News 77 | Chalmers News PR

Well-known pub starts new chapter as botanical dining destination

Posted on March 8, 2022March 8, 2022 by admin

A brand new restaurant has opened its doors in Warwick, marking the next chapter for one of the town’s well-known pubs.

No. 34 Garden & Grill opened its doors on Thursday (March 3rd), showing how the former Racehorse pub on Stratford Road has been transformed into a unique bar and restaurant for Warwickshire. A launch night opened by the Mayor of Warwick welcomed hundreds of people from the local community and further afield for a first look at the new destination dining venue for the town.

No. 34 Garden & Grill, Warwick

The venue is the brainchild of Jonathan Carter-Morris and Marc Hornby, who run Kenilworth’s oldest pub, the Virgins & Castle, as well as award-winning catering business Caviar & Chips and Shropshire-based boutique wedding venue Stockton House.

The creation of No. 34 Garden & Grill marks their first joint venture in Warwick, but Jonathan is no stranger to the town after previously running The Rose and Crown in Market Place.

No. 34 is planned to be a “botanical dining destination”, featuring a dreamy ambience created by plants and flowers that will give a feeling of bringing the outdoors in as well as providing the perfect setting for people to create moments and memories with friends and loved ones.

It will offer a wide range of drinks as well as brunch, light bites and evening meals, all using locally-sourced seasonal ingredients prepared on site by its team of chefs.

No. 34 Garden & Grill, Warwick

The newest addition to Warwick’s food and drink scene is dedicated to catering for all diets, offering a menu that is half plant-based and vegetarian, with the other half celebrating British farming and sustainable fishing – reflected in the name Garden & Grill.

Marc Hornby said: “No. 34 is a brand new concept for us, and for Warwickshire, but we can’t wait to introduce everyone to what we’ve created.

“The Racehorse was a bit of an institution in Warwick, but it’s time for its next chapter. We want to see it take on a new life as both a destination dining venue and community pub, bar and restaurant that caters for everyone.

“Its name gives a nod to its location in Warwick – at number 34 Stratford Road and in the postcode of CV34 – but it also reflects what we’re offering. We have two menus, one from the garden and one from the grill, offering both plant-based and vegan dishes alongside a celebration of great British farming and quality, local produce.

“We firmly believe that a dining experience is never just about the food, so No. 34 is a calm space that brings the outdoors in, connecting people with the natural world and providing a place where they can unwind and recharge, enjoying great food and drink in beautiful surroundings.”

No. 34 Garden & Grill, Warwick

Jonathan Carter-Morris said: “Warwick has a reputation for having great pubs and restaurants and we’re thrilled to be adding to that. We’ve recruited a great team and think we’ve created something really special at No. 34.

“Now we’ve given everyone a look at what they can expect, we can’t wait to welcome them for the full experience.”

Leamington Business Awards – finalists announced

Posted on March 7, 2022March 7, 2022 by admin

The finalists of The Leamington Business Awards have been chosen from more than 180 entries.

The decisions follow scores of nominations for the preliminary phase of the new Leamington Business Awards which recognised COVID Business Resilience, Business Pivoting and Lockdown Heroes of 2020/21.

Established in 2014 by Jonathan Smith, of Talk Business UK, the LBAs champion and celebrate the work of local businesses, individuals and organisations.

Leamington Business Awards 2022, Jonathan Smith, finalists — Awards organiser Jonathan Smith,of Talk Business UK

Jonathan said: ”Once again we have been overwhelmed by the quality of the entries we have received for the Leamington Business Awards. The businesses and their owners have certainly shown huge resilience and inventiveness and met all the recent challenges head on.

“We can all be inspired by what local businesses achieve and the services they provide. Having had to reschedule the awards event a few times thanks to Covid restrictions and venue challenges, we are delighted to bring all our worthy finalists together at 1 Mill Street to celebrate their achievements and successes.”

The winners will be chosen across 12 categories and announced at a dinner and awards ceremony at The Drawing Board and 1 Mill Street in Leamington, on Friday, March 18th, where they will each receive a bespoke award designed by 3D design students at Warwickshire College. Guest of honour Matt Western MP will also be in attendance.

Nigel Shanahan, Co-Founder of 1 Mill Street co-working space and offices, said: “Hosting the Leamington Business Awards this year is a great opportunity to showcase the achievements of businesses in Leamington Spa. Fundamentally, this is why 1 Mill Street exists, to help our members and the wider community of Leamington to succeed in their business whilst having a lot of fun along the way.”

The judges are Roger Scott of Lloyds Bank and Sarah Windrum the Chair or the CWLEP.

Sponsors are still invited to get onboard by contacting Jonathan Smith at: leamingtonbusinessawards@gmail.com or jon@talkbusinessuk.co.uk

A winner from all the categories will also be selected for the prestigious Judges’ Choice Award – Business of the Year.

Further details about the awards are available at: www.leamingtonbusinessawards.co.uk

Finalists:

Business of the Year

This award recognises the business that has maintained consistent growth and strong financial performance, understands its customer, has an engaged workforce with effective leadership, demonstrated effective use of technology/digital media to engage with all stakeholders and is continually innovating to support future growth.

Motionhouse, Leamington
1 Mill Street, Leamington
Eden Blake Recruitment, Leamington

Charlotte and Jolyon Olivier of Napton Cidery, a finalist in Creative Business of the Year and Outstanding Achievement of the Year categories.

Creative Business of the Year (Sponsored by FreshSeed)

This award recognises the creative businesses and organisations in the region that have made an outstanding achievement over the past year in their field of expertise. In addition to your creative flair, you will demonstrate good business thinking and planning.

Motionhouse, Leamington
Levi Washington Music, Leamington
Napton Cidery, Napton-on-the-Hill

Employer of the Year (Sponsored by Leap People Solutions)

This award is for the businesses which is going above and beyond to offer a positive working environment for their employees. Judges looked for examples of career progression, equality of opportunity, commitment to training and development of a positive working culture.

Aubrey Allen,Leamington
Net Visibility, Kenilworth
Caremark Warwick

South Warwickshire Freelancer of the Year (Sponsored by Beyond The Book)

In recognition of the number of talented freelancers that work in this region, this award recognises the talent, ingenuity and skill that they bring to South Warwickshire, and that contribute to business and enterprise in and around Leamington. Judges looked at evidence of achievements during 2020/21 such as growth, innovation, community support, and customer service.

Rachel Shuker, of Bobble Creative, Rugby
Tom Hooker, of On The Road, Warwick
Levi Washington Music, Leamington

Innovation of the Year Award

From advances in technology, manufacturing and science to creating a winning new recipe or a revolutionary new business service, this award is about recognising those businesses which are pushing the boundaries and finding creative ways to improve their business and customer service.

SoccerPots app, Leamington
Nimbus Maps, Warwick
The Original Hudson, Warwick

Independent Business of the Year (Sponsored by HB&O)

In recognition of the importance of independent businesses, this award will go to the independent business from Leamington Spa that can demonstrate first class customer service and innovative products and services, whatever industry they are in. The judges looked for evidence of the uniqueness and the ‘personality’ of the business; the qualities which make the business successful and how they serve and delight their customers.

Spaghetti Agency, Warwick
Geiko, Leamington
Modern Homes, Leamington

New Business of the Year (Sponsored by Lodders Solicitors)

This award will go to a new business that is increasing its potential, the judges are interested in innovative products, services and processes and want to know more about the ‘personality’ of the business and the qualities which make it successful.

Richard George Tailoring, Southam
Bramble Dining, Leamington
Caremark, Warwick

Warwick District Charity of the Year

This award is designed to celebrate the excellent work done by charities, social enterprises and other non-profit making organisations from across the whole Warwick District.

Molly Ollys, Warwick
Safeline, Warwick
Brunswick Hub, Leamington

Business and Community Award (Sponsored by The Leamington Courier)

Awarded to a business that, in addition to its commercial activities, goes the extra mile to create a positive impact within their local community. Judges looked for evidence of contribution to the community, staff engagement and awareness of community issues, commitment to ongoing community or charitable activities for non-commercial gain.

Modern Homes, Leamington
Aubrey Allen, Leamington
Make Good Grow, Leamington

Customer Service Excellence Award (Sponsored by The Box Factory)

Recognising evidence of how a business embed a culture of customer service across its organisation, training, how it seeks and acts on feedback from customers and any strategies in place to ensure it provides the highest level of customer care.

WDC Arts Section, Leamington
Caremark, Warwick
Geiko, Leamington

Outstanding Achievement of the Year

This award aims to recognise a person/persons that have shown outstanding dedication and achievement within business, organisation or community but whom often go unrecognised.

Vogue International, Leamington
Napton Cidery, Napton-on-the-Hill
Flamingo Marketing Services, Warwick

Leamington Legend Award (Sponsored by BID Leamington): One winner to be announced on the night

Golfers invite everyone to pitch in to support fundraising challenge

Posted on March 1, 2022March 1, 2022 by admin

When it comes to fundraising, two golfing friends from Warwickshire certainly aren’t playing around!

Pat Manning from Warwick and Bill Ryan from Leamington, are preparing to take on an epic 11-day golf challenge in aid of local children’s charity Molly Ollys later this month.

The pair are hoping to raise more than £4k as they walk 160 miles between 35 golf courses, stopping to play a hole at each.

Starting and finishing at Leamington & County Golf Club, they will follow a route via golf clubs across three counties, including Warwick, Kenilworth, Stoneleigh, Coventry, Sheldon, Solihull, Birmingham, Kings Norton, Bromsgrove, Redditch, Droitwich, Worcester, Evesham, Welford and Stratford-upon-Avon.

The challenge marks the first in a year of fundraising for Molly Ollys at the Leamington & County Golf Club, at which both men are longstanding members.

Molly Ollys, golf, fundraising

Bill, who is current club captain, said: “I have been looking at a number of charities to support throughout my year as Captain which was becoming a difficult decision as there are so many worthwhile causes.

“It became easier after meeting with the founder of Molly Olly Wishes who described to me the incredible work that they do for young children who are going through extremely difficult times.”

Pat, 59, and Bill, 62, are already clocking up the miles in preparation for the challenge, from March 14^th which will see them cover an average of 15 miles a day, with clubs in tow.

Pat said: “We’ve done some fundraising but never staged anything quite like this before. We wanted to do something that’s not been done before but on a golfing theme. Playing 36 holes is a normal format in golf but I thought we could do it with a bit of a twist by making it an endurance test as well.

“The weather is predicted to pose the biggest potential problem. And, we’re hoping we don’t get any muscular injuries along the route. But whatever’s thrown at us we’ll get through it one way or another.”

Molly Ollys was established in 2011 following the death of Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw’s eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.

Throughout the 10 years that the charity has been running, it has:-

granted more than 2,500 wishes
supported more than 16,000 children
distributed more than 13,000 Olly The Brave books to more than 70 hospitals
raised more than £3 million

Between 2017 and 2020, the charity funded Birmingham’s first paediatric palliative consultant as there was no such consultant for the region. That position has now become permanent and is currently funded through the NHS.

Molly Ollys, golf, fundraising — Rachel Ollerenshaw with charity mascot Olly The Brave

The charity works alongside the NHS to support projects within the hospitals and the community. One key project was the creation and refurbishment of Magnolia House at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. This is a safe and non-clinical space where medical teams and families can have important discussions.

The charity is well-known for its therapeutic toy lion, Olly The Brave, which has its own Hickman line and a detachable mane. The soft toy helps to explain and normalise the effects of chemotherapy. These form part of an Olly The Brave pack which includes a six-part book series. Further information is available here

Founder Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “Pat and Bill have certainly come up with a novel way to fundraise and one that will definitely be a challenge. The support from Leamington Golf Club and the wider golfing community to enable this event has been great and big thanks to everyone involved at the clubs and those who have donated.“

To sponsor Pat and Bill visit here

Ringing in the changes at The Bell

Posted on February 28, 2022February 28, 2022 by admin

Freespirit Pubs, steakhouse, Ladbroke, The Bell Inn — From left – Dave Paul (front of house), Dani Mitova (GM), Bonny Cannon (front of house) and Kelly Jeacock (front of house)

A popular village pub in Warwickshire has reopened its doors as a steakhouse following a takeover by the Freespirit Pub Company.

The Bell Inn in Ladbroke is welcoming visitors again a few weeks after the departure of its previous landlords on New Year’s Eve.

The Bell is the fifth and latest business to join The Free Spirit Pub portfolio, which is under the ownership of Mark Higgs. The others are The Sun Inn, Hook Norton; The Red Lion at Hellidon; The Castle at Edgehill and The Seven Stars in Marsh Baldon.

Mark said: “The pub had operated as more of a restaurant experience for the last few years and we have changed it to a steakhouse and Village Pub.

“The plan is to really connect back with the local community, hold regular live music and foodie events. We’re very much looking forward to the summer ahead.”

The meat cuts are sourced from Carpenter’s Farm near Warmington and dry-aged for maximum flavour. But the menu all features a selection of classic pub favourites including Haddock and Chips, Burger, Chef’s Pie as well as vegetarian and vegan options.

The bar stocks a variety of local ales, draught beers and ciders alongside a wide selection of wines, spirits and cocktails.

Mark added: “The steakhouse is a new idea on the food front for Freespirit and we want to push the wonderful connection we have with local farmer Robert Leech from Carpenter’s Farm, where he raises his own Short Horn Beef Herd and butchers himself within his Farm Shop.

“We will showcase his fabulous beef alongside other Home Comforts and Day boat fish from Devon and Cornwall.”

Freespirit Pubs, steakhouse, Ladbroke, The Bell Inn

The Bell team is being headed up by General Manager Dani Mitova, who has grown up in hospitality, her parents running steakhouses for 30 years.

Dani, who has spent five years with Freespirit since moving from Bulgaria, said: “I think people are really happy to have their pub back. We believe it’s not just about the service. We like to deliver an experience to people.

Freespirit Pubs, The Bell Inn, Ladbroke, steakhouse

“The Bell Inn champions the traditional British steak house – familiar, unpretentious and above all else, welcome to all. We want to become the best independent steak house in the region.”

The Bell Inn is currently open Wednesday to Sunday, serving food 12-2.30pm and 6-8.45pm.

Visit here for further information.

Freespirit Pubs, The Bell Inn, Ladbroke, steakhouse

The best things come in small packages at The Seven Stars

Posted on February 25, 2022 by admin

The Seven Stars, Marsh Baldon, Free Spirit Pubs, Oxfordshire — Head Chef Patrick Smith

SMALL dishes are set to be a big favourite at a popular Oxfordshire country pub, where a new Tapas-style Menu has just been unveiled.

The Seven Stars in Marsh Baldon has added an exciting new offering to mealtimes in the form of their Small Plates Menu, to complement the pub classics.

It has all been created and painstakingly prepared under the expert eye of returning Head Chef Patrick Smith, who is keen to introduce diners to a wider range of dishes, ideal for sharing.

Patrick, who counts Gary Rhodes and Sat Bains among his inspirations, also drew much of his culinary influence from his recent travels around Europe.

“I returned full of inspiration and ready to pick up my knives again with the Seven Stars and now the new Freespirit Pubs company,” he said.

“The thing about being a chef is you never stop learning. You get to constantly evolve, be it with changing seasons or a new ingredient. I love the challenge of creating something new for our customers every year.

“This new menu offers an array of dishes with big bold flavours on small plates! If you’re anything like me and can’t quite decide what you want, then this menu gives you the option to try a selection of different dishes rather than settle for just one.”

Using locally sourced fresh seasonal ingredients, Patrick recommends two-three small plates per person from a menu which includes, From The Land: Braised Pig Cheeks; Dry-Aged Sliced Sirloin; Baldon Fried Chicken; Shoulder of Lamb Shepherd’s Pie; From The Sea: Cured Salmon Pastrami; Salt & Pepper Chiperones; Roasted Pollock Fillet; Garlic & Parsley King Prawns; and From The Allotment: Cajun Sweetcorn Ribs; Caramelised Roscoff Onion, Cheddar & Mico Leaf Salad and Blackened Cauliflower.

The Seven Stars, Marsh Baldon, Free Spirit Pubs, Oxfordshire

There is also the usual Stars ‘Home Comforts’ and Sunday Lunch Menus plus a tasty selection of Sides and Nibbles for those looking for more of a lighter bite.

Patrick added: “My personal favourite dish is probably the Pig Cheeks with the Celeriac and Rhubarb Jam, just because it’s like a dish I was inspired to create many years ago. I love the sharpness of the rhubarb and the richness of the pigs’ cheeks with the micro fennel to give it that anise kick. Though I do love a good shepherd’s pie too!”

The pub also stocks a variety of local ales, draught beers and ciders alongside a wide selection of wines, spirits and cocktails.

The Seven Stars, Marsh Baldon, Free Spirit Pubs, Oxfordshire

The Seven Stars is one of five businesses which form The Free Spirit Pub portfolio under the ownership of Mark Higgs. The others are The Sun Inn, Hook Norton; The Red Lion at Hellidon; The Castle at Edgehill and the recently acquired Bell Inn in Ladbroke, near Southam.

Of the new menu, Mark said: “We wanted to bring something different to the area. There are lots of wonderful venues in and around Oxford and we believe with our very talented team, both front and back of house, we could showcase more dishes with bolder flavours that entice our guests to try something a little different.”

For more information or to book, visit The Seven Stars at: https://sevenstarsatmarshbaldon.co.uk/