Showing posts with label rhubarb. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rhubarb. Show all posts
It was Jensen's birthday last month so I decided to treat him to a night away somewhere not too far but that felt far enough to enjoy some time together. After searching through websites for independent hotels I came across Langar Hall, I had heard some good things previously and I don't know why it took me so long to think of staying here. They had a Dinner, Bed and Breakfast offer available and it was just too tempting to pass on!
Pulling up to the hotel down the tree lined road we were greeted by a gorgeous honey coloured country house and some welcoming receptionists. It seemed we were the first guests checking in so far that day right on time at 2pm; unfortunately there was a wake due to start within the next hour and we were advised to stay in the room until around 5pm whilst the 200 or so guests were there. A little disappointing as this meant we were almost imprisoned in the room and couldn't take a leisurely walk around the hotel to see what it had to offer. We didn't mind too much as the bed was so comfortable we made ourselves some tea and got cozy until the event had finished.
To our delight a couple of hours later we were given a small complimentary afternoon tea (food from the wake but absolutely lovely) and this tied us over until our evening meal. This offer included the best available room also and we were not disappointed by the lovely Lilac Room they allocated us. The room had all of the essentials and was decorated beautifully with white walls and accents of green and lilac. Our room was on the second floor and the view out of the window was of lovely peaceful greenland and the tree lined road that leads to the hotel.
Time went by and we were ready for our dinner! We got changed and headed down to the restaurant where we were given some Prosecco (courtesy of Imogen the owner) and some popcorn to snack on whilst we looked over the menus in the lounge area next to a beautiful log burning fire. We finally decided what to have and were taken to our lovely table in the restaurant to enjoy our evening.
After having a wonderful nights sleep in the huge comfortable bed we got ready and headed down for breakfast. Imogen, the owner, was there once again and it made me think she must never leave for the day except to sleep. She greeted us on arrival, was there at dinner and came to say 'Hello' to us at breakfast. Service was incredible again and the breakfast was lovely with fresh baked croissants and local produce we definitely appreciated the delicious food. I opted for Poached Eggs, Black Pudding and Mushroom whilst Jensen went for the Full English. With a pot of Green Tea and some lovely continental items the breakfast room was truly heavenly.
Overall, we really enjoyed our time but were a little disappointed by the lack of communication before we arrived that the wake was being held, it would have been nice to look around the communal area. I would definitely recommend the hotel and the food really made our evening special.
Dinner Bed and Breakfast was £185 for 2 people sharing. Although the afternoon tea and prosecco was complimentary everything else was paid for and all views are my own.
Every year in Nottingham we have a 'Light Night' city wide event which celebrates light in many forms by local businesses. This year there were 40 businesses taking part and I was lucky enough to be invited along to see how Debbie Bryan was involved.
Debbie Bryan opened her store in the Lace Market area of Nottingham in 2009, selling her own award winning scarves and brooches. With a Masters in Fashion and Textiles Debbie has exhibited and sold her work in 6 countries, including Italy, Hong Kong and the USA. The store, which is nearby to Debbie's design studio, has expanded it's offerings over the past 6 years and now houses the cities Lace Archives, independent art, home decorations, textiles and a tucked away Tea Room. In the historic Lace Market and Creative Quarter, Debbie has been able to contribute a creative business in this perfect location and beautiful building in a secluded street that is still easy to find.
During this festival of light, Debbie offered a late Crafternoon where customers were able to have a relaxed get together and stitch their own items whilst enjoying the event. With inspiration all around the store and a cheerful host it was easy to sit there for, what felt like, hours and watch the people come and go and see the creations people were making. Crafternoons are sessions that Debbie holds for groups of people who may wish to get together and enjoy tea and cakes whilst creating their own Lampshades, Wreaths or even Cake Stands.
If you are interested in going along and crafting you don't have to be in a group though as regular events are held for occasions all year round. These are perfect for those budding crafters or close friends who want to do something a little different on an afternoon whilst spending some time together and taking something home handmade by you.
The majority of items are made in store and everything is labelled to be bought or just admired at your own leisure. From the simple gift tags to jewellery and items of clothing this store really does have something for everyone and if you are in need of a last minute Valentines Day present these cute 'I Love You' bowls would be perfect.
Getting back on track to the Light Night event, I took some time to take a look around the store at all of it's offerings. It may not look large from the front but once you step in side you are greeted by a lovely decorated space and beautiful furniture housing delicate and intricate pieces of fabric and art. Framed original lace and sections of delicate white lace can be bought for your own collection or possibly used when you attend one of the craft events. The store is welcoming and has beautifully selected pieces that make you want to stay there and never leave - though with the store open until 6pm you can definitely enjoy your time there for as long as you want to.
I am a huge fan of scented candles, aren't all bloggers? So when I saw this new collection of fragranced kitchen candles I was blown away by their scents and affordability (£15). In large white ceramic jars there are sweet and savoury scents for everyone's home and I am sure many homes in Nottingham will soon house one of these. My favourites were Rhubarb and Custard, Victoria Sponge and the amazing Hot Chocolate one that was burning in the Tea/Brew Room. So heavenly and comforting I wanted to buy them all, maybe just a few to start.
Light Night is a celebration of light creations interpreted in many different ways. As Debbie sells gorgeous home decorations she displayed her offerings of lights and handmade lampshades throughout the store. Lit up in windows, in display cabinets and on tables were multiple lights each with delicate details and soft shades that would suit any work top or bedside table. The store has been carefully designed to incorporate many items at the same time and have them relate to each other in a way that doesn't look too cluttered and messy.
As the new Brew Room and Afternoon Tea offerings were being advertised I couldn't help myself but to pull up a comfortable wooden chair and enjoy a Pot of Tea with a Homemade Scone served with jam and clotted cream. The tea pot kept on giving and the scone was delicious and big enough for an evening snack but not too dense or heavy. Everything was enjoyable and I could have eaten a few more scones if my stomach would have allowed me to. There may have also been a cheeky tipple added to my tea that made me love the evening even more - well it was a Friday night!
The local produce of drinks and food items looked amazing and was very affordable compared to items of similar appearance in your local supermarket (£6). The honey's and local ales look amazing and I over heard good things about their taste too, with some ales room temperature and some refrigerated Debbie had definitely thought of everything to make the evening very enjoyable for all. The next time I am in the area I will be browsing the candles, cards and jars to see what goodies I can treat myself to and support the local businesses whilst I am there.
I would recommend Debbie Bryan to anyone looking for an event space, afternoon tea, gifts or even clothes, there really is something for everyone and with a great host and atmosphere I can see why customers are always returning. Thank you to Debbie and the apprentices who help her run the store I really had an enjoyable evening and will be back again soon.
Debbie Bryan, 18 St Mary's Gate, The Lace Market, Nottingham - 0115 957776
Twitter and Instagram: DebbieBryanShop
Let me know if you have ever been to Debbie Bryan or know of a similar store I should visit! xx
This is one of my own recipes for Healthier Egg Free Rhubarb and Ginger Muffins, instead of Egg I used Banana; I also substituted Milk with Almond Milk and swapped Butter for Fat Free Greek Yoghurt. I used paper muffin cases but I would recommend using lightly oiled silicone cases, as the muffins do not have butter they tend to stick to the paper cases. The filling is a Rhubarb and Ginger Conserve by The Mercers. The muffins are a basic muffin recipe so feel free to get creative with the fillings.
Makes 12 Muffins
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ingredients
2 1/2 Cups Plain Flour
1 tbsp Baking Powder
4 tbsp Caster Sugar
1 1/4 Cups Almond Milk
1 Banana, mashed
1/2 Cup Fat Free Greek Yoghurt
1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
6 tsp Rhubarb and Ginger Conserve
1. Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5. Stand 12 paper or silicone muffin cases in a muffin tin, or simply grease the tin thoroughly. Sift the flour and baking powder into a mixing bowl and stir in the caster sugar.
2. Mash the banana in a separate bowl or jug and beat in the almond milk, fat free greek yoghurt and vanilla extract. Add to the flour mixture and fold together lightly. The mixture shouldn't be over worked, just fold enough until all the flour has been combined.
3. Separate half the mixture into the muffin cases and save half in the bowl. Top each one with half a teaspoon of the conserve filling, then cover with the remaining muffin mixture.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the muffins are well risen and golden.
5. Remove the hot muffins from the tin and leave to cool on a wire rack.
Let me know if you try these and what you think xx
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