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Independent distillery claims triple international awards win

Independent distillery claims triple international awards win

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Warwickshire Gin Company, awards

A Warwickshire distiller is celebrating triple awards success on the international stage after drinks from its gin, rum and vodka ranges were all recognised.

Warwickshire Gin Company has scooped Gold for its Kingmaker Vodka in the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition, along with Bronze for both its signature gin, Leamington on Parade and its Sting Like A Bee Edition Honey Rum.

The drinks sit proudly with the other IWSC award-winners in his collection including Pelota Dry and Kingmaker Gins which won a Silver in 2021; and Philosopher’s Daughter Gin and Pugilist Spice Blended Rum which won a Bronze in 2022.

Warwickshire Gin Company, awards

And it is the latest chapter in a proud journey for founder David Blick who established the distillery at Victoria Business Centre in 2018 after 28 years working in retail and logistics.

He said: “I’m so delighted our spirits have been recognised as such high quality, it’s what we strive for to ensure we produce quality premium spirits. Winning a Gold too is just incredible, we have had great feedback from our Vodka since our launch and the Martinis we make on our cocktail evenings are a firm favourite.

“Winning awards gives new customers the comfort that they buying a great quality spirit.” We hope this gives more bars and restaurants the excuse they need to stock a locally produced award- winning gins, rums and our GOLD Kingmaker Vodka!”

Distilled using a small batch method with a traditional copper, the drinks collection was born from ‘a desire to capture a moment in history, developing flavours to fully represent the county’s own unique story and bringing the range of hand-crafted flavours to life.’

The Gold Award-winning Kingmaker Vodka – named along with the Kingmaker Gin, after Richard Neville 16th Earl of Warwick – won high praise from the judges for its ‘luscious sweet notes intertwined with a rich yeasty texture.’

Leamington on Parade – WGC’s first concept gin which launched the business – is inspired by the true story of circus elephant trainer Sam Lockhart in the 1880s and The Sting Like A Bee Honey Edition Rum is the newest addition to the collection, along with the Pugilist Ghost Edition White Rum, inspired by local boxing legend Randolph Turpin.

Warwickshire Gin Company also hosts Gin Tasting Experiences on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; Afternoon G&Tea on Saturdays and Sundays; and Cocktails at the Distillery on Friday and Saturday nights.

Review: Thornbury Castle

Review: Thornbury Castle

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Thornbury Castle, review

On the approach to Thornbury Castle its already apparent that we’re in for a memorable experience in this little corner near the Cotswolds and Welsh borders.

Believed to be the UK’s only Tudor Castle where you can stay the night, this Relais & Chateaux Hotel is one of the finest examples of the way Tudor housing trends transformed from fortress to palace.

Once owned by Henry VIII – acquired in the bloodiest of fashions from the Edward Stafford, third Duke of Buckingham – this is a fascinating Grade I building to explore.

Thornbury Castle, review

From 1966-1986 the castle came into the ownership of Kenneth Bell, one of the most renowned chefs in the country who turned it into a fine dining restaurant which was to set the tone for things to come.

Once we got over the initial ‘wow factor’ of this magnificent setting, we began to appreciate many of the fascinating historical features around us – from the oriel windows and spiral staircase through to the beautiful 16th century carvings and alcoves.

Thornbury Castle, review

We had the privilege of bedding down for the night in a rather grand four-poster in the former bedchamber of Henry VIII and his then bride Anne Boleyn, in 1535. One of 26 ‘rooms,’ it is quite simply 65sqm of sheer opulence. And although this suite is one of the most spacious, all the rooms guarantee a level of comfort that is second to none.

From turning the (hefty) key in the lock and pushing open the heavy wooden doors into the room, it is soon clear that every box on my personal checklist for a gold star visitor experience is checked. From a Nespresso machine (I do like appreciate a ‘proper coffee!’) and china cups through to Molton Brown toiletries, sumptuous regal fabrics and period detail as well as an abundance of drawer and wardrobe space, we felt altogether regal. The complimentary sloe gin also helped ease us into what looked set to be a relaxing and truly unforgettable stay.

As for their turndown service – this is the first time I returned from dinner to find curtains and shutters closed for us!

But at first light I couldn’t wait to pull them back again to drink in the spectacular views of the castle gardens – from three vantage points of our circular tower suite! The en suite must also boast one of the best views from a loo!

A stay in this castle is an experience like no other I’ve had before – and probably won’t again.

Thornbury Castle, review
Henry VIII Suite

It also delivered a friendly and professional level of service becoming of its stately backdrop – borne out too by the fact it’s been awarded 4 Red Stars. Its restaurant’s foodie credentials have also been recognised with 3 Rosettes and, indeed dinner was another highlight of our visit. An indulgent yet relaxing experience without the stuffy formality that one often comes to expect from such a majestic venue. Choose from the A La Carte or Six-Course Tasting Menu, with ingredients for many of their dishes coming direct from the kitchen garden.

Of course, living like a King or a Queen comes in at a princely sum – and tariffs here range from £299-£899 so not for you if you’re simply looking for somewhere to lay your head for the night.

Thornbury Castle, review
Catharine of Aragon Tower Suite

But if five-star luxury is top of your agenda, Thornbury Castle will fulfil every aspiration for your stay with the added bonus of being captivated by history and heritage at every turn. These stone walls have also played host to many an A-list celebrity over the years, including the likes of Sophia Loren and Laurence Olivier. If the walls could talk!

Perfect for families too with on-site facilities in their grounds which include croquet, archery, clay pigeon shooting and falconry (which can be arranged with prior notice.)

Thornbury Castle, review

Thornbury Castle is Tudor opulence at its most grandiose and I would urge anyone – who can afford it – to add it to your UK travel bucket list. For the rest of us – it’s the perfect consideration for weddings and special occasions.

Thornbury Castle was our base for a weekend visiting the Bristol area, just half an hour away.

Attractions which should be high on your to-do list whilst in the area:

Wake The Tiger
Billed as ‘the world’s first amazement park,’ this immersive experience combines storytelling and creativity in a unique journey of discovery with an environmental and societal message. Thoroughly intriguing and compelling couple of hours spent here but there’s enough to explore to stay all day.

Aerospace Bristol
From the earliest days of powered flight to the cutting-edge technology of tomorrow, visitors are inspired by fun practical science interactives and amazing exhibits, including aeroplanes, helicopters, missiles, satellites and more at this fabulous museum. Highlight is the Concorde hangar which takes your breath away.

M Shed
Social history museum sharing Bristol’s past through objects and stories of the people who have made the city what it is today.

For more information of what to do in Bristol area HERE

Baby loss charity founder recognised by special award from the Prime Minister

Baby loss charity founder recognised by special award from the Prime Minister

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The Luca Foundation, Sharon Luca-Chatha, CuddleCots

A Coventry woman who has supported more than 8,000 parents following stillbirth through her foundation, has been recognised with a Points of Light Award.

Sharon Luca-Chatha’s award-winning The Luca Foundation funds special refrigerated cots which are designed to act like a refrigerator to keep the body cold. This allows the parents to have precious extra time with their baby and, if they wish to, even take them home with that equipment.

‘The Luca Foundation works closely with the NHS to distribute, and repair ‘CuddleCots’ as well as raising funds to provide research and training to reduce infant mortality, and providing resources and facilities to maternity units, neonatal intensive care units and paediatric wards to support families through child bereavement.

Sharon’s life was turned upside down in June 2012 when she lost her son Luca to stillbirth at 36 weeks. Since then she has gone on to give the ‘gift of time’ to thousands grieving families.

Sharon Luca-Chatha, The Luca Foundation, Points of Light Award

Sharon said: “We are deeply grateful and humbled to receive this recognition for our charitable organisation, which was established in loving memory of our son. As the name ‘Luca’, which means ‘Bringer of Light’, suggests, receiving this award as we approach his 12th heavenly birthday feels quite uplifting, given the challenges of running a nonprofit charity without a salary.”

She added: “With the unwavering support of numerous individuals, we have successfully repaired well over 100 ‘CuddleCots’, thereby providing solace and support to countless bereaved parents who have experienced the profound loss of a child.”

“A CuddleCot will give the families the ‘gift of time’ with their baby that they would not otherwise have. When a baby dies, there is a lot of information to take in, forms to sign, post-mortem to discuss etc. therefore the extra time is very much needed to take in all that has happened and the trauma that comes with that.

“It is instrumental for the mental health of the parents and family, often including young siblings, for the grieving process to start with their baby in their arms.”

Sharon Luca-Chatha, The Luca Foundation, LK Eco Style, Angel Warriors, stillbirth

Sharon Luca-Chatha is one of the latest to be recognised by the Prime Minister for The Points of Light Award which honours outstanding individual volunteers who are making a change in their community.

Congratulating Sharon, the Rt Hon Sir Jeremy Wright, Sharon’s local MP for Kenilworth and Southam, said: “I first came across the work of ‘The Luca Foundation’ last year whilst promoting Small Charities Week and am delighted she is being recognised in this way.

“I hope this award can raise the profile of ‘The Luca Foundation’ and help them to reach more struggling families.”

Sharon is now an accredited CPD practitioner in the field of pregnancy and infant loss and is in the process of bringing her training into primary schools around how to discuss loss with children. She has also written two books on the subject, Angel Warriors and an illustrated children’s book Why Did Grandad Die? which is available in schools across Coventry and Warwickshire.

Through the charity Sharon also directs funds to provide resources, facilities and research to reduce infant mortality and support bereaved parents.

She is driven by her vision to fund enough cuddle cots to service every maternity unit throughout the UK and then turn her attentions to cuddle blankets, for under 18s.

She said: “A parent’s worst nightmare is to lose their child. We were beyond devastated, our world had fallen apart. From the moment Luca died on the Monday inside my womb, to the Thursday when I gave birth to him, everything was in a daze.

“We were not ready for the next blow when he was misplaced for nine hours, the limited time we had with him and knowing we would then never see him again. After holding onto Luca as long as we could – just a few hours – we had to hand him over to be taken to the mortuary. This caused us such trauma. We just cried uncontrollably.

“As I look back I realise that traumatic experience was the defining moment when I decided I wanted every parent to have access to a CuddleCot.

“The growth of The Luca Foundation has completely exceeded my expectations. I’m very proud of that and proud of the fact that, despite getting more than 10 repair requests every month, we’ve been able to fulfil all of them so far.”

Make tracks to the craft brewery tour under Leamington’s railway arches

Make tracks to the craft brewery tour under Leamington’s railway arches

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For fans of craft beer and independent businesses, nothing quenches your thirst for adventure quite like than booking yourself on an independent craft brewery tour.

And it’s never been a better time to go to award-winning Windmill Hill Brewery, in Warwickshire, where the doors have recently opened on their new-look taproom.

Windmill Hill Brewery, tours Leamington

Situated underneath the Arches at Victoria Business Park, the brewing space has been transformed with new custom booth seating, a six-line keg tap wall and a stunning Chesterton Windmill Chandelier centrepiece.

Director Gavin Leach has enjoyed success with the brewery since he turned his back on a career in pharmaceuticals to establish the business partner Rob Singleton in 2017. Since then Windmill Hill has gone on to create award-winning seasonal and limited-edition beers, found on sale in an increasing number of independent shops and bars across south Warwickshire.

Windmill Hill Brewery, tours Leamington

The independent brewery was born out of ‘a desire to create unique beers that both uphold traditional value and utilise expert scientific knowledge.’ Taproom guests can choose from Windmill Hill’s signature range offering a 4.5% ABV Pale Ale; 4% ABV Copper Ale; 6% IPA; 4.5% ABV Lager; 4% ABV Porter; 3.8% ABV Session IPA and 5.3% ABV Weiss Beer in 500ml bottles, as well as seasonal lines.

Windmill Hill Brewery, tours Leamington

Visitors to the two-hour brewery tour have the opportunity to learn more about the equipment and every stage of the brewing process. It gets off to the best possible start when we’re served the first of our four pints of Windmill’s beers before the session even kicks off. Then Gavin proceeded to talk us through the chemistry behind how the ‘magic’ happens, including the opportunity to touch, smell – and even taste – some of the key ingredients.

Plenty of questions are encouraged and, as the pints continue to flow, we’re able to contrast and compare our favourites from the Windmill signature range.

All visitors are also offered 10% off their range of any Windmill beers or branded merchandise on the day, including everything from 5L mini kegs and gift packs to T-shirts, hoodies, pint glasses, bottle openers and even Mini Cool Bags.

Windmill Hill Brewery, tours Leamington

Just a five-minute walk from Leamington Train Station, the brewery taproom accommodates up to 40 people inside.

The beers slide down particularly smoothly in the knowledge that this whole experience has cost a mere £20 per head! Extraordinary value. And, for many, the five-minute walk from the train station negates the expense of a taxi or the arguments over who is designated driver. Now I’ll drink to that!

Further information about the Brewery Tours can be found here.

Warwickshire woman crowned Midlands Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Warwickshire woman crowned Midlands Young Entrepreneur of the Year

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Katie Wilber, Midlands Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Cotswold Connected

A local entrepreneur who launched a social media management company in lockdown, has been named Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the Midlands StartUp Awards 2024.

Katie Wilber, who stepped away from her role as a wedding planner to establish Cotswold Connected in 2021, beat off stiff competition from across the region to win her category.

Based out of the Ilmington home that’s been in seven generations of her family, the 28-year-old social media guru has helped a range of businesses achieve exceptional results – from small start-ups to international brands. One of her customers even went viral on Instagram with 2.9 million views, and gained nearly 10,000 followers over three months. Katie’s professional support has also enabled businesses to grow.

Katie’s success comes after several years spent working in events, an industry which ultimately took its toll on her mental health but which also led her to the world of social media marketing.

She said: “When I think back to the beginning of my business, the saying ‘sometimes you have to get knocked down lower than you have ever been, to stand up taller than you ever were’ comes to mind. It began when I was at my lowest and has made me stronger, more resilient and with more belief in myself than I ever thought possible.”

Katie Wilber, Midlands Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Cotswold Connected

Alongside social media management, Cotswold Connected also offers social media training, auditing and event content creation.

No stranger to awards recognition, Katie won Best Online Business at the Stratford Herald Business & Tourism Awards, in 2022.

Of the latest accolade, Katie said: “This is a huge honour and recognition of years of hard work. With over ten years of marketing experience, specialising in social media, I’m passionate about using my expertise to help businesses grow. Many people find social media overwhelming with its constant changes, however, I love that about it.

“Focusing on organic content, I take great pride in staying up to date with the latest news, trends and algorithm changes, ensuring that Cotswold Connected stays at the cutting edge of the industry.”

The UK StartUp Awards were established to highlight the success of startups across ten UK nations and regions, including the Midlands, and to celebrate the achievements of entrepreneurs in all sectors of the economy. Katie will learn if she is the national winner of her category, at the finals in Tring in September.

Harriet Rees, CIO at one of the Awards’ supporters Starling Bank, said: “Turning an idea into a successful business takes a lot of courage and dedication. Congratulations to Cotswold Connected on winning their category in the Midlands and making it to this year’s UK national final. Start-ups need certainty to plan ahead. It’s great to see so many thrive, especially in these challenging economic times.”

Katie Wilber, Midlands Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Cotswold Connected

Over 114,000 new firms were created in the Midlands in 2023 and according to Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, creator of the awards, this demonstrates the growing importance of entrepreneurs to the regional economy.

He said: “Start-ups are the life of any economy and that is especially true in the Midlands where new businesses are contributing to job creation, innovation, and prosperity across the whole of this entrepreneurial region.

“It’s been an honour and a pleasure to read the stories of those founders who have spotted the opportunity and taken the risk to launch their own venture. All of the winners have demonstrated that they deserve to win their categories and I’m looking forward to having the ‘best of the best’ from the Midlands competing at the UK final later this year.”

Today Katie is happy to find herself back in wedding planning mode as she counts down to her own big day, in May next year.