New Bar School for Brighton & Hove
Brighton-based Mixology Group has announced the opening of a larger, new improved Bar School in Brighton and Hove, due to launch in January 2017. This expansion will provide an opportunity for an enhanced training schedule to increase all course sizes. The new Bar School promises a bespoke training space, utilising some of the most cutting edge equipment and glassware. Since 2010, the group has delivered a whole host of cocktail services for individuals as well as businesses; their courses include introductions to cocktails and Mixology as well as the more advanced Flair training and Molecular Mixology.
www.mixologygroup.co.uk
Luxury Hampers from The Sussex Hamper Company
Recently launched, The Sussex Hamper Company offers 15 different hampers of luxurious Sussex produce. Selections include premium wine, beer and spirits, handmade chocolates and sweets, luxury biscuits, preserves, condiments and dips. Passionate about our local producers, co-owner Nick Sandford says: “We want our hampers to be a truly rewarding and exciting experience, showcasing the best that Sussex has to offer.”
This latest venture reflects owners Nick and Muir’s love of fine food, as well as their experience in selling fresh produce through their first company, the award-winning Fin and Farm, established in 2009.
I was lucky enough to sample one of the hampers, tailored to my tastes, featuring the excellent Blackdown Gin and Vermouth so that I could make martinis. A high quality and beautifully presented hamper, this would make a great gift for a foodie.
If you’re considering one of these as a corporate gift or as a present for friends and family, visit their brand new website for more details: www.thesussexhampercompany.co.uk
Personalised Gin Kit from 3 Blonde Bears
Talking of Gin (who me?!), as part of their ‘Brew Your Own’ collection, 3 Blonde Bears brings us the ‘Personalised Brew Your Gin Kit,’ containing the botanicals and tools you need to transform any bottle of vodka into delicious homemade gin.
As 3 Blonde Bears specialise in personalised gifts, there is a choice of four print colours and the option to add a name to the brewing bottle’s label. Also, there’s a selection of three botanical blends to choose from: Berry Burst, British Blossom or Warm Spice. I have to admit, it was very cool to see my name on a bottle of gin of my own making. For further details and to peruse their other collections visit: www.3blondebears.co.uk
New Rooms Above The Ginger Pig
The Gingerman Restaurant Group is currently in the process of converting the upper floors of their pub, The Ginger Pig, having secured the freehold to the site in Hove last year. “The building was originally a coaching inn dating back to the 1750’s and it was always our intention to restore it back to its former glory,” says co-owner, Ben McKellar.
The conversion will provide 11 double, ensuite bedrooms, while also creating a private Orangerie-styled space, for breakfast and dining, at the back of the building.
The Ginger Pig is one of four restaurants owned by The Gingerman Group, who started back in 1998 with their flagship restaurant, The Gingerman. In anticipation of their expanded offering, Ben McKellar added: “We have run a successful business at the Pig for 10 years, but hotels offer the greatest challenge of offering hospitality 24 hours and that is a challenge we are excited about.”
As we eagerly await these two launches, I recommend visiting the award-winning Ginger Pig, or any of their other three restaurants for that matter.
www.thegingerpigpub.com
www.gingermanrestaurants.com
Finally, our very own Steven Edwards, Sussex based Masterchef the Professionals winner 2013, is finally opening his own restaurant under his brand ‘Etch’ in the New Year. Read our interview with him in issue 22 (April 2016). Watch this space…
