From West Berkshire to Westminster, West Berkshire Brewery (WBB) celebrated after Strangers’ Bar, inside the House  of Commons, chose their Mister Chubb’s to be the week’s guest ale.

Started in 1995, WBB are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year and their lunchtime bitter, Mr Chubb’s, is one of their most popular beers.

The award winning Mr Chubb’s, a 3.7% bitter, is a beautifully balanced session ale with a refreshing light floral flavour provided by single variety English hops.

Richard Benyon MP said, “Exhibiting a beer in the House of Commons is a competitive business and I am delighted that West Berkshire Brewery has had Mister Chubb’s selected. West Berkshire Brewery is renowned for its excellent beers and this will only help in spreading the word!”

Simon Lewis, CEO at WBB said, “We are thrilled that our Mr Chubb’s was chosen for the Strangers’ Bar and we are grateful to Richard Benyon for championing his local brewery and the team for making it happen. We’re very proud of our beers and this is a great opportunity for us to showcase the best of British brewing”.

The beer went on sale 8th May, the day after the General Election. The timing couldn’t have been better; whether MPs were having a pint of Mr Chubb’s to celebrate or commiserate.

]]> https://localbuzzmagazine.com/west-berkshire/2015/05/award-winning-craft-brewery-chosen-for-the-strangers-bar-at-house-of-commons/feed/ 0 https://localbuzzmagazine.com/west-berkshire/2015/04/salted-caramel-and-other-stories/ https://localbuzzmagazine.com/west-berkshire/2015/04/salted-caramel-and-other-stories/#comments Wed, 15 Apr 2015 10:03:07 +0000 admin https://localbuzzmagazine.com/west-berkshire/?p=1253786 Salted Caramel and other Stories

Spring has well and truly sprung, and to celebrate, the CakeyPigg Tea Room has a new Spring Menu.

Along with savoury items items such as Tarts and Ploughmans we’ve introduced a luscious new way of getting your five a day.
“I wanted to bury my face in the bowl”

Our new fresh fruit with Salted Caramel Dip was a favourite from the moment it hit the menu earlier this week. So much so, we’ve already had to cook up a new batch of the sauce, this time with extra for jars to take home.

There’s a warm chocolate dipping sauce for the chocaholics too.

Why not pop in to see us for one of your five a day!

CakeyPigg Celebration Cakes and the CakeyPigg Tea Room. A relaxed place to meet friends or colleagues, the ideal retreat for a bit of ‘me’ time. Set in a Garden Centre, with indoor and covered outdoor seating, serving lunches and cakes freshly baked on the premises

On Thursday the 16th April Cook & Butcher will be opening on Thatcham Broadway.

If you are in Thatcham on Wednesday be sure to give them a visit and see their new shop which includes The Veg Shed.

About Cook & Butcher.

Established in March 2010, in the heart of an on-going recession Cook & Butcher was born.

Pete Congerton at the age of 14 landed himself a job in the Butchery trade. Starting as a Saturday boy and slowly progressing through the ranks, Pete developed a passion and love for quality food.

With a fine eye for detail and perfection, it soon became apparent to achieve the best, he would need to take the jump and do it himself. With years of experience, it was time to pick out all the best bits of fine Butchery and throw out all the bad habits, such as packet seasoning for sausages and too much wasted time on the golf course. It was time for Thatcham to have a traditional Butchers back in town.

Having worked in Butchery for so long, it was time to bring back good old valued traditions but this time with a modern approach.

At Cook & Butcher we make all our sausages by hand with homemade recipes and often source local produce to do so.

Our modern shop interior provides cleanliness and satisfaction to our customers with no back rooms or hidden prep areas. Our customers get to see every aspect of Butchery from start to finish ensuring they get exactly what they ask for, prepared in front of them and in a modern clean environment.

Having been established in Thatcham for some time as a Traditional Butchers, we have built great relations with our customers and always striving to meet new people with an eye for good quality produce.

At Cook & Butcher we had originally set out to open a traditional butcher shop with high standards but losing the bad habits often associated with many other food outlets, by doing so we implement good old fashioned methods of butchery but with the advantages of a well-equipped and very clean shop.

By sticking to our original plans “Tradition the modern way” we are forever looking for new ways to better ourselves and ways of providing great produce in a suitable and sufficient manner in order to keep with the modern times.

After 3years in Thatcham of running a well-established shop and finding our base it was time for a new addition to Cook & Butcher …

With a shared love for fine food and a head for hard work, it was time for the butcher’s wife to join the family business and help with our new online venture. Marking a new cut in the block, this was the beginnings of something big and time to investigate the modern world of online shopping and launch our own traditional shop with all the added advantages of internet shopping.

At Cook & Butcher these days you will find the exact things you would expect when shopping with a traditional specialist, as well as meats and cheese’s you can also find your fresh fruit & vegetables, cakes, breads, cured meats, pies and many many other delightful treats by a click of a button.

http://cookandbutcher.co.uk/index.php?route=information/information&information_id=4

Chewits 50th Anniversary

‘Chewie on the Loose’ provides users with the opportunity to take Chewie on his very own rampage.

Iconic children’s brand Chewits turns 50 this year. To celebrate this special anniversary Chewits have appointed McCann Manchester to support the 50th anniversary campaign.

Chewits mascot Chewie, who has adorned its packs since the sweets hit the shelves in 1965, has now been brought into the 21st century with his very own app. ‘Chewie on the Loose’ provides users with the opportunity to take Chewie on his very own rampage. Reminiscent of the original 1970’s ‘Monster Muncher’ adverts with the Chewits monster munching his way through Barrow in Furness Bus Depot, the Taj Mahal and wreaking havoc across the UK. This app allows users to choose their very own rampage point for Chewie to chew through! Chewie can chomp through anything whether it be your school, Buckingham Palace or your best friend’s house. Who knows what Chewie will eat you decide!

Brett Cooper, Technical Director of McCann Manchester said “It’s been fantastic to work on the Chewits 50th Anniversary project. As part of the project we’ve been able to work closely with the Chewits to produce a cross device solution that encapsulates the heritage of the brand as well as its future direction.”

The app launches mid-April and will be available to play for 4 weeks. Users will also have the opportunity to be entered into a prize draw to win one of 10 hampers. Daily smaller prizes will be given throughout the campaign.

Supporting the launch of the app, McCann will also be running a full digital campaign with exciting competitions and engaging content. Throughout the campaign users can become fully immersed within the timeline history of Chewits.

Joanna Halton, Head Social Strategist of McCann Manchester said “This has been a fabulously fun campaign to work on for a brand who’s well-loved across the nation. The social activity will be a celebration of all things Chewits, both new and old, encouraging social sharing, energising fans and evoking nostalgia among Chewits fans. As well as having Chewie On The Loose, we’ll be driving awareness through reactive content, engaging initiatives and targeted media to bring the campaign to life.”

Join in the fun on Facebook from mid-April and take part in Chewits golden years!

https://www.facebook.com/chewits

https://twitter.com/Chewits

https://instagram.com/chewits/

http://chewits.co.uk/

- 17,870 over 50s voted they LOVE the Crème Egg!
LONDON, 03 April 2015 – Despite recent news stories about claims of recipe change and complaints of taste to the 1970’s favourite Cadbury’s Crème Egg – the over 50s have voted in their tens of thousands, with 77% saying they still love them!

Silversurfers.com, who hosted the poll on their website, saw over 17,870 members of their community vote and over three quarters of the thousands that voted said they loved them. Good news all round!

Martin Lock, CEO of Silversurfers.com said; “The response to our question has been over-whelming and it’s good to see we still love a nations favourite despite the supposed changes. There’s been a lot of bad press about the UK’s treasured Cadbury’s Crème Egg, but it seems that the chocolate egg is still a firm favourite – well for the over 50s anyway.”

Part of our launch day celebrations on 11th April 2015
Join us as four local chefs go head to head to find out who will be crowned this years

Feel good fortnight’s West Berkshire Master Chef 2015

Our four chefs will be cooking live.

The challenge starts at 11am why not come and join us and you could be our community judge!

11am on 11/4/15 at Newbury Market Square
(outside Newbury Town Hall)

Set to be the destination to make many a memory, The Elephant At The Market bounds into the vibrant town of Newbury.  Situated on the Market Square, the brand new boutique hotel boasts 14 beautifully appointed bedrooms alongside a sleek bar and restaurant.

The Bedrooms
The Elephant At The Market’s individually designed bedrooms offer understated elegance and charm.  The décor echoes the much-loved children’s book, Barbar with playful signatures in the room names, where you’ll find characters Celeste, Flora, Alexander and Zephir, and unique framed artwork.  Luxurious fabrics, mismatched furniture and a warming neutral colour palate, including wood paneled headboards and textured butterfly wallpaper, complete the picture.

A family room, complete with a comfy sofa bed and super king bed provides room for the kids, whilst spacious suites with deluxe king sized beds and twin rooms are perfect for staying with a loved one or friends.

Delivering all the amenities expected of a boutique hotel, the bedrooms boast spacious bathrooms, fine cotton bed linen, flat-screen Smart TVs, Nespresso machines, complimentary Wi-Fi, fluffy bathrobes and luxury toiletries.

Bar and Restaurant
A warm and inviting place to tuck into a hearty breakfast, a light lunch or a delicious dinner, guests and locals alike can relax, drink and dine in the stylish new bar and restaurant.

The seasonal menu celebrates British comfort food at its best. Expect flavoursome steaks from Yorkshire farmer John Penny; purebred Limousin and Charolais cattle are matured for a minimum of 28 days and grilled to perfection in the charcoal Josper oven.  Other highlights include ‘The Elephant At The Market burger’ with pulled beef short rib, sticky bacon and onion jam; and the duo of British pork; stuffed belly, slow-braised pig cheeks, buttered sweet potato mash, Savoy cabbage and red wine jus.

The ultimate star of the show is pizza. Not to be missed, the pizzas are freshly prepared and cooked to order, in an authentic Italian wood-fired oven.  Also available for take-away, guests can try these doughy delights with a range of exciting toppings such as smoked mackerel, king prawns, confit garlic and marinated mozzarella alongside the smoked streaky bacon, West Country brie with red onion and a scattering of cherry tomatoes.

To complement the food on offer, there is an extensive world wine list and a selection of rotating cask ales and craft beers including local brew, Good Old Boy from West Berkshire Brewery.  Classic cocktails such as Whisky Sours, Berry Juleps and an Aperol Spritz are also on offer.

Décor
The spacious open-plan ground floor features melt-into floral patterned velvet banquettes in the lounge and pops of red, orange, lime and purple-coloured seating provide a welcome addition in the dining area and bar.  A quirky selection of mirrors bring light to the cosy brick-walled snug whilst stand out features include a graphic framed print of an elephant on Newbury Market, affectionately named Cornelius, a cool saxophone light installation and well-travelled suitcases upon entrance.

Outside sits a fun and funky metal shipping container, the unique space is available to hire for parties of between 12 and 16 people. Come rain or shine, the party area is heated to snuggle under a blanket, whilst al fresco seating sitting pretty on AstroTurf flooring is perfect for sipping a cocktail under the summer sun.

The Location
The picturesque town of Newbury is a unique mix of fascinating history, traditional shopping, tourist attractions and family fun. The Elephant At The Market provides the perfect spot for visitors looking for comfortable surroundings without breaking the bank and interesting places to visit; from the majestic Highclere Castle to the rolling hills of Berkshire Downs and a day at Newbury races.

For more information please contact Alice Macaskie or Francesca Smalley at Roche Communications on T: 020 7436 1111 or firstname@rochecom.com

These cute cakes make an Easter treat

Makes: 12 cupcakes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes
Decorating time: 10-15 minutes
INGREDIENTS FOR THE CAKES
115g (4oz) softened butter
or margarine
115g (4oz) caster sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
85g (3oz) self-raising flour
25g (1oz) cocoa powder
(optional – for chocolate cupcakes)
FOR THE TOPPING
85g (3oz) softened butter
175g (5oz) icing sugar
25g (1oz) cocoa powder
1 tablespoon milk
3 drops vanilla extract
2 packets mini eggs
METHOD

Preheat the oven to 180 C / Gas 4.

Place the butter in a mixing bowl withthe sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.Then gradually beat in the eggs, a littleat a time.

Sift the flour and cocoa powder (if using) into the mixture. Fold them in with a large spoon until combined. Use a teaspoon to dollop the mixture into silicon cases, or paper cases, lining a patty tin.

Bake in the preheated oven until well risen and firm to touch, 15 to 20 minutes. Keep checking them so they don’t burn. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

To make the buttercream topping, place the butter in a bowl. Sift in the icing sugar and cocoa, and then add the milk and vanilla essence.

Beat until really light and fluffy.

When the cupcakes have cooled, ice the cakes. It looks good if the icing is piped on into a nest shape, but this is optional. Place chocolate eggs in the centre of each nest to decorate.

Rookwood Garden and Gift Fair is delighted that celebrity chef John Campbell has volunteered to give a cookery demonstration this year using a kitchen specially set up by Ben Heath of Newbury.

£10 tickets for the demonstrations at 10.30am and 2.30pm are available in advance through GiveSmart
Don’t forget to book your £5 entry ticket as well.

John Campbell is an internationally acclaimed chef, who spent 8 years at local Vineyard at Stockcross, were he was awarded 2 Michelin stars. John is delighted to have recently returned to this area to renovate and extend what was The Five Bells pub into a modern, stylist restaurant and cookery school, renamed The Woodspeen and opened at the end of 2014. The restaurant offers relaxed dining, with floor to ceiling windows giving views of the Berkshire countryside beyond, while the cookery school hosts demonstrations, wine tastings, seasonal events, private dining at The Chef’s Table, and a variety of hands-on courses designed to enhance the skills of amateur cooks and beginners alike. John’s recipes and articles have appeared in magazines and newspapers including The Sunday Times, The Observer Food Monthly, Food Arts, Caterer and Hotelkeeper. He demonstrates regularly at food festivals, has appeared on food shows in the UK and abroad, and is a regular guest chef on Saturday Kitchen and BBC Masterchef.

John is delighted to be attending the Rookwood’s Garden and Gift Fair, where he will be demonstrating how cook some of The Woodspeen’s dishes at home. Showing how to take the risk out of a dinner party by identifying key steps in each dish – John’s teaching style is unique as he encourages the keen cook to use intuition and cook from the heart. He will also show some easy ‘wow’ touches that make any dinner party the talk of the town.
Spaces for these demonstrations are subject to availability, so we advise booking in advance.
John is offering 10% off lunch on the day of the Fair at the Woodspeen restaurant, a 5 min drive from the Fair, or 20 mins walk across the fields.

Click here to book or phone 01635 265070

For more information about Rookwood Garden & Gift Fair please visit their website http://www.rookwoodgardenfair.co.uk/index.html

All your bags are packed, you’re ready to go; but what are the ‘must-tastes’ in Scotland?

As it celebrates the Year of Food & Drink 2015, VisitScotland has gone to Scotland lovers everywhere to discover their picks for a ‘bucket list’ of the ultimate food & drink experiences in Scotland for 2015 and beyond.

From Scottish personalities including chefs Tom Lewis and Carina Contini, golf professionals at Gleneagles, to Festivals Edinburgh director Faith Liddell as well as VisitScotland’s loyal social media following of thousands, everyone has their own taste of what make Scotland the place to visit*. VisitScotland received over 140 suggestions in total.

From a plate of freshly caught fish, enjoyed whilst taking in the beautiful scenery of the Orkney Islands, to an adventure picking wild berries on a trip to the Scottish Borders, to trying a genuine Arbroath smokie or Aberdeen buttery, Scotland has a variety of food and drink experiences to be savoured around every corner of the country.

The list covers the top picks of the ultimate food & drink experiences in Scotland across the 15 regions…..

•Fish & chips at the harbour in Anstruther
Faith Liddell is a fan: “The award-winning Anstruther Fish Bar is a legend with some of the best fish and chips in the UK. Waiting in the queue, watching screens with images of local fishermen struggling in rough seas to catch your dinner, makes that deep fried fish taste even more marvellous.”

•A meal at the Andrew Fairlie Michelin Star Restaurant, the Strathearn or afternoon tea at Gleneagles
This was a choice of Chef Tom Lewis, from the Monachyle Mhor Hotel in Perthshire, who said: “One of the dishes had a couple of pistachios on it. Still to this day, one of the best pistachios I have ever eaten.”

•Wild berry picking in the Scottish Borders
According to Chef Carina Contini, owner of restaurants in Edinburgh including Contini Cannonball: “The idea of free fruit on a hedge along a country walk. My children get as excited as I did when I was their age.”

•A meal at one of the restaurants on Thistle Street in the Capital, including Iris and the Bon Vivant
Andrew Jowett, Gleneagles’ Head Golf Professional suggested: “Bon Vivant, on Edinburgh’s Thistle Street. [It] is a really atmospheric night out. They do tapas-style dishes with a twist – like haggis bon bons and chorizo in cider – and have a cracking cocktail list.”

•Frankie’s fish & chips, located in the village of Brae on the shores of Busta Voe in the Shetland Isles
As suggested by Facebook fan Silvestre Selvatica who added: “[Shetland] is a place out of the world, with breathtaking views, dramatic skies and lots of puffins so friendly that if you sit on the grass on the ledge they will eventually come to you .. Making you feel like you’re melting into nature.”

•Enjoying a Scottish breakfast, including Ayrshire sausage, during a stay at one of the many seafront guesthouses and B&Bs in Ayrshire
Facebook fan John Anderson said: “Brekkie in the By the Sea guest house in Ayr…truly heroic.”

•Eating a genuine Aberdeen buttery in Aberdeenshire
Including Facebook fan Carol Taylor who loves these savoury delights which are also known as “Rowies, morning rolls in Aberdeen!”

•A meal from Tobermory on the Isle of Mull
Facebook fan Fi Cawley gives her vote to “Fresh scallops and langoustines on Mull at Cafe Fish.”

•A trip to Castle Douglas, a designated Food Town boasting some 50 food & drink outlets
Facebook fan Julia Cliff loves

“Haggis from Ballards butchers in Castle Douglas.”

•Trying a genuine Arbroath smokie!
Including Facebook fan Peter Marsh who enjoys a “proper Arbroath smokie!”

•A visit to BrewDog in Glasgow or the Artisan in Wishaw
Those who suggested this included Facebook fan Simon Bernard who said “The Artisan in Wishaw [has] the best selection of whisky in the world!”

•A pilgrimage to the Isle of Skye, home to globally revered restaurants such as the Three Chimneys
Facebook fan Jackie Godward enjoys

“Freshly picked mussels on the Isle of Skye. We picked them at Broadford and took them back to the cottage to cook them with wine, chilli and garlic. Best mussels ever!”

•A picnic by Loch Lomond
This would be the choice of Facebook fan Julia Knauf who added that “plenty of shortbread” would make the experience extra special!

•A meal of freshly caught fish in Orkney
Orkney lovers include Facebook fan Eileen Kinnaird who would choose “Fish of the Day at Pierowall Hotel, Westray, Orkney.”

•A visit to the Temple café on the Isle of Harris
Including Facebook fan Robbie Alberre Gibbon who loves the Temple Café – the building is made of stone and looks like an ancient temple.

For further press information on Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink contact Michael McCuish Michael.McCuish@visitscotland.com.

 
For more information contact:
VisitBritain Media Team
t:+ 44 (0) 20 7578 1000
e:  pressandpr@visitbritain.com