigate currency/tax risk.

Private banks don’t have a high-street presence so it is virtually impossible to access this finance without using a specialist broker. Banks’ lending criteria vary considerably so a bank that is suitable for one client may not be ideal for another. The broker who really understands the private banks will know not only the bank most suitable for the client but also the right banker to contact within that bank so they can access the right point of entry.

BY J HARRIS

Silver by Aston Martin

Celebrate the summer season with 'Silver by Aston Martin'

'Silver by Aston Martin' launches its elegant Aston Martin picnic hamper in time for the English summer season.

Designed for two, the 28-piece Aston Martin picnic hamper combines luxury and functionality to complement the lifestyle of its owner. The stylish outdoor dining service will be sought after at every high society event this summer, from Royal Ascot to Henley, Goodwood Festival of Speed to Glyndebourne.

The hamper is part of the exclusive 'Silver by Aston Martin' collection designed by the fine London silversmith Grant Macdonald, and is available online and through the W-One Aston Martin showroom. Hand-crafted by Grant Macdonald's expert silversmiths the silver collection fuses premium technology and traditional craftsmanship, celebrating the very best in contemporary British design.

The inspiration for the collection is the elegance, craftsmanship and engineering excellence that has been built into every Aston Martin since 1913. This simple yet enduring design ethos influences every piece within the hamper, from the sleek stainless steel cutlery set to the Irish damask linen table cloth, Scottish lambswool rug and fine bone China plates.

The 'Silver by Aston Martin' luxury picnic hamper retails at £2,750 and is available from www.grantmacdonald.com/astonmartin/ and at selected Aston Martin dealers.

For further information, visit www.grantmacdonald.com/astonmartin/

Mr Brainwash Summer Show at the Opera Gallery London

The infamous Banksy's protege Mr Brainwash returned to Opera Gallery London for the hotly anticipated private view of the Mr Brainwash Summer Show, curated by Jean-David Malat. Influential street artisis such as Stik and art connoisseurs from all around flocked to the Mayfair gallery to catch a glimpse of this exciting new exhibition and to meet the man himself.

Every inch as charismatic as he appears in his documentary 'Exit Through The Gift Shop' Mr. Brainwash spoke of the excitement on creating both the recent Madonna and The Red Hot Chilli Peppers album covers and returning to London.

When asked what he is designing next, Mr. Brainwash revealed.

"I am working on many projects, one which is top secret and with Jay-Z at the moment..."

He went on to then tease guests with the prospect that he may have meetings with the elusive Banksy whilst in London.

Future collaborations are tipped to be none other than Justin Bieber! And with Kate Moss, The Beatles, and Queen Elizabeth amongst his loyal subjects, it seems that the UK has offered Mr Brainwash some of his greatest muses to date.

The amazing show opens to the public at Opera Gallery London, New Bond Street and will run from the 13th July-15th August. The first part of the show will see exclusive new pieces: canvases, stencils and for the first time ever, Mr Brainwash sculptures. Ever innovative and always surprising, Mr Brainwash is expected to create incredible installations within the gallery space for a truly inspiring experience.

For more information, please visit http://www.mrbrainwash.com/

Chartwell Estates presents roof terraces

Old Queen Street: £3.5M Long Lease plus Share of Freehold

International property agent, Chartwell Estates, is delighted to market a stunning duplex apartment, comprising of a full roof terrace that offers stunning views over Westminster and St James.

When standing on the 700 Sq Ft roof terrace you are able to take advantage of the 360 degree views that include The Houses of Parliament, The London Eye, and St James's Park.

The property is split between fifth and sixth floors, with the fifth floor housing the bedrooms, bathroom and kitchen, and the sixth floor utilised for entertaining and dining.

About Chartwell Estates
Chartwell Estates specialises in the sale and purchase of some of the most prized commercial and residential properties worldwide. From their centrally located office in the heart of Berkeley Square, the team offers discerning clients a bespoke service in all aspects of the market whether they are buying or selling.

Their international clientele is continually active in the property sector, thus providing Chartwell Estates with the opportunity to market property on an international basis. In turn this client base provides buyers from all corners of the globe.

For more information please telephone 0207 409 0533. Or, please visit http://www.chartwellestates.co.uk/

The Masterpiece Midsummer Party in aid of CLIC Sargent

Last night saw Lady Helen Taylor and her esteemed committee host this year's prestigious Masterpiece Midsummer Party in aid of CLIC Sargent at Masterpiece London.

The party welcomed an array of glamorous guests, royalty, celebrity and social faces as well as global antique, art and design enthusiasts.

Guests roamed the magnificent halls of the event surrounded by the most exquisite art and antiques from around the world whilst sipping Ruinart Champagne, a selection of cocktails and feasting on a host of sumptuous canapes prepared by Urban Caprice.

Committee members greeted friends and peers alike, with Lisa and Anton Bilton catching up with Kim Hersov and the Hermers, many lamenting the miserable summer weather but planning their getaway trips to Ibiza whilst swooning over the Riva yacht display - perhaps a masterpiece purchase for the summer?

Fashionistas Olivia Inge and Lady Gabriella Windsor were both seen following in the footsteps of the Duchess of Cambridge by supporting the label of the moment, BEULAH, created by their chum Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs. Scarlet red seemed to be the colour of the night to beat the summertime blues away appearing on many a guest with both Inge and Meredith Ostrom leading the pack.

Delighted by the made to order canapes prepared with a touch of theatre, Donna Air and her dashing gentleman friend fixed themselves by the smoked salmon blini station, with Sophie and Freddie Windosr divulging in the food of love and shucking oysters at Scott's Champagne and Seafood Bar whilst shimmying to the walking band "The Phly Boyz."

Lady Helen Taylor gave a wonderful speech, as head patron, celebrating CLIC Sargent amnd the ground-breaking work it does, followed by a talk from boxing legend Barry McGuigan who spoke about his own daughter's battle with Leukaemia and how the charity's tremendous work helped his family through such a difficult time.

An exciting live auction, hosted by the charismatic Harry Delmaney from Sotheby's included exclusive items such as a behind the scenes at The Oscars experience, a Burberry bespoke coat and VIP shopping experience, a stay at the Cuixmala the Goldsmith's estate in Mexico and a stunning Kate Moss print by Mario Testino. The live auction raised just under £50,000 helping the lives of hundereds of children throughout the UK.

Overall the evening saw a staggering amount raised for CLIC Sargent - the UK's leading cancer charity for children and young people, providing emotions, practical, and financial support to young cancer patients and their families.

WHO:  Some of the VIP attendees included: Lady Helen Taylor, Timothy Taylor, Lord Frederick Windsor, Sophie Winkleman, Lady Gabriella Windsor, Tamara Beckwith, Tim & Malin Jefferies, India Hicks, Carla & Arnaud Bamberger, Julien Macdonald, Donna Air, Amanda Ferry, Lisa & Anton Bilton, Olivia Inge, Henry Wyndham, Amber Aikens, David Collins, Barry McGuigan, Alan Hansen, Meredith Ostrom, Kim Hersov, Stephen & Assia Webster, Tania Bryer, Scott Young, Geordie Greig, Matt & Marissa Hermer, Thei & Louise Fennell & Noelle Reno.

What they ate:

From The Mount Street Deli: Gressingham duck and scotched quail's egg with caper and herb mayonnaise, and Wensleydale, girolle and leek tartlets filled with wild mushrooms, young leeks and yorkshire cheese.

From Scott's:  Carlingford rock oysters with shallot relish, lemon and Tabasco, and Brown and Forrest smoked salmon, thinly sliced, on a toasted black rye bread with horseradish.

From Harry's Bar: Harry's Bar pizzetti with tomato and basil. Prosciutto sliced and served on wooden boards, and Parmesan Wheel.

From Le Caprice: Le Caprice Burger with cornichons, red onion and club sauce.

What they drank:

Ruinart Champagne, Urban Caprice Caipiroskas, Urban Caprice gin and tonics, a selection of vodka cocktails, and Elderflower and mint spritzer.

The even took place on Tuesday 3rd July from 7:00 until 10:00pm.

The event location was at Masterpiece London, South Grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, Chelsea Embankment, London, SW3.

For more information, please visit http://www.clicsargent.org.uk/Home

Step into the world of Cirque du Sweet at Harrods

Step into the world of Cirque du Sweet, opening Saturday 14th July 2012.

Located within the new Toy Kingdom on the Third Floor, a magical candy haven awaits the sweet-toothed. Opening on Saturday 14th July, Cirque du Sweet is an interactive space that's set to provide a sensory experience for children and adults alike, with newly introduced exclusive concepts and products. Embark on a taste adventure with our traditional sweet shop or our Jelly Belly pick 'n' mix range, or experiment with something a little more adventurous, including...

The curious chocolate counter: Tantalise and trick the taste buds with Willy Wonka-esque combinations such as bubble gum-flavoured cookies, ice cream fondants, popcorn truffles and popping candy bombes. Handmade and finished by our expert team of chocolatiers, the range is also free from artificial colours and flavours.

Cirque du Sweet range: Taking inspiration from The Big Top, the circus-themed collection includes ginormours gobstoppers, magnificent gumballs, marvellous marshmallows and death-defying humbugs.

Papabubble: Exclusively available at Harrods, artisan candymakers Papabubble will offer customers a theatrical feast for the senses. Specialising in hard candy, Papabubble's ranges come in a variety of different colours, flavours, and shapes. All the candy is handcrafted by skilled candymakers, and customers can watch the entire process from the heating of the sugar to the shaping of the soft, colourful candy mixture. Pre-made, made-to-order and personalised sweets are available for weddings, birthdays and other occasions.

Patchino: Exclusively available at Harrods, imagination and innovation combine to give you delicious chocolates and fun toys. Prepared with premium ingredients, Patchino is a health-conscious chocolate brand that's made exclusively for children by renowned chocolate gift creator Patchi, and offers a variety of chocolate flavours packaged in colourful boxes and bags, together with exciting toys and games. Meet the entire lovable gang: Bonny the rabbit, Catty the cat, Doggy the dog, Dolmy the reindeer, Elly the elephant, Gerry the giraffe, Leony the lion, Timmy the tiger, and Zoey the zebra, through a wide range of products, varying from chocolate boxes and bags to tin boxes with a surprise gift inside, as well as gift toys, painting sets and plush toys accompanied by chocolates. Patchino present the ideal gifts from the wrapping paper to the goodies inside.

For more information, please visit http://www.harrods.com/

Raymond Blanc, OBE carries The Olympic Flame

The London Olympics is literally just around the corner, and the Olympic Flame is still burning strong.

On the 10th July at 10:30 am, Raymond Blanc, OBE carried the Olympic Flame through Wallingford, Oxford.

Monsieur Blanc is one of the country's most respected chef's. He is entirely self-taught and took inspiration from his mothers cooking. He started out as a waiter and came to Britain with virtually nothing.

In 1977 he and his wife put together their meagre savings and mortgaged their house to buy their first restaurant in Oxford, which won the Egon Ronay Restaurant of the Year award and Michelin stars.

His hotel and restaurant in Great Milton, Oxfordshire, Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, is the only country house in the UK to have achieved two Michelin stars for a total of 28 years. Raymond has championed and nurtured some of our most famous chefs personally in his kitchens and was voted the AA's Chefs Chef of the year by his peers in 2005.

In 2007 he was awared the OBE for services in promoting culinary excellence and for raising awareness of the importance of healthy food as a central element of family life.

Raymond Blanc commented: "This is a huge honour for me and I'm thrilled to be part of this historic time - which shows Great Britain at its very best."

For further information about Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, please visit http://www.manoir.com/

Aston Martin unveils the Vanquish

Tonight saw London's finest flock to the London Film Museum for the hugely anticipated launch of Aston Martin's newest sports car - The Vanquish. Sitting proudly at the pinnacle of the luxury British car maker's sports car line-up, this breath-taking new grand tourer showcases an exciting and confident future for this historic brand.

Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin says: "the Aston Martin range is stronger now than at any time in our 99-year history. This new halo car represents the perfect way to signal the beginning of our centenary celebrations next year."

It was truly a boys night out as the event saw stars from the world's biggest television shows, including Dominic West from "The Wire", Jeremy Piven from "Entourage" and Charles Dance from "Game of Thrones", gather together, excitedly awaiting the grand reveal of the stunning new edition to the Aston Martin family.

As the silk was lifted gasps were heard around the party from all the attendees, with music legend Jools Holland, and chef Marcus Wareing discussing the amazing heritage and exciting new future of Aston Martin with CEO Dr Ulrich Bez.

Fresh from filming, the boys from Downton Abbey, Dan Stevens (Matthew Crawley) and Downton's chaffeur and real life car lover, Tom Branson chummed up with fellow period actor Sam Hoare (from BBC's Bertie and Dickie) all of whom were overheard discussing their love of Bond and offering themselves as Mr Craig's replacement should he wish to retire.

In the girls corner, a flurry of creative belles also attendeed - Mischa Barton dazzled in Temperley, and Lady Natasha Rufus Issacs, founder of the label of the moment BEULAH London, discussed 'The Kate Effect' and the amazing uptake her fledgling label has seen with stylist Grace Woodward and Model Tolila Adeyemi.

Guests at the event were treated to Louis Roederer Champagne, Johnnie Walker Gold Label cocktails and sumptuous canapes, whilst enjoying a live DJ set from Isaac Ferry.

What they ate: Prawns in sweet chilli and soy; Mini mozarella, tomato and basil skewers; Thyme and goats cheese souffles; Seared scallops with creme fraiche and sweet chilli Sauce; Fresh berries and cream..

What they drank: Johnnie Walker Gold Label 'Golden Sazerac' cocktails - Golde Label Reserve mixed with Angosturra bitters, syrup and green chartreuse Louis Roederer Champagne.

The even took place on Wednesday 4th July 2012 from 6:30 to 10:30pm.

The location was at The London Film Museum, 45 Wellington Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 7BN.

The Aston Martin Vanquish is the new epitome of luxury grand touring. Cloaked in a stunning carbon fibre skin, and boasting a powerful 6.0 litre V12 engine, this new super GT sits proudly at the top of the Aston Martin range. It is available to order now, and is priced in the UKat £189,995 RRP.

For more information, please visit http://www.astonmartin.com/

BFI Hitchcock Blackmail VIP drinks reception and screening sponsored by Ketel One Vodka

The British Museum was a buzz last night for the BFI's exclusive reconstructed screening of Hitchcock's classic Blackmail sponsored by Ketel One Vodka. 

The event marked the first BFI signature event of the summer consisting of an outside screening of the 1929 classic Blackmail with a live orchestra performance composed by Neil Brand and Timothy Brock. 

The evening began with an elegantVIP drinks reception where film icons such as David Walliams, Miranda Richardson, Terry Gilliam, and Stephen Frears mingled amongst a decadent Italian inspired feast of charcuterie, cheese, and a variety of gherkins, olives, and focaccia,

Whilst sipping on the Ketel One Vodka cocktails, the gorgeous Miranda Richardson commented on her excitement about her current film Maleficent, a retelling of sleeping beauty that stars Angelina Jolie and Sam Riley “ All I can say is that it requires lots of makeup and long hours to transform into the role of Queen Ulla”

Monty Python’s Terry Gilliam and Stephen Frears were a comedy duo of sorts; both dressed in avant-garde attire consisting of a vibrant red scarf, kimono jacket, and flip-flop sandals.When asked about his thoughts on Hitchcock, Gilliam sarcastically retorted; “Well, he is fat and dead.”

The night really got interesting when David Walliams and his stunning wife Laura Stone arrived and immediately began mingling with the likes of Gary Kemp  and the other A-listers in the crowd.They were off to Brighton early the next morning, but were eager to attend the exciting signature event before their romantic weekend escape.

There even appeared to be some business talk as David Walliams went up to Terry Gilliam and bluntly asked if he could be in his next film, commenting that he would “even do it for free.” Gilliam gladly accepted the offer and warned him that he would have to be willing to work with Johnny Depp and fly to Bucharest where it was going to be filmed.

The guests were then led out to the front lawn of the museum and joined by a 1000 other cinematic fans.

The highlight of the evening was when the entire audience was asked to put on Alfred Hitchcock mask and then captured by a photographer on the roof to create a once-in-a lifetime eerie, yet fascinating group shot; appropriately titled: The Hitch Mask Stung.

The British Museum certainty provided the perfect Hitchcockian setting, and as night fell, and shadows were cast, the film seemed to break the fourth wall and captivate the audience.

What they drank: Hitchcock inspired Ketel One Vodka cocktails: The Downhill: Ketel One Citroen, freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar syrup/gomme, Egg white, Dash of bitters The Easy Virtue: Ketel One Citroen, fresh lemon juice, Elderflower cordial, and Prosecco

What they ate: Meat and cheese platter, paella with grilled prawns, trout on creamy risotto, edamame, mint, and peas salad over Greek yoghurt, rich chocolate brownies with orange zest.

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