Girl about Town's Seasonal Tipple Tips

By Girl about Town for the Mail on Sunday

CHRISTMAS is the season of giving and, whether you want to serve a few quality drinks at a yuletide party or you’re stuck for a gift, we have a selection of some of the best spirits.

                                

Boodles Mulberry gin – brand new to the Boodles British gin family, and a fresh interpretation of the British classic, sloe gin liqueur, this has arrived just in time for Christmas. Boodles Mulberry is perfect for sipping both warm and cold and combines delicate mulberries with notes of raspberry and currant to create a sweet and subtle medley, that’s perfect for the festive season and beyond. £21, M&S.

Appleton Estate 12 Year Old rum – as 'sipping rums' become more and more popular, this dark 100% Jamaican rum is slightly sweeter than whisky with a full-bodied, spicy kick. Perfect for those looking for an alternative to a scotch on the rocks. £34.99, DrinkSupermarket.com

1800 tequila – this double distilled tequila made from 100% blue agave grown on family-owned ranches in Mexico would be a real treat for the budding mixologist in your life. £29.99, Amazon.com.

Scotch Malt Whisky Society membership – for when you know what they want but not quite what they want. This annual membership not only comes with a special gift box contains three 100ml rare single malt whiskies, but also gets your whisky fanatic exclusive discounts from the society’s rare bottlings available to buy via the website and released monthly. Include access to their members-only clubs in London, Edinburgh and Leith and it’s a gift you can’t just pluck from the shelf. £122, SMWS.com/membership.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed bourbon – brand new to the UK this autumn, this authentic barrel proof whiskey is uncut with water, ensuring an uncompromised Kentucky bourbon with tones of sweet tobacco and hints of orange and mint. Bold and spirited seasonal flavours aren’t just for Christmas, but are appreciated as the dark evenings roll in. £46.89, DrinkSupermarket.com.

Glen Grant 12 Year Old whisky – with notes on the nose of orchard fruits and icing sugar, you’ll want to leave room after dinner for this award winning, ingenious spirit from Scotland’s own Glen Grant. £42.45, TheWhiskyExchange.com.

Skyy Vodka - this triple filtered premium US vodka is smooth and clean and has remained unchanged in over 20 years, proving that while trends come and go, some icons stay true. £17.99, DrinkSupermarket.com.

Girl About Town gets quizzed for a good cause

By Marc Baker for The Mail on Sunday

THE stars were out for David and Jonathan Dimbleby's annual charity fundraiser last week which raised over £50,000 for people living with cancer.

Strictly Come Dancing hostess Claudia Winkleman joined Great British Bake Off star Jo Brand and fashion supremo Patrick Grant for the Quintessentially Foundation’s World’s Greatest Quiz in aid of Dimbleby Cancer Care.

Fellow guests Ben Elliot, Zac Goldsmith, Aaron Simpson, Henry Dimbleby, Simon Callow, Michael Gove joined Tom and Sara Parker-Bowles at the event held at Rooms on Regent's Park.

More than 200 guests were welcomed at the quiz which included a champagne reception followed by six rounds of tough quiz style questions hosted by Claudia Winkleman.

Auction prizes included a diamond consultation and jewellery from 77Diamonds, a cookery course and lunch with renowned cook Caroline Waldegrave at Eton College and tickets to see Justin Bieber at the O2 arena in London.
Winners of the night were The Forgetful Elephants, a team made up of colleagues from The Elephant family, the charity founded by the late Mark Shand.

Quintessentially's Ben Elliot alongside David Dimbleby, Claudia Winkleman and Jonathan Dimbleby

 

Hostess Claudia Winkleman said: "This is my second year hosting the quiz and the event always has such a buzz about it and a really great atmosphere. It’s great to see familiar faces returning each year and it is fantastic to hear how much the night has raised for this wonderful cause.”

This year marks the charity’s 50th anniversary, set up in 1966 in memory of broadcaster Richard Dimbleby and is based at Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals in London. It provides practical and psychological support to people living with cancer and to their families and carers. The charity is also developing a nationwide website resource to help people find care and support services nearest to them.

Jonathan Dimbleby said: "This is a really fun event and we are delighted at the overwhelming support we received from all of our guests on the night. This year’s event is particularly special for us as it takes place during the 50th anniversary celebrations, as well as the opening of our new home at Guy’s Cancer Centre later this month.

“The money raised is more important than ever as the demand for our support increases. This will enable us to support the lives of thousands of people living with cancer. I can't thank everyone who donated tonight enough."
The evening was sponsored by Soak & Sleep and Harry Brompton’s.

Quintessentially founder Ben Elliot said: “Quintessentially Foundation are incredibly proud to be supporting Dimbleby Cancer Care on the World’s Greatest Quiz for the third year in a row. The night was a great success and good fun for all involved. We are delighted to have raised vital funds to provide inspirational cancer support for both parents and families.”

Proceeds from the event will be used to support people going through cancer and their families through a range of the charity’s services. Since 1966 the charity has worked extensively in the South East helping provide care and support for people living with cancer and in the last year alone The Dimbleby Cancer Care Information and Support Services at Guy’s and St Thomas’ last year saw over 10,000 patient contacts.

* To donate to Dimbleby Cancer Care please visit www.dimblebycancercare.org/donate

 

Girl about Town heads to a bastion of Rock n' Roll for sustainable fashion

By Girl about Town for The Mail on Sunday

The 100 Club on London’s Oxford Street has played host to The Rolling Stones, The Sex Pistols and the Jam in its time, and I have had some spectacular times there enjoying record breaking artists, but I must admit I was thrown when invited there to see one of my favourite up and coming fashion designers headlining.

 

The Rolling Stones get sweaty at the 100 Club in 1982

I shouldn’t have been surprised. Having kept a close eye on the activities of Tom Cridland, the eponymous sustainable fashion brand which first rose to prominence when stars from Leonardo DiCaprio to Michael Portillo appeared in stylishly cut and none-to-subtly coloured chinos, Tom, the 25 year old founder seems to have gone from strength to strength in an eclectic number of directions.

Having found success with premium trousers, but grown frustrated with the fashion industries attitude to durability, he had the idea of producing a sweatshirt guaranteed for thirty years which, appealing as it did to both the environmentally green and the green with envy for the next trend (including me), was wildly successful.

 

Rod Stewart sports Sherbert Lemon Tom Cridland's

With long-time girlfriend and business partner, Debs Marx, 25, Tom has driven sustainable fashion up on everyone’s agenda, and, as well as founding a successful PR firm, he seems to have decided to do some good, and have fun in the process. Which leads us but, somewhat tangentially, to the 100 Club.

Tom has launched a new product cum campaign (they often go together it seems, with Tom Cridland). It is The Entrepreneur’s Shirt, launched in collaboration with the charities Young Enterprise and DEKI and aiming to support young entrepreneurs both in Britain and in the developing world. While 10% of sales of the shirts will go directly to the charities, the young team, who seem hardly likely to settle for something so prosaic, are also recording together at Abbey road later in the year to provide a soundtrack to their push (which I hear has already reached Education Secretary Justine Greening) and have been invited to host a concert of their own at the 100 Club on Saturday - which, humbly entails being a blow out Birthday party for the pair too.

Say hello to Uncle Thomas. Founder Tom Cridland poses in his Chelsea shop

 

I have it on the best authority that Tom isn’t much of a singer, but thankfully he is as competent a drummer as he is professional bon viveur, and Debs reportedly has a lovely voice - backed up by a professional band I look forward to seeing them in action, and joining them for the party. After abandoning the rather disappointing launch party thrown for them by DTSRK in January I can reveal they simply took everyone back to their Kings Road shop (which that may or may not have involved some council visits, and some high profile names in some very interesting positions come sunrise).

My spies tell me the whole enterprise could have been part of Tom’s ambition to meet his idol, Elton John and his band, but given he has spent the last years a close friend of Nigel Olson, Elton’s drummer, and is still driving ahead with his schemes it’s fair to say he is in for its own sake, and along the way he has picked up an interesting range of fans, and I look forward to seeing a smattering of politicians, reality stars and fashion names, not to mentioned the odd financial whizz kid who seem curious additions to the brands parties, but who Tom assures me don’t reflect the band, he just hasn’t been able to shake them off over the years.

 

Toby Huntington-Whiteley resplendent in red at a festival, providing endorsement from London's young elite

Tom and Debs said, “As young entrepreneurs who bootstrapped to start up the Tom Cridland brand, we’re delighted to be working with Young Enterprise and DEKI. They both wrote to us asking for support and we immediately related to what they did and set about finding ways in which we could contribute. We had many requests for a ’30 Year Shirt’, as we’ve never done a buttoned shirt before, but we’re so glad we decided to develop The Entrepreneur’s Shirt as a collaboration like this.”

Girl About Town does a bank holiday Monday like no other with her two Craigs.

By Daisy Collingwood and Teddy Chabo for The Mail on Sunday 

Madness headline their House of Common Festival, where Craig Charles also performed on Clapham Common, while Craig David put in a surprise appearence at Shy FX's Party on the Moon at Notting Hill carnival last Monday.

 

It was a weekend for throwbacks as August came to a close and the carnival vibe descended upon London and among the millions of revellers across the capital Girl about Town naturally managed to be in all the right places at all the right times, catching both her favourite Craigs and the perfect amount of bank holiday Madness, with Shy FX’s Notting Hill Carnival Party and Madness’s House of Common festival following up where SW4 left off on Clapham Common.

The Ska imbued extravaganza in Clapham provided a safer family alternative to Notting Hill, and every generation seemed to be throwing down to classic acts like Toots and the Maytals.

House of Clapham Common, crowds enjoy a vibrant alternative to carnival

 

Newer artists like The Streets’ Mike Skinner and David Rodigan graced the stage too, and contributed to a day which felt like it really was for everyone, regardless of age or background, as it set out to be it was very much in the community spirit. 

Craig Charles mingles with fans and followers during House of Common festival on Monday

 

Before I give appropriate praise to Madness’s spectacular headline set an honourable mention must go to Robot War’s Craig Charles, who most certainly claims man of the match for the day with his spectacular outfit, set on the decks playing Soul and his irrepressible mood. Never have I seen a man so happy to be doing what he was doing, and it was infectious.

The final slot of the night of course fell to those who brought the day together and closed it in perfect style, with fireworks and the mother of all musical send-offs, Madness powering through beloved tune after beloved tune while the crowd and I bobbed with it, entirely caught up in that nostalgic yet optimistic vibe that only that particular style of pre-millennial irreverence can conjure up, seemingly in anyone from the ages on 10-100!

Girl about Town certainly enjoyed the family friendly and musically exceptional House of Commons, but it will be very strange year when I am not still at the very heart of Notting Hill Carnival. Amidst the dozens of stages and sound systems dotted around the enclave around which the carnival route snakes it was, as always, Shy FX’s Party on the Moon which saw the party at it hardest. 

Lily Allen and Shy FX  on fantastic form at Shy FX's Party on The Moon at Notting Hill Carnival

I joined Lilly Allen and thousands of excited carnival goers to enjoy sets from Chase and Status, Shy FX himself and many other DJ’s who took turns to entertain a crowd which even by the standards of Notting Hill carnival was wild. 

This year I had advance warning that on top of the invariably barnstorming line up at Shy FX’s Party on the Moon carnival goers were in for a treat as nostalgic in its own way as a good dose of Ska music, when the other Craig in my life appeared to close an exceptional day.

 While Madness and Toots and the Maytal’s had given me a dose of solid 1980’s I had headed north from Clapham for a re-wind to my own youth. Waiting for the crowd to respond to what I knew was coming was almost as fun as the arrival itself…almost.

 

Craig David takes to the stage at Shy FX's Party on The Moon at Notting Hill Carnival on Monday

 

Playing an eclectic mix of current chart tunes interspersed with his own classics Craig David added to a summer which has seen him (re-)take the UK festival scene by storm and firmly stamp his mark on every Party Girls 2016 Summer itinerary. The One More Time star had to plead with the crowd on behalf of the police not to overflow the flimsy barriers surrounding the stage in their desperation to get close to him.

 Thousands of revellers seemed to share my opinion that a bit of surprise Craig David would be no bad thing any day of the week, but topping off a bank holiday Monday spent in London at its best it really was the perfect flavour to have everybody walking away from the bank holiday madness happy.

 

Vanessa Feltz celebrates daughter's wedding at Gilgamesh

By Daisy Collingwood for The Mail on Sunday 

I can reveal that Vanessa Feltz chose the critically acclaimed Gilgamesh in Camden as the venue for her daughter Saskia’s last evening as a single woman on Saturday 20^th August. Saskia married boyfriend Marc Joss, a football translator, the day after, following an eight month engagement. It’s perhaps no surprise that the television personality opted for the pan Asian restaurant given its strong celebrity following: David Gest, Lisa Snowden and Jonny Vaughan are all said to be fans, and just last weekend Ellie Goulding and Dougie Poynter were seen to be rekindling their romance at the Stable Market hotspot.

The ladies requested the refined choice of amaretto sours on arrival, and a glass of prosecco for the gentleman – who I assume to be Vanessa’s long term fiancé Ben Ofoedu. Whilst it may be wedding bells for both of her daughters, with oldest Allegra marrying in 2013 – Vanessa has not been as lucky. Despite having been with singer-songwriter Ben for ten years and planning to wed in 2011 – the ceremony never materialised.

Regardless, I’m sure she was over the moon for the primary school teacher, who bears a striking resemblance to her. Following cocktails, the party will have been able to choose from an exotic array of master crafted sushi and sashimi, not to mention upmarket delicacies such as Wagyu beef, teriyaki fillet of beef, and black cod.

With 40ft floor to ceiling glass windows and a retractable roof, you can guarantee Gilgamesh delivered the perfect setting for the occasion. Inspired by the Sumerian king Gilgamesh himself, the reliefs and carvings in the venue are said to be the work of over 10,000 workers from India. Congratulations to Saskia, I would have loved an invite!

Bianca Jagger attends VIP night for Her Name Was Carmen

STEPHANIE TAKYI

She is a keen advocate of human rights so it was no surprise we bumped into Bianca Jagger at the opening night of Her Name was Carmen at the London Coliseum.

The ballet responds to the European refugee crisis and sees the world’s leading ballerina Irina Kolesnikova telling the story of Carmen in a refugee camp.

The fresh spin on the old classic was given the seal of approval by Bianca, who tells me: “I was so happy they decided to do Her Name was Carmen in a refugee camp. It highlights the situation millions of refugees are enduring at the moment in Europe, in France and throughout the world.  Carmen was beautiful and transparent and all of the dancers in the play were.

She continued: “I’m glad when anyone can bring the attention to people that are in refugee camps, who are in wars and in terrible situations. It’s not that they want to be refugees they are being forced to being refugees.

“And we need to have some compassion toward them. It’s a moment of victory, it’s inspiring and hopeful to see a play like this be put on.”

The former actress, 71, may be known for her Studio 54 heydays and rubbing shoulders with the likes of Andy Warhol but she says she now prefers surfing the likes of Facebook and Twitter as a pastime.

"Some people may call me a cool Grandma but I love social media because of my connection to young people. I love any information that I can bring to young people that they may not have," she said.

Girl About Town heads down to the world Brotherhood premiere

STEPHANIE TAKYI

Noel Clark wrapped up his gritty London set trilogy at the recent world premiere of his latest work ‘Brotherhood’.

The third and final instalment sees the writer, director and actor reprising his role of Sam Peel, who is now trying to turn away from a life of crime. With former enemies wanting to settle old scores he soon realises it’s hard to stay on the straight and narrow.

During our red carpet interview with Noel at the Vue in Westfield Shopping centre he admitted he was happy the British drama was being put to bed once and for all. He said: “I’m old, I’m fatter and I have less hair. I can’t be running around taking kicks from these young boys anymore.”

With a stellar cast of familiar faces, Arnold Oceng (Henry) and Red Madrell (Alissa), Brotherhood does well to bridge the gap between 2006's Kidulthood and the 2008 sequel Adulthood. Injecting new lifeblood into the hood series is Grime MC Stormzy who makes his acting playing new character Yardz.

Talking about the legacy of the franchise, Noel told us: “Despite the criticism these films receive they have always had clear messages. In Kidulthood it wasn’t about another black man dying it was about if you behave how those kids behave you could die and none of us want that,” he said.

“In adulthood it was whatever you do it’s going to come back so think of what you’re doing. In this one again it’s about the consequences of your actions and trying to evolve as a person.”

He continued: “Some people will try and pull negative connotations about this film but those are usually the people that don’t live this lifestyle.

 “There are both younger people and working class people that go through this stuff daily. The films don’t inform society but society informs the movies.”

Brotherhood is out for general release across the UK on 2 September 2016.

 

Girl About Town: Hoegaarden Floating Gaarden launch

By Daisy Collingwood for The Mail on Sunday 

I was very excited when I received an invite to the Hoegaarden Floating Gaarden launch party this week, beer on a barge is just the perfect set up!

I headed to Bar 90 in Hackney where the barge is docked and hung with Professor Green, a Hackney native, who had christened the vessel created by the Belgian beer company.

There was decking outside where we were supplied with plenty of beer, of course, and gorgeous canapes designed to complement it perfectly…among my favourites was a light, creamy cheese teamed with sweet slices of white peach – unexpectedly wonderful!

Aboard the barge is even more of a journey for the senses with over 500 different plants and shrubs to smell and interestingly, a Soundscape Garden. You put on headphones and are transported to different settings – with one end of dial heightening sweet flavours and the other sour. It was created by local artist Nathaniel Williams in collaboration with Oxford University – very clever!

The sheltered decking proved vital for one enormous rain shower, but luckily the bad weather held off for the rest of the night and we were able to mingle without worry.

The best bit is, the Floating Garden will be open to the public to enjoy for the next four weeks as it sets sail on the East London waterways. You apply for free tickets through a ballot on the website and are treated to a similar barge trip complete with complementary beer and canapes! It’s a must do summer London activity!

Girl About Town at the Royal Salute Coronation Cup

By Daisy Collingwood for The Mail on Sunday 

I can’t think of many better ways to spend a Saturday than in the glorious sunshine in Windsor, watching the Royal Salute Coronation Cup, sipping on champers and mingling with the likes of the gorgeous Naomie Harris and Thom Evans. One of the UK’s most prestigious international polo events, I’d woken up excited.

Walking through the luscious English Garden walkway and into the clubhouse, I was taken aback by the stunning colours and fresh, vibrant smells. The garden was created by Royal Florist Simon Lycett, who also does flowers for the likes of Cheryl Cole and Posh and Becks, and featured the Queen’s favourite flowers, as well as fragrances by Hermés trained professional ‘nose’ Barnabé Fillion who specifically picked flowers to evoke the flavours and smells of the Royal Salute.

And what flavours they were. Barnabé was also the mind behind the opulent Royal Salute cocktail which I, of course, had to sample a few of to be polite. Crafted with a precious and rare rose essence in honour of England’s floral icon, it was the perfect summer aperitif.

We were treated to a wonderful three course meal overlooking the polo fields, where we all raised a toast with Peter Prentice the VIP Relationship Director at Royal Salute, Thom Evans and Prince Albert Esiri. As a none whisky drinker I was dubious, but maybe it was something in the air – I was pleasantly surprised by the Royal Salute’s delicate floral tones and gentle honeyed sweetness.

I sat a few seats away from Naomie Evans at lunch who was a complete delight, charming and great fun to be around. A natural beauty, the Bond star literally does glow and I couldn’t help but ask her secret – she told me it was nothing more than drinking lots of water, I put down the rose cocktail straight away!

His Royal Highness Prince Phillip also made an appearance in the Royal Box, and was gifted The Royal Salute 90^th Anniversary Limited Edition in honour of the Queen’s birthday, the world’s rarest whisky and uniquely contains whiskies that traverse each of the six decades the Queen has reigned.

Despite the Commonwealth beating England 12-11, spirits were by no means dampened and we continued – a truly wonderful day was had by everyone!

Girl About Town: Orangina's #ShakeLaVie Party

By Lily Smith

Beautiful people, killer music, zesty performances and an endless supply of Orangina. Girl About Town spent Wednesday evening sipping the iconic citrus drink and mingling with celebs at Orangina’s #ShakeLaVie ('Shake of Life') party. 

The event was at the eccentric Jewel bar right in the heart of Piccadilly. Upon arrival, the evening's destiny was in our hands: guests were told to roll a dice, which determined which room they were to spend the later part of the night in. Each room had incredible artists and acrobats, from the pianist-turned-hip hop performer Tokio Myers, to Café Del Mar's regular opening act Beats Boutique. We were fed and watered with delicious canapes and a selection of Orangina cocktails; the ‘Gina Ball’, made with amaretto, vodka and Orangina, went down an absolute treat.

Who’d have thought that the Chelsea elite would be such big fans of Orangina! “I couldn’t miss tonight,” tiny Louise Thompson told me. “Orangina literally is my favourite drink.” A refreshingly humble comment from the girl we see sipping Moët & Chandon on our screens every Monday night.

I then bumped into Hugo Taylor and Oliver Proudlock and had to ask their views on the recently announced engagement of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews, brother of their good friend Spencer.

“It’s glorious news, any engagement is glorious news,” said Proudlock. “Spencer will be epic man! He’ll definitely be the cheeky uncle when they have children.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I’ll think he’ll be great,” Hugo agreed. “He is a good role model, despite what people think or the things he has done in the past.”

After the glasses were drained and plates emptied, we were treated to a performance from the gorgeous Whinnie Williams. The 27-year-old Londoner is storming the pop scene and, with her striking looks and stunning vocals, there’s nothing stopping her. But, believe it or not, she has not always been as glamorous and confident as she seems now.

“When I started doing music, I had serious problems with my nerves,” she told me. “I wouldn’t sing in front of anyone. My mum took me to one hypnotism session and it cured me completely – I never get nervous anymore.”

She also explained to me her nickname ‘Sunday Girl’ which she sometimes uses as an alias. “My first job was a Sunday job in a pet shop when I was 17,” she said. “I was really quiet when I was younger. And people kept forgetting my name and because I only worked on Sundays, they called me Sunday Girl.”

I asked her where we should look out for her in the future. “I have just filmed my latest music video – Real Damn Bad - in LA with my boyfriend. We were filming in a boiling hot desert on a motorbike. It was hell – I had to learn how to ride a motorbike in the heat, whilst wearing a tight black catsuit.” We can’t wait to see that!