Food of love

“There is no sincerer love than the love of food” – George Bernard Shaw

So, according to flower delivery company Bloom & Wilds, Yorkshire is the third least romantic region in the UK.

Ranking 10^th in its survey to track the most loving regions in the country, only East Anglia and Scotland trailed behind.

Come on Yorkshire – we can do better than that! And what better time to show you care than Valentine’s Day (although to be honest, any day is a good day to do that. But with February 14^th on the doorstep, it’s an easy starting point!)

It doesn’t have to be about expensive gifts. How about making your partner their favourite meal, or cooking something that reminds you of a great holiday you shared together? That amazing pasta you enjoyed in Italy, or a Thai Green curry you had from a beach cafe – you know your loved one best, but we can help with the ingredients to pull it all together! Whether you’re a top notch chef, or someone who needs a bit of assistance (it doesn’t all have to be made from scratch) – have no fear.

If cooking really isn’t your thing, how about taking them on a picnic (it might have to be indoors looking at the weather!), or making them a thoughtful packed lunch to take to work? No cooking involved, and again, plenty of opportunities to show you know what they enjoy. Pork pie, roast beef sandwich, humous, cheese, pickles, fruit cake – whatever tickles their tastebuds, you can create something unique for them.

Of course, if you want to treat them to a little gift, the thought would no doubt be appreciated. Perhaps they’d enjoy a bottle of fine wine, or some of our miniature SLOEmotion gins to sample. If they love chocolates, take a trip to our fresh chocolate counter and hand pick them their very own box of Hunters or Lauden chocolates, tailored to include all their favourites. And then don’t ask them to share!

We also have boxed chocolates from fantastic brands such as Charbonnel and Walker and Prestat – which come in gorgeous packaging.

Maybe they don’t have a sweet tooth. Hand select them a box of pies and sausage rolls! Or how about a little hamper of cheeses, with some seeded oatcakes and a jar of tangy chutney?

If nothing makes them happier than a good cup of coffee or tea, treat them to some of the finest available, and make sure they wake up on February 14^th with the perfect cuppa to enjoy straight away.

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach – pretty sure that’s the same for women too!

The end of Dry January – Cheers!

If you were one of the estimated 3.1 million people who did Dry January this year (can’t be just us who went for Ginuary instead?), the turning of the calendar last Thursday marked the end to your endeavours!

There can be lots of great benefits to giving up alcohol – many people find they lose weight, some save money and for others they just feel better in themselves. And as we’ve discussed before, there’s so many great soft drinks on the market now, you don’t need to feel like you’re missing out when everyone else opens a bottle of wine or pours a measure of gin – Seedlip is lovely with a glug of tonic, and from elderflower cordial to alcohol free Shiraz, there’s lots of choice out there other than the usual fizzy pops or boring orange squash.

But if you are one of the two thirds who apparently stuck to their resolution, you may now be feeling like you deserve to celebrate with one of your favourite tipples.

If you’re bonkers about beer, why not try one of the locally produced ones from the Helmsley Brewing Company? Striding the Riding or Helmsley Honey, you can take your pick. Or one of Wold Top’s wide range – from IPA and blond to bitter and even a wheat free variety, something should hit the spot!

If you’ve been craving a glass of claret – or any other wine – we’ve got some beauties in store. How about Le Charme Merlot or Monastier Shiraz? Or if you prefer a glass of Rose, why not go for Route 66 Blush? Of course, we also have a great supply of prosecco and champagne if you like a few bubbles!

If spirits are more your cup of….erm….booze…. then never fear, we have a well stocked supply! For Gin lovers, how about a Sloe or Damson gin? If Whisky is more your thing, then why not try Sloe Motion Sloe Whisky. Fans of Vodka, have no fear – we would highly recommend Masons Yorkshire Vodka.

We also have Port, Sherry, Brandy, Liqueurs and much, much more. Just go easy – if you haven’t had a drop since New Year’s Eve, you might find it goes to your head, so perhaps pick up a few snacks while you’re here to balance it out!

So long Dry January – welcome to fizz-filled February!