All the right ingredients
Located in the pretty market town of West Malling, Kent, St Leonard’s is a modern British restaurant offering seasonal dining from chef Tom Genty and General Manager Terry Brouet. The elegant, relaxed space was opened in summer 2021, showcasing exciting menus that champion bold British and European flavours, made using the best local produce on […]
Looking forward to a vine time…
The third Wine Garden of England Summer Festival takes place on Saturday June 8, with seven wineries participating in a day of tasting and talks. The collective’s brand manager, event organiser and Tunbridge Wells resident, Jo Ginn, tells SO what’s happening at this year’s festival, which will be held at the stunning Jacobean manor house, […]
Meet the women taking the lead in the wine world
Ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, SO Drinks Editor James Viner picks five of his favourite wines made by influential, trailblazing women in the wine world… 1. 2022 Yalumba Y Series Viognier, Australia (£8.75, Tesco) In the 1960s, the heady, floral, lowish-acid white grape variety Viognier (pronounced ‘vee-yon-yay’) was almost extinct. However, Georges […]
Dine in style
Eileen Leahy visited the newly refurbished pub The White Hart in Brasted and was very impressed with how this historic pub has been brought into the 21st century, courtesy of a super-chic makeover of both its charming interiors and its new menu… If you’re looking to head further afield than Tunbridge Wells on the weekend […]
An eye for detail…
Justine Hodgson-Barker of local interior design business Barkerdesign tells Eileen Leahy what inspires her unique, eye-catching work and reveals the inspiration behind two stunning recent projects… When I first interviewed Justine of Barkerdesign a couple of years ago she told me that interior design was ‘all about personality’ for her. Well, the talented designer, who […]
“We deeply believe in the importance of taking time to look after yourself”
BlendFit Retreats was recently created by personal trainer and fitness educator Sarah Gorman with the help of her friend and fellow businesswoman Sam Hipperson. Here the pair tell Eileen Leahy all about their second BlendFit Retreat which takes place in East Sussex over the weekend of March 1-4 and promises to be an exceptional experience […]
Take time to savour a sip of the world’s best wines
SO Drinks Editor James Viner raises a glass to celebrate Global Drink Wine Day, this Sunday February 18 – an all-inclusive wine appreciation day held annually… ARE you stuck in a wine-drinking rut? ‘Dry January’ has passed and ‘damper’ February is now here. It’s still one of the coldest, darkest months of the year, so […]
Guiding you through the steps you need to take when a loved one dies
Discussing end of life planning can feel extremely difficult, yet understanding the practicalities of what needs to be done when a loved one dies is important, as many different scenarios could play out and there are normally only a few weeks to manage this process and arrange their funeral. Simon and Rebecca Welham – the […]
Wonderful wines to romance your love this Valentine’s Day
Love is in the air! In his column on high street wines, SO Drinks Editor James Viner finds eight bewitching bottles to fall in love with on Valentine’s Day – next Wednesday February 14. This year he’s rounded up a ravishing still rosé, five alluring (perforce, mainly pink) sparkling wines and two seductive sweet ones […]
Eating conscientiously and mindfully is the fourth pillar of your personal wellbeing…
Lucy Parker of Flow Tunbridge Wells looks at the benefits of a healthy diet… I’d like to make it clear from the outset that I’m no expert in nutrition. I’m not a trained nutritionist and have zero qualifications in the field. Why then am I writing here about nutrition and offering my recommendations? Well, besides […]
