Review 33 | Chalmers News PR

Life in the fast lane at fab new Coventry karting track

Posted on January 4, 2019January 4, 2019 by admin

(January 2019) A LIFE in the fast lane isn’t for everybody, but for those who enjoy the thrill of the race, there is good news.

A state-of-the art go-karting track recently opened in Coventry – and its fuelling a lot of excitement.

Eager to see for ourselves what all the fuss was about, my husband and sons geared up to take the wheel for a spin around TeamSport’s latest venue.

Even seasoned karters will be impressed with the lengthy 500m circuit on multiple levels, featuring more bends, ramps and straights than your average track.

But it’s geared to all ages and abilities, whether you’re looking to improve your skills or take part in a team event, the karts – and the team – are revved up and waiting.

So there’s as much scope for adrenalin-inducing competitors to showcase their skills in the 200CC petrol karts as there is to simply enjoy some family fun.

The track can accommodate younger drivers (under 13) in specially designed Cadet Karts and offer birthday party packages as well, in the dedicated party room. Older party-goers aren’t forgotten either and Stag and Hen celebrations are also welcomed.

The flexibility and inclusiveness is great. But the most impressive feature of Coventry’s venue is the track itself. And with multiple short sessions to familiarise oneself with the layout, there’s plenty of opportunity to build your confidence and put your pedal to the metal for a genuinely thrilling ride.

All that said, nervous onlookers are quickly put at their ease as it’s clear safety is also at the forefront. No drivers are permitted on track until they’ve watched a lengthy safety video where, amongst other things, the all-important flag signals are explained. Plus the karts are slowed on the track at the first sign of a driver experiencing problems. But that doesn’t mean the brakes are continually put on the fun. The marshalls are sensible about when they do and don’t need to intervene so the ‘flow of traffic’ can be maintained wherever possible.

Balaclavas, to be worn under helmets, are compulsory. With a choice of material ones for £2.50 or disposable ones for 50p, the reusable washable variety are better value if you’re likely to return – and, let’s face it, look way cooler on your teenagers!

The bar area with food and drink available.

It’s a pleasant experience for non-participants as well with a comfortable bar area where food and drinks are available for purchase and a balcony area with seating for the perfect viewing platform. (Take a jumper in the colder months though as the cavernous building isn’t particularly warm for long periods spectating.

The minimum age for taking part here is as low as eight and there are family karting sessions available so you can all compete against each other. (How many dads dare open themselves up to a thrashing from their fearless children?)

Great fun and highly recommended. Check out regular offers on their website. For further details and to book visit: www.team-sport.co.uk/go-karting-coventry

On course for a new brand of fun

Posted on January 2, 2019January 2, 2019 by admin

(January 2019) FUN and food are a winning combination for any friends or family group on a day out.

And a great new venue now open in Birmingham delivers on both fronts.

Mr Mulligans, in Broadway Plaza, is certainly creating a buzz with the latest in its chain of 12 bar and crazy golf complexes around the country.

If you’re looking for something other than the norm that appeals to all ages (cinema and bowling are the usual go-to poor weather options in our household), this is a fab new idea guaranteed to win the thumbs up from everyone from the competitive dad to that hard-to-please teenager in the family, especially if they thrive off that competitive edge to their leisure time.

With this ‘crazy’ concept, Mr Mulligans is definitely on course to become a hit with this new offering. But, as we were lucky enough to be among the first visitors through the doors, what was our verdict following all the hype?

There are three 12-hole courses to choose from in Birmingham, each adopting a fun space theme. While the final touches were being made to the third course, we were eager to test the other two. Was there to be more fun than you could shake a stick at? Yes, lots of laughter.

However, while the theming and layout of the courses work well, the design of the holes themselves did disappoint for me. They were too simplified and lacked enough variety. One might say, style over substance even.

While crazy golf, of course, is not a pastime to be taken too seriously (after all, we’re not talking Tiger Woods here!), it does need to pose a degree of challenge – and I felt we largely sped through the courses in double-quick time averaging a par two or three – which sadly had far more to do with the simplicity of the holes than the skill of the competitors.

Over in the bar and restaurant, we enjoyed our pick from a small but satisfying menu which offers a choice of pizzas, burgers, wraps, salads, sharing plates and side dishes, average price £7 for mains. The junior menu for £4.95 including a drink – was particularly good value and is unlikely to break the bank if you’re accompanied by a group of hungry young golfers. And, of course, there’s a tempting selection of ice cream sundaes if it’s an extra special treat. Simple food – but delicious.

The beauty of this place is its accessibility to so many different types of fun-seekers. As well as children’s birthday parties, it offers school party and corporate booking opportunities as well as seasonal and adult events.

Prices are perhaps what you would expect, from £6-£8 for 12 holes up to £12-£14 for 36 holes. This would seem better value if the games lasted a bit longer, as previously mentioned.

Parking is available and heavily discounted for customers in the neighbouring Plaza car park.

All in all, definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for somewhere new to try. While I wouldn’t go as far as describing the space-themed attraction as out of this world, I can vouch for its family fun factor – and hope to return to try our luck when the wraps come off the third course.

Visit: www.mrmulligan.com/birmingham for updates.

Slapstick and festive fun aplenty

Posted on December 13, 2018December 18, 2018 by admin

(December 2018)

When it comes to tickling our funny bones for the festive season, pantomimes don’t come much more hilarious than the Belgrade Theatre’s seasonal offering.

And, despite having a lot to live up to, this year’s hilarity is just as raucous thanks to the slapstick superiority of local comedy favourites Iain Lauchlain and Craig Hollingsworth.

Leading the way as dame Nanny McWheeze and the palace jester Muggles in Sleeping Beauty, this tried and tested stage pairing has audiences howling with laughter at every opportunity

And they’re ably assisted by the rest of the talented cast and crew from Imagine Theatre who continue to churn out panto mania at its best.

They take the traditional story of a princess stricken to a deep sleep for 100 years by the evil spell of the panto villain, and sprinkle it with contemporary jokes and references which are particularly appreciated by the younger audience members.

Laura Judge prompted plenty of boos and hisses as dastardly Carabosse whose wicked intent was happily thwarted in the end by our band of heroes in the guises of Lauchlain, Hollingsworth and Joanna Thorne (Prince Valiant).

Stand-out moments range from the stunning special effects conjured up for the dragon fight scene through to the comedy highlights of the exquisitely executed musical number If I Were Not In Panto. (Timing was everything here!) But it was the fantastically farcical (and messy) cake decorating scenes that really got our sides splitting – I’m not sure that the hapless audience member who was central to the jokes appreciated it quite as much as the rest of us however -which only made it even funnier!

All in all, another triumph for the Belgrade with a pantomime as hilarious as we’ve now come to expect from multi-talented writer, director and actor Lauchlain and his team.

I’m already looking forward to next year.

Sleeping Beauty plays at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry until 5^th January and tickets are available at: www.belgrade.co.uk

The height of luxury

Posted on December 6, 2018December 18, 2018 by admin

(November 2018)

LIVING amongst the trees is a promise kept by the owners of Winchcombe Farm in Upper Tysoe.

In Will’s Tree House – our lofty abode for the weekend – a sycamore trunk literally growing through the kitchen leaves you in no doubt you’re experiencing rustic living at its best.

And it doesn’t come any more charming than here, a breathtaking Cotswolds oasis which takes luxury to a level as high as its roofline.

The treehouse is one of three unique wooden lodges at the Farm designed with outdoor living in mind – but not at the expense of comfort. In fact, it’s so comfortable you won’t want to leave!

The hot tub can comfortably accommodate four people.

The accommodation, which affords the most tranquil vista, includes a (very inviting) four-person hot tub situated on a lower deck, and, while the weather was decidedly wintry, quality time luxuriating in here proved to be a big lure. The outdoor shower is a great bonus – but not perhaps in November – and the complimentary robes show nothing has been overlooked when it comes to convenience – and discretion!

Indeed, there is attention to detail in absolute abundance, including an extremely well equipped tree-lined deck area kitted out with charcoal pizza oven, gas barbecue (complete with fuel and coals), hanging chairs, giant beanbag, hammock, dining area and wooden ergonomic sun loungers.

Limited space is used ingeniously in its interior design. The main living space houses a king size bed and some clever full size single bunk beds that fold down from a hidden cabin behind the huge leather sofa. The very best of modern home comforts are laid on in the form of the 55” SMART TV & DVD with Netflix, free WIFI, speaker and – for those who do insist on bringing the kids – even a Wii U handheld console. (I suppose it buys the adults some bubbles time!)

The compact kitchen is up a couple of small steps from the main living room and is furnished with all high-spec accessories, including built-in gas hob, electric oven, fridge (with freezer compartment), microwave, dishwasher and coffee machine. And being greeted by the sight of a welcome basket comprising fresh milk, fruit and scones with clotted cream and jam was the perfect start to our stay. All those annnoying little essentials such as washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets, foil, clingfilm, salt/pepper, oil, tea and coffee etc. aren’t forgotten either. Even the least weary of travellers couldn’t help but appreciate a ‘healthy’ serving a tea and cake to kick off the holiday. We certainly did!

And for the culinary connoisseurs amongst us, there is even a mini herb garden on the outdoor deck to handpick fresh ingredients from. I told you they’ve thought of everything!

Ergonomic design wins through again in the small but sumptuous bathroom which accommodates a bath – with power shower over – plus complimentary toiletries and plenty of soft towels.

There are plenty of seating and lounging areas on the spacious outside decking area

Outdoors, for those who want to make the most of this countryside retreat, they have also thought to include binoculars for spying on the wildlife by day – heron, woodpeckers, ducks and moorhens are a frequent sight – as well as a telescope for stargazing by night.

The woodland area in which the tree house nestles is a children’s paradise with pirate ship, lookout tower, climbing frame for toddlers and ground-level trampoline. And, for when the weather turns, there’s a selection of board games available for family time, plus reading material – for alone time.

When the LPG-powered underfloor heating didn’t always quite manage to keep the chills at bay in late November, a small but effective electric heater stored in the cupboard provided ample back-up when called upon.

When it comes to taking a break from the rat race Will’s Tree House (sleeping up to four), The Chicken Shed (sleeping up to four) and Bob’s Lodge (sleeping up to eight) are the epitome of quality over quantity at Winchcombe. And the tranquillity (we encountered more sheep than people) is a big part of its appeal. The downside? With only three lodges, demand is high as word spreads. So booking early is a must.

This really is the perfect escape. And, whether you’ve travelled from afar or just around the corner to get there, I guarantee it will feel like a million miles away.

Visit the site at: winchcombefarm.co.uk

Over the moon with this dining experience

Posted on December 6, 2018December 12, 2018 by admin

(October 2018)

EDWARD Moon in Chapel Street, Stratford is a long-established award-winning English brasserie which comes with plenty of its own history.

Serving up high quality food using local English ingredients, the extensive menu offers a mouthwatering selection with something to suit every palate.

With these promises ringing in my ears, I accepted an invitation for my family and I to head down and sample their fine fare for ourselves.

As well as the a la carte offering, there was a Specials blackboard on display which only served to make the choice even more tantalising.

Among our choices were a delicious Steak and Ale Proper Pie with hand cut chunks of steak braised in full flavoured real ale and horseradish sauce and accompanied with piping hot chips and vegetables.

My Beef Bourguignon (pieces of braised beef in red wine, pancetta and shallot sauce served with gratin potatoes and seasonal vegetables) was tasty and tender and I was very happy with my choice.

My son’s 8oz chargrilled Rib-Eye steak is direct from Barry The Butcher in Stratford and comes with a choice of stilton, green peppercorn or red wine sauces. It was beautifully cooked to specifications and heartily devoured.

Stand-out starters include Moon’s Scotch Egg with Black Pudding, Thai Spiced Fishcakes, Deep Breaded Brie and Oak Smoked Salmon and Prawn Salad.

Main courses range from Moon’s Signature Shank of Lamb and Homemade Steak Burger to Asparagus, Pea and Wild Mushroom Tagliatelle, Slow-Roasted Belly Pork and Butternut Squash and Coconut Curry.

Time for desserts came around, and for those of us who still had room, the dark chocolate brownie proved a real hit. Generous portion sizes too.
Other tempting treats included Blackcurrant and Vanilla Crème Brulee, Caramelised Zesty Lemon Tart, Traditional Bread and Butter Pudding and Banoffee Pie as well as additional choices offered on the Specials menu.

If you don’t have a sweet tooth, the cheese board is impressive with five different cheeses specially selected from around the UK.

So who is Edward Moon to whom their branding is dedicated?
He was apparently a travelling chef working in the British Colonial service in the early 1900s. Employed by governors and ambassadors around the globe he was famous as an eccentric capable of creating a culinary ‘Little England’ wherever he was posted. The banquets he cooked for, serving his traditional recipes and dishes became legendary amongst diplomatic circles.

Edward was also a creative cook, enthusiastic and excited by the local ingredients, cooking styles and methods he encountered on his exotic travels. He retired to England in 1940 and recorded his experiences, philosophy and recipes in a book ‘The Travelling Cook’s Companion’. It is the spirit described in this book that has helped inspire our restaurants.

And the owner’s mission to aspire to this spirit certainly shines through in the menus and service in Chapel Street.

Hearty simple English fare done well – I can vouch for that.

In terms of value, it stacks up pretty well for Stratford prices. The pre-theatre menu is a particularly good proposition at two courses for £13.50 (12-2.30pm) or £14.95 (5-6.30pm).