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Hands-on festive fun lined up at The Fleur

Hands-on festive fun lined up at The Fleur

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Fleur de Lys, Christmas workshops

Visitors are being invited to get creative for Christmas thanks to a new series of workshops at The Fleur de Lys pub in Lowsonford.

The village pub is serving up some seasonal special events, continuing the pub’s popular collaborations with local artisanal businesses.

The fun gets under way on Tuesday, November 10th when Kenilworth’s Artibus Yard returns to the Fleur for a festive evening of candle making. In this hands-on session, people will learn the art of soy wax candle making, exploring scents, pouring techniques, and finishing touches.

Everyone will leave with their own handcrafted jar candle with a discerningly seasonal scent. There’s also have the chance to purchase the limited-edition Fleur De Lys The Artibus Yard diffuser for a loved one’s Christmas stocking!

On Tuesday, November 17th, between 7-9pm, Crazy Kiln Pottery will be hosting a fun evening of ceramic bauble painting. Included in the ticket price is one ceramic bauble, which will be returned to the Crazy Kiln’s Kenilworth studio to be fired and glazed.

Fleur de Lys, Christmas workshops

The festive fun continues on Wednesday, November 25th courtesy of Nature Makers, from Solihull, who will be leading a willow weaving workshop promising to result in your own Christmas reindeer keepsake to take home.

Award-winning Nature Makers offers mindful, art, craft and play for natural wellbeing, encouraging a love of the outdoors while nurturing creativity.

Fleur de Lys, Christmas workshops

The following day it’s all about getting green-fingered for the festive season with a Christmas Wreath Workshop hosted by Canalside Blooms, based in Warwick. The pub will be filled with the aromas of seasonal foliage and warming winter spices which are sure to inspire a creative and joyful evening.

Mulled wine, mince pies and all the materials you need for the all workshops are included in the ticket prices, which range between £25 and £55.

Owner Emma Woodhouse said: “There’s nowhere cosier to be on a winter’s evening than next to a roaring log fire in a quintessentially English country pub, which is why the Fleur De Lys is the go-to place for many people as the nights draw in.

“With that in mind, we’re getting in the Christmas spirit with a series of festive events during November that draw together some of our favourite local artisans for an assortment of creative workshops.

“These are excellent alternatives to a traditional staff party or a great reason to meet up with friends and family before the year ends. We love that you’ll get to meet these masters of their craft, take home a unique keepsake you’ve created and enjoy mulled wine and mince pies in the award-winning hospitality of the Fleur De Lys.”

Fleur de Lys, Christmas workshops

The Fleur De Lys is a 15th Century inn nestled in the picturesque village of Lowsonford on the banks of the Stratford Canal between winding roads which used to be part of The Forest of Arden. The garden boasts an acre of land and is also popular as a stop-off for canal users.

All the workshops can be booked via HERE.

The Fleur’s Christmas Menu launches on November 30th, including their much-anticipated festive pies range.

Courthouse promises party spirit – and a free drink – for Halloween Night

Courthouse promises party spirit – and a free drink – for Halloween Night

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The Courthouse Rugby, Halloween

There’ll be no shortage of spirits when Halloween arrives at The Courthouse in Rugby later this month.

The pub is promising a night of spooky fun as it ramps up the scare factor – and the volume – with a top line up of live music from DJs Daz carter, Andy Rowley, James Silver and Matt Robins.

Tickets for the special event are £10 but there is a free drink for anyone who turns up in fancy dress, as well as two £50 vouchers up for grabs for those judged to be the best dressed.

Owner Hari Shankarkrishnamurthy said: “The new-look Courthouse has been warmly welcomed by all our visitors in the first six months after its reopening and we wanted to say a big thank you for everyone’s support in making this new chapter a success.

“This event is our way of doing that – with plenty of treats and no tricks – up our sleeves –including a free drink for those who embrace the theme. We look forward to seeing everyone on the night.”

The Courthouse Rugby, Halloween

The Courthouse is designed to offer a true sports bar experience, bringing together big screens, great sound and an atmosphere the builds with every game, whether it’s football, rugby, cricket, the big fight or major sporting events from around the world.

After reopening as a sports bar in May following a huge refurbishment, the venue has taken on a contemporary look, incorporating exposed brickwork and herringbone flooring. Outside has also undergone an overhaul, with covered areas for year-round use, barbecues and a huge outdoor screen.

The extensive pan-Asian-inspired menu, running throughout the day, is complemented by a varied drinks menu, including an array of cocktails, including some spooky Halloween special recipes.

The Courthouse menu is served all day every day while live music nights are served up every Friday and Saturday from 7-9pm followed by a DJ until 2am.

To book a ticket visit HERE.

For more information and the latest entertainment line-up visit HERE.

Pub fireworks favourite returns for Halloween

Pub fireworks favourite returns for Halloween

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Fleur de Lys, Lowsonford, Halloween, fireworks
Photos by Alex Bradbury Photography

A fireworks spectacle and spooky surprises will be central to the Halloween fun at an annual event at The Fleur de Lys in Lowsonford this month.

The pub’s Halloween & Fireworks Party, on October 31st, will feature a host of live family entertainment, from fire shows to music and food.

It marks the twelfth Fireworks Night event organised at The Fleur by owners Emma and Nick Woodhouse.

Fleur de Lys, Lowsonford, Halloween, fireworks

Visitors this year can again expect to be wowed by performances from Storm In A Teacup circus group, including a spectacular fire show, stilt walker, bubble witch and LED artists, plus, for the kids, there will be the chance to get involved in face painting by Glitter Squad, craft tables and a fancy dress competition. There’s also tarot readings from Dayle Adams – and all to a background of live music sets from local five-piece covers band Real Human Beings.

The highlight of the evening is a sensational fireworks display from Fantazia Fireworks from 7.30pm after a live pyrotechnic and fire show from Storm In A Teacup. Food and drinks can be purchased, including BBQ and mulled wine and mulled cider, from the inside and outside bars.

Fleur de Lys, Lowsonford, Halloween, fireworks

Emma said: “Last year we made the decision to combine our annual Fireworks Night with Halloween and it was such a blast that we thought we’d try to outdo ourselves this year. It’s a brilliant excuse to decorate this 500-year-old building in creepy décor and a fantastic excuse to dress up and have a bit of a boogie.

“We love seeing our youngest customers wowed by the fireworks and fully immersed in the magic of the evening. We’re always very conscious about making events that are suitable for the whole family, so we try to create an upbeat but intimate atmosphere that isn’t too overwhelming. It also finishes around 10pm so there’s still time to get home for scary movies and trick or treating, too. We love partnering with other local businesses and performers, so it’s a bit of a showcase for our performers and suppliers, as well.”

Fleur de Lys, Lowsonford, Halloween, fireworks

She added: “Not many people know that the originator of the Gunpowder Plot, Robert Catesby, lived a stone’s throw away from The Fleur de Lys, in Bushwood Hall on Bushwood Lane. We always talk about Guy Fawkes, but it was actually Catesby’s plan to replace Protestant James I with a Catholic monarch. So, sleepy little Lowsonford is actually kind of pivotal to British history!”

The Halloween theme could also be seen as a nod to one of the building’s former guises as a mortuary, from where the bodies were taken to Rowington Church in the absence of a village church. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that it first opened as a tavern, later going on to introduce the ‘pioneering’ idea of serving food and giving rise to the now famous Fleur De Lys pies.

Fleur de Lys, Lowsonford, Halloween, fireworks

Gates open for the Halloween & Fireworks Spectacular at 6pm with the fireworks display at 7.30pm. The food stalls close at 8.30pm and bar closes at 10.30pm.

Tickets are £18 for adults, £10 for 4-16-year-olds and free for under threes and are available to purchase HERE.

Holistic therapist supports cause close to her heart at business launch

Holistic therapist supports cause close to her heart at business launch

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Karin Minton, A Blissful Balance, Wellesbourne
Photos by shotbyjude.com

A local holistic beauty therapist has hailed the launch of her new wellness space a huge success – raising £350 for vulnerable women in the process.

Karin Minton welcomed scores of visitors through her doors at A Blissful Balance, in Wellesbourne, where she has taken over the empty School Road unit formerly occupied by Parish Council for 13 years.

Karin Minton, A Blissful Balance, Wellesbourne

The celebration, which was also in support of The Esther Project, marked a huge expansion for Karin who only established her business a little over 18 months ago.

It showcased the broad menu of treatments being provided in the five treatment rooms by herself and her professional collaborators, including massage, reflexology, advanced facials, reiki healing, lymphatic drainage, hypnotherapy, mindfulness, sound healing and counselling and therapeutic coaching.

 

Karin Minton, A Blissful Balance, Wellesbourne

Karin prides herself on opening her doors to the ‘Unseen Woman.’  Her business is rooted in a very personal mission – to give every woman the chance to feel ‘truly seen,’ valued and supported.

These ambitions are driven by her passion for supporting women through every stage of life, including adolescence, motherhood, divorce, loss, neurodiversity, menopause, anxiety, grief, low confidence, retirement and times of change, with treatments and support tailored to the individual.

She said: “The launch of A Blissful Balance was honestly everything I could have hoped for. At one point we had people queuing out of the door, which was quite incredible to see. There were so many familiar faces alongside lots of new ones, and the atmosphere throughout the building was just lovely. We also raised over £350 for The Esther Project, which made it even more special.

“What meant the most was seeing A Blissful Balance being used exactly as I’d imagined it. What started with me working from one treatment room has grown into a women’s wellness space, and I already have some amazing practitioners working alongside me who share the same passion for supporting women. Seeing people exploring the rooms, meeting the women who are part of the space and understanding what we’re creating, felt really special.

Karin Minton, A Blissful Balance, Wellesbourne

“I came away feeling incredibly proud and overwhelmed by the support, but this really is just the beginning. We’re continuing to look for the right practitioners to join us, as well as people who would like to use our studio to hold workshops, classes and events. I’m really excited to see A Blissful Balance grow into a place where women can come for treatments, wellbeing, connection and support.”

Visitors had the chance to experience complimentary mini treatments, enjoy refreshments, meet the therapists, browse a selection of wellness stalls and the first 50 customers took home a goodie bag.

Karin Minton, A Blissful Balance, Wellesbourne
Karin pictured with Health & Wellbeing Coach Elsa Wye.

There were also great prizes to be won in a raffle supporting The Esther Project, a Leamington-based Community Interest Company supporting women across Warwickshire facing multiple and complex challenges, including domestic abuse, homelessness, trauma, poor mental health and addiction.

Lianne Kirkman, Founder of The Esther Project, said: “We are really grateful to Karin and everyone at A Blissful Balance for choosing to support The Esther Project at their opening event. The funds raised will help us continue providing vital support to women across Warwickshire who are facing significant challenges including domestic abuse, trauma and homelessness.

Karin Minton, A Blissful Balance, Wellesbourne

“Karin’s vision of creating a space where women feel seen, valued and supported completely aligns with our own mission at The Esther Project. We’re so grateful to have been part of the launch.”

A Blissful Balance is now open at 2 School Road, Wellesbourne, CV35 9NH.
Visit www.ablissfulbalance.co.uk or call/message 07862 252624 to book.

Karin Minton, A Blissful Balance, Wellesbourne

Karin is already celebrating recognition in a series of awards, as a finalist for Beauty Therapist of the Year at The Beauty Full Awards; Best Business in the UK Small Business category; Best Customer Experience category in the Stratford Herald Business & Tourism Awards and The UK Beauty Awards’ Beauty Excellence category. She was also a recent recipient of a Highly Recommended Award by Fresha, which spotlight standout businesses which promise quality, professionalism, and exceptional experiences.

Review: San Carlo’s Sunday Lunch, Birmingham

Review: San Carlo’s Sunday Lunch, Birmingham

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San Carlo, Birmingham, Sunday Lunch

San Carlo Birmingham’s new Sunday Lunch menu brings a touch of Italian sophistication to one of Britain’s most beloved rituals – the roast.

Served in the elegant Temple Street dining room, the experience feels both indulgent and unhurried, designed for long, sociable afternoons that stretch into early evening.

The family‑owned San Carlo group has reimagined the traditional roast with its signature flair for premium ingredients and polished presentation. The menu mirrors that of sister restaurant Fumo, offering a contemporary twist on the British staple – hearty yet refined, with unmistakable Mediterranean finesse.

San Carlo, Birmingham, Sunday Lunch

Each roast is served with rosemary‑and‑thyme potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and rich gravy – with the option to add creamy cauliflower cheese for extra comfort – because, why not?

You can choose from Half Roast Chicken, Lamb Rump, Rib of Beef or even T‑Bone Steak for Two – designed for sharing, this dish embodies San Carlo’s convivial spirit and love of a big appetite!

Desserts, of course, continue the Italian theme – think pistachio torta or the indulgent torta setteveli, a seven‑layered chocolate‑hazelnut dream!

 

Although, for me, the lure of the vanilla cheesecake is always a difficult one to ignore – and it did not disappoint.

San Carlo, Birmingham, Sunday Lunch

The Temple Street restaurant exudes timeless elegance: marble surfaces, crisp linens, and a hum of conversation that feels distinctly cosmopolitan. Service is attentive but relaxed, encouraging diners to linger over cocktails or a glass of Barolo. But resist the food at your peril. This menu has always one for savouring – and now with the addition of everyone’s Sunday favourite – every day is a great day to visit San Carlo!

San Carlo, Birmingham, Sunday Lunch

San Carlo’s Sunday Lunch is a masterclass in balance – British comfort meets Italian sophistication. Perfect for family gatherings, catch‑ups with friends, or a leisurely date, this new menu elevates the humble roast into something truly bellissimo.

Visit sancarlo.co.uk