6 - 2020 | Chalmers News PR

Fine food and comedy at Drive & Dine event in Warwick

Posted on June 15, 2020 by admin

PUB in the Park and the Tom Kerridge team are bringing the ultimate drive-in theatre experience to Warwick.

Drive & Dine Theatre is reigniting the glory days of drive-in cinema screenings, with a delicious twist! Guests will be able to choose from an impressive selection of family films, iconic classics, and the latest award-winning blockbusters, whilst tucking into an exclusive menu curated by Marlow-based Chef Tom Kerridge – all for you to enjoy with members of your household, in the comfort and safety of your own car.

Alongside a fantastic line-up of movies, you’ll be able to book exclusive stand-up sessions from Mark Watson’s Carpool Comedy Club with comedians including Ed Byrne, Shappi Khorsandi, Ed Gamble and Zoe Lyons across the tour in all locations.

With personal speaker systems provided for each car and food served straight to your parking bay, you simply need to pull up, sit back and enjoy the show on the world’s largest mobile HD LED screen.

Tom Kerridge said: “I am so excited to announce a great new event created to have a load of fun in a way that is safely suited to current times. Come and eat some good grub, catch some quality movies, and make some new memories with your loved ones. It’s the perfect trip out of the house!”

Films on offer include recent blockbusters 1917 and Knives Out, family favourites The BFG and Aladdin; along with drive-in classics Grease, Back to the Future and Jaws. The current schedule at each tour destination can be found on the Drive & Dine website: www.driveanddinetheatre.com.

Kerridge’s Drive & Dine menu includes something for everyone, with dishes on offer including ‘That’ Bacon Cheeseburger with maple cured bacon, Chicken Tikka Masala, Five Bean Chilli Vegan Burrito and also Picnic Boxes suitable for adults or children. Top notch desserts are also available, with an incredible TKO Biscuit Cheesecake or Millionaires Chocolate Pot set to be your new favourite cinema treat. Plus you can choose from a great selection of drinks.

Drive & Dine is suitable for all ages, with both daytime and evening viewings. To comply with Government regulations and ensure a risk-free environment, cars will be spaced out, all staff will wear protective face wear and gloves, food and drink will be served through contactless methods and tickets will be sent electronically and checked from a distance.

Drive & Dine Theatre arrives in Warwick on July 21st-26th but the full schedule is below:

St Albans: 7th-19th July and 14 – 19 July 2020 at Luton Hoo Estate
Bath: 7th-12th July 2020 at Bath Racecourse
Marlow: 14^th-26^th July 2020 and 21 – 26 July at Henley Showground
Tunbridge Wells: 8^th ^th-19^th July 2020 at Hever Castle
Chichester: 21^st-26^th July 2020 at Chichester College
Warwick: 21^st-26^th July 2020 at Warwick Racecourse
West London: 28^th July – 2^nd August 2020 at Syon Park
South London: 28^thJuly – 2^nd August 2020 at Selhurst Park Stadium

Each film screening costs £17.50 for adults and between £5.50 – £7.50 for children.

Mark Watson’s Carpool Comedy Club costs £35 for adults.

Food options range from £4 – £15.

More information is available at: www.driveanddinetheatre.com

All tour locations are subject to license and appropriate approval during these unprecedented times.

Satisfying our appetites – until ‘normal’ service resumes (Review)

Posted on June 7, 2020June 7, 2020 by admin

AS we all come to terms with a new ‘normal,’ one of life’s treats we’re missing most is dining out at our favourite restaurants.

While hospitality businesses across the country are busily preparing to re-open their doors with appropriate COVID-19 safety measures in place, many are working hard to bring as much of the experience as possible into our homes instead.

My much-loved local of 20 years, The Hatton Arms is among them.

This popular country pub on the edge of Warwick was sadly forced to hang up the closed sign soon after a much-trumpeted refurbishment and relaunch in February.

Four months on and now gradually re-emerging from lockdown, the Hatton Arms is still managing to hold firm to its principles of locally sourced fresh seasonal ingredients, with its recent unveiling of a reduced down version of the pub’s new lunch and dinner menus.

With hubby’s birthday at the weekend, I decided it was a good opportunity to put their meal delivery service to the test, so, with 24 hours’ notice, we booked a time slot and put in our food orders via email.

Delivery was very prompt and the food arrived piping hot.

While more limited menu, the menu has been carefully considered to include a little something for all tastes, from pies and burgers to fish and chips and ribs and even Classic Caesar Salad. Vegetarians are also catered for

We took advantage of the keenly priced Burger Bundle – any two burgers and two desserts for £24.95, opting for the Double Stack BBQ Burger (double stacked chargrilled chuck steak burger with mature cheddar, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, dill pickle and BBQ sauce on a ciabatta bun) and the Double Stack Buttermilk Chicken Burger (double stacked buttermilk chicken breast, mature cheddar, lettuce, tomato, dill pickle, garlic mayo and Hatton hot sauce on a ciabatta bun).

Other members of the family chose Fish and Chips (beer-battered haddock, chips, mushy peas and tartar sauce) and a dish called ‘BBQ Heaven.’

Hatton Arms, COVID-19, takeaways, deliveries, Warwick, review — Double Stack BBQ Burger

All were given a big thumbs up, although a word of warning about BBQ Heaven. With five lemon and thyme chicken wings, buttermilk chicken, rack of BBQ pork ribs and skinny fries, this meal is not one for the faint-hearted. In hindsight this could stretch to two people and, while at £19.95, it is the menu’s most expensive option, it actually represents excellent value.

Keep an eye on their Facebook page too for specials.

A small but tantalisingly tempting selection of desserts – chocolate brownie, white chocolate and strawberry cheesecake, fruit crumble or mini cinnamon doughnuts with chocolate dipping sauce – are all generous is portion size. From personal experience I can say the fruit crumble is among the tastiest I’ve had. (And I like to think of myself as a crumble aficionado I’ve indulged in that many!)

All in all we were agreed, this was a very satisfying birthday banquet. Now we’re eyeing up the mouth-watering Sunday Roasts for another weekend. I’ve read positive reviews about these too!

This country pub has established a reputation among locals and visitors for authentic dining and classic British cuisine made with the finest ingredients, often sourced direct from the Hatton Estate.

It is also known for its beautiful sweeping views of the idyllic Hatton Locks. And Hatton Walks has now been re-opened at weekends for guests of the Hatton Arms to enjoy from 9am onwards.

There are three different circular walking routes that take in the Grand Union Canal, local public footpaths and some beautiful private paths across the Hatton Estate to Hatton Country World. Free walks guides are available to download online by searching for ‘Hatton Walks Warwick.’

While the team has been busy managing social distancing and limiting visitor numbers as well as tidying up litter from the canal towpath, manager Stephanie Ward is also keen that customers consuming their Hatton Arms breakfast baps and coffees, follow the countryside code when visiting the Hatton Locks area. Extra bins have also been provided to help with this.

She said: “We are desperately missing our loyal customers and can’t wait to be able to welcome you back inside our doors again soon. We are awaiting further guidance from the Government on when this can happen.

“In the meantime we’re delighted to be able to continue serving our menu and wish to thank everyone for their invaluable support.”

Hatton Arms, COVID-19, takeaways, deliveries, Hatton, review, Stephanie Ward — Stephanie Ward

Takeaways can be available for collection or delivery between 3-8pm on Fridays, 12 noon-8pm on Saturdays and 12 noon-6pm on Sundays. The full menu can be found at: https://hattonarms.com/takeaway-order-form/ Same day orders can be made from midday by calling 01926 492427. Pre-orders can be made by emailing enquiries@hattonarms.com

Generally speaking, while restaurant food deliveries are a deliciously welcome distraction from our own kitchens, I think we’d all agree they are no real alternative to the authentidc dining out experience. But keep supporting them so we can one day (soon) be back to enjoying the original mine host hospitality in a form that we know and love.

Unique NHS bench goes under the hammer for children’s charity

Posted on June 2, 2020June 2, 2020 by admin

A one-of-a-kind copper bench is being auctioned off to raise funds for a Warwick charity for children with terminal and life-limiting illnesses thanks to the generosity of a Solihull couple.

The bench, which bears the topical message: ‘2020 Love NHS’ was crafted from copper piping by plumbing firm Rudkin & Herbert in Leicester and bought for £2,000 by Simon and Lorraine Cave, from Solihull.

The couple donated the proceeds to Leicester’s Loros Hospice and Cancer Research before then regifting the bench to Molly Olly’s Wishes, a charity which was established in 2011 following the death of Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw’s eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.

The Hatton-based charity works to support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families and help with their emotional wellbeing as well as grant wishes and donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.

Mascot of Molly Olly’s Wishes is a therapeutic toy lion called Olly The Brave who has his own Hickman line and a detachable mane which helps to explain and normalise the effects of chemotherapy. These form part of an Olly The Brave pack that has now been handed out to more than 40 hospitals, along with a book from the charity’s exclusive Olly The Brave series.

The donation will come at a critical time for Molly Olly’s which, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is forecast to lose around £250k in fundraising this year.

Simon Cave said he became familiar with the charity after moving to Solihull with his wife Lorraine more than 20 years ago.

He said: “I wanted to donate some money to Loros but I’ve been involved in some of Molly Olly’s fundraising events for a few years now and I think it is a great cause that’s long been close to our hearts. We’re also aware how much charities are suffering at the moment.”

Molly Olly's Wishes, COVID-19, copper bench, fundraising — Ian Herbert of Rudkin & Herbert with the bench and, inset, Simon and Lorraine Cave.

Bids can be placed on the bench by texting BID to 07747 854914 with the amount, your name and preferred form of contact. (Delivery to UK address only.) The successful highest bidder will be announced on June 15^th, which marks the ninth anniversary of Molly’s death.

Ian Herbert, director of Rudkin & Herbert, where a heating engineer spent a day making the bench from copper piping, said: “We felt this was the least we could do and wanted to show our appreciation for what the NHS are doing under the current circumstances. Also, my daughter has recently become an ambulance driver so it is very close to home.

But he added: “It’s not just the NHS that need our help and donations, there are hundreds of smaller worthwhile charities in our communities that need our help and donations now. Every donation helps, whether big or small.”

The charity’s founder Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “Molly Olly’s Wishes are very grateful to the team at Rudkin and Herbert and Simon and Lorraine Cave for donating this unique bench to the charity to help raise funds. It is certainly a piece that is symbolic of these extraordinary times and recognises the amazing work of the NHS.

“We hope to get lots of interest and the highest bidder will be the new owner and in the process will have helped make a difference to the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses. “

Further information about Molly Olly’s Wishes or how to donate can be found at: www.mollyolly.co.uk

Warwick Castle reopens its gates this weekend

Posted on June 2, 2020June 2, 2020 by admin

WARWICK Castle will be amongst the first UK attractions to reopen its gates to the public following easing of lockdown restrictions.

While indoor areas remain off-limits for the time being, the extensive grounds and gardens around the iconic Castle will provide a welcome destination for visitors keen to take a day trip away from home.

From Saturday 6th June, guests will be able to explore over 64 acres of stunning ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped gardens, including riverside strolls along the Avon and the famous Peacock Garden with its resident flock of over 20 peacocks.

More adventurous visitors can climb the Conqueror’s Fortress, which is the highest point of the estate, to capture incredible views across the beautiful Midlands countryside and Warwick itself.

Whilst the usual shows and indoor attractions aren’t reopening just yet, the castle’s renowned birds of prey will still be undertaking their daily exercise and training for the full reopening, so visitors may be lucky enough to see them whilst on site.

COVID-secure processes in place

A number of key processes have been implemented to ensure visitor safety including:

Increased health and safety procedures for enhanced cleaning of all areas including toilets and seating, introduction of one-way systems supported by clear wayfinding, social distancing markers and sanitiser stations
Entry will be dependent on advance online booking only, with availability subject to new daily maximum capacities to ensure allowance for social distancing. Temperature spot-checks may be carried out.
Contactless payment for food and drink, from takeaway outlets offering snacks, hot and cold drinks and ice cream
Activity kits on sale for families to find all the fun while exploring the outside areas
Toilets will be available to guests on a one-in-one-out basis.

‘Baby steps’ to full reopening

As part of global leisure company Merlin Entertainments, the castle has benefited from advice from colleagues across the globe, including those in countries where restrictions have already eased allowing attractions to reopen, on how best to reopen in line with new safety requirements ensuring the safety of all visitors.

Warwick Castle initially closed on 21^st March 2020 along with tourism businesses across the UK.

Divisional Director Nick Blofeld said: “After ten weeks of closure, we can’t wait to reopen our gates and share the beauty of the Castle’s outdoor spaces with guests again. Warwick Castle uniquely offers a rich history and over 60 acres of rolling grounds, we are anticipating our loyal guests across the Midlands and beyond will be really excited to return to the Castle and have a taste of normality, even if it is two swords apart.”

We are delighted to be amongst the first attractions able to reopen to the public, albeit on a limited basis for the time being. These first ‘baby steps’ are a really positive sign for us, the wider industry and indeed the general public and we can now start to rediscover everything that this country has to offer.”

Opening exclusively for the first weekend on 6^th and 7^th June to Warwick Annual Pass and Merlin Annual Pass holders only, the castle grounds will be open to all guests from 8^th June onwards on a pre-booked only basis. Visit: www.warwick-castle.com